| April 2007 - The flooding in Ferry Marsh By Cllr Brian Sinclair Many residents will be wondering why the Ferry Marsh Nature Reserve has remained flooded throughout the winter and is still not draining with the warmer weather. Most areas such as that are drained naturally by small sluices or flap valves in the sea wall which are opened automatically by the pressure of fresh water inside as the salt water falls below high water mark. The outlet for Ferry Marsh is in the sea wall almost opposite The Albion pub on Rowhedge waterfront. The flap valve is under about three feet of silt and has been blocked for about three years. The responsibility for the maintenance of the valve lies with the Environment Agency, to whom numerous requests have been made to clear the blockage. Richard Moulson, the Colchester Ranger responsible for the marsh has reported the problem as a matter of urgency, but still with no result. If nothing is done, the delicate balance of this SSSI wetland will be destroyed and the result will be much more like a shallow lake than marshland. Some fencing exists with the idea of reinstating a small grazing area, but this is totally impractical under the present circumstances. Many Government agencies are enduring budget cuts at this time and the E.A. is one of them. Their responsibility for flood defence is massive. However, support is needed to apply pressure to ensure that the Ferry Marsh is not lost to total reed bed invasion. If anyone reading this feels that they would like to help, please contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60. Unfortunately this is a national number, but any comments might be forwarded towards Keith West, Team Leader for the River Colne with responsibility for the maintenance programme in this area. John Claydon, a senior local officer in the Environment Agency, is also involved locally and has been dealing with matters locally for many years, since the building of the Colne Barrier.
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