Lower Otter Restoration Project launched >>> deadline for feedback on plans: 20th July

Clinton Devon Estates has released its plans for the lower Otter River - opening these to the public and asking for feedback:
Options for future of Lower Otter Estuary to go on show - Clinton Devon Estates

The press has reported - citing the possible cost of any such plans:

A view of salt marshes in the Lower Otter Estuary - the aim of the Lower Otter Restoration Project is to create more of these.

River Otter realignment could cost up to £40 million - Latest Exmouth News - Exmouth Journal
River Otter restoration ‘could cost £40 million’ | East Devon Watch
Restoring East Devon river to stop 'catastrophic failure' and 'significant flooding' could cost £40m | Devon Live

Here are the options - with contact details to give some feedback:
Events: Lower Otter Restoration Project

This is from the dedicated website for the project:

Invitation to learn more about the project

Lower Otter Restoration Project Exhibition – 5 July, 2017

The Lower Otter Restoration Project iheld a drop-in exhibition in Budleigh Salterton on Wednesday, 5 July, 2017.

The Lower Otter Restoration Project aims to work with local people and partner organisations to explore how, in the face of a rapidly changing climate, we can create a more naturally functioning and resilient downstream part of the River Otter, its estuary and immediate surroundings for future generations. Maintaining and improving public access (including to South Farm), protecting the old refuse tip from erosion and successfully relocating the cricket club are important elements of this project.

Anyone who lives or works near the Lower Otter Estuary was encouraged to drop in to find out more about:

• The Lower Otter Restoration Project’s vision and objectives
• What has been done so far to understand the area and narrow down the viable options
• The pros and cons of four shortlisted design options
• What the project plans to do next to find a preferred option and secure funding.
  

You can leave feedback on the shortlisted design options. This will help the project partners to understand which of the shortlisted options you prefer before any further investigations are undertaken and a preferred option developed. The project team will decide on a preferred option based on technical, environmental and economic criteria, as well as local preference.

Don’t worry if you were unable to attend the event. A copy of the display boards from the event and a feedback form are now available at www.lowerotterrestorationproject.co.uk/events from 6 July 2017. All feedback forms must be returned to mail@lowerotterrestorationproject.co.uk by 20 July 2017.

Meeting the challenges of climate change

The Lower Otter Estuary is a very special place. It is home to local people and businesses. It provides habitat for a wide variety of breeding and wintering bird species, and it is enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors each year.

But this coastal community, like many others, faces growing challenges due to climate change. As the oceans warm up, they take up more space and sea levels rise. We are also seeing more extreme storms and rainfall events which increase the intensity and erosional power of rivers and the sea.

The Lower Otter Restoration Project wants to work with local people and partner organisations to explore how we can preserve and improve the downstream part of the River Otter, its estuary, and its immediate surroundings for future generations in the face of a rapidly changing climate.

We are examining the possibility, both practically and financially, of a managed realignment scheme where the River Otter meets the sea near Budleigh Salterton in East Devon. The project is being considered because the existing 200-year-old sea defences are now starting to fail and are becoming increasingly hard to maintain. This has the potential to impact on public infrastructure, local businesses and homes, and recreational facilities. The project is still in an early phase and is looking for funding to progress.  

The major partners in the Lower Otter Restoration Project include Clinton Devon Estates, who own the land around the estuary, and the Environment Agency, the government body which has responsibility for improving resilience to climate change, flood defence, increasing biodiversity and improving habitats and water quality.

Find out more about the challenges facing the Lower Otter Estuary, managed realignment and the timeline for this project.

Home: Lower Otter Restoration Project
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