Concerns over damage to sea wall at Bowling Green Marsh

Exeter City Council and RSPB are concerned about the impact of storm damage to the bank that separates the RSPB Bowling Green Marsh nature reserve and the Exe Estuary at Topsham, and the risk of a breach during upcoming high tides.

The site is owned by Exeter City Council and leased to RSPB.

Following recent Storms Ingrid and Chandra, council engineers were able to carry out inspections on the estuary-side of the bank last week and identified several areas of damage just to the north of the RSPB’s viewpoint over the River Clyst.

In the worst location, a hole around 4 metres wide x 2.5 metres deep has opened, and part of the bank has started to collapse.

With Spring Tides coming later this week, there is a risk of further damage to the bank which could lead to a breach and inundation from the sea.

While it is believed the immediate risk of flooding to property and infrastructure is low, a breach could cause significant disturbance and temporary displacement of wildlife that uses the nature reserve, and it is highly likely that a breach could quickly widen and deepen which would make future repairs much more complex and expensive.

Given the extent of damage, difficulties of access and environmental sensitivities, it will not be possible to carry out a comprehensive repair on the damaged areas ahead of spring tides later this week.

The council has worked quickly to reduce the risk of a breach, and on Monday carried out emergency, temporary shoring works in the highest risk area.

Longer-lasting repairs for the areas of worst damage are currently being investigated. The council expects to be able to carry out works within the next few weeks and will continue to inspect and monitor the situation closely.

The council is in close contact along with other partners in the area, including Devon County Council, South West Water, Network Rail, Environment Agency and Natural England.

While the council will be working hard to quickly repair the damage from recent storms, this is not likely not be a long-term solution for the site.

Sea wall breaches have occurred in the past at this site, and given the current condition of the bank, increasing frequency of storm events and the effects of future sea level rise it will become less sustainable to maintain this bank in the future.

The 200-year-old flood bank is tall, narrow, steep, in poor condition and very difficult to access and maintain, and would require major investment to strengthen the structure to last long into the future.

Once repairs are complete, the council will be engaging with all stakeholders to review the future options for the longer-term management of the flood bank and the nature reserve site.

Natalie Holt, RSPB Site Manager, said: “Bowling Green Marsh is a much-loved nature reserve and home to an important high tide roost for estuary birds.

“In the short-term the wintering birds have other safe and undisturbed areas they can go to roost if this roosting area is affected, but we will need to consider carefully the long-term future of this site and how we maintain it. This is the reality of nature conservation in a climate changed world. Like all coastal sites we are very much on the frontline here.”

The RSPB’s River Clyst viewpoint is currently closed to access and will remain closed until more permanent bank repairs can be completed, but the hide and Lookout remain open. For full updates regarding visitor access to RSPB sites visit www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves.

For queries about the sea wall breach contact engineering@exeter.gov.uk.