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Butley Ferry volunteers collect Queen’s Award from Lord Lieutenant

Queens Award for Volunteering was presented to Butley Ferry by Suffolk Lord Lieutenant Claire, Countess of Euston. – Credit: CHARLOTTE BOND Volunteers from one of the oldest, but least-known, transport routes in Suffolk have been formally presented with their Queen’s Award by Lord Lieutenant Clare, Countess of Euston.  Click here to read more

Flood warning from Lowestoft to Bawdsey on 7th November 2021

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning from Lowestoft to Bawdsey for 7th November 2021. At 10.15am there will be a high tide at Lowestoft, a surge of 0.8m above datum is forecast. Thorpeness to Aldeburgh will be affected 2 hours later. Slaughden Quay high tide is 2.05pm with 3.6m, which is slightly higher than usual plus the surge. About 30-40 minutes later the water level at Hazlewood Marsh will be very noticeable with overtopping likely.  The River Course fairway on the 3rd. hole will be compromised, but not the green itself. Iken, Orford Quay, Shingle Street and beyond will experience high water levels. Click here to view the flood warning on the Environment Agency website.

‘Observe, don’t disturb’ our wildlife say police

‘Observe, don’t disturb’ is the message to visitors who go to the Suffolk coast this summer to enjoy the county’s wildlife. Suffolk Constabulary has signed up to the national initiative Operation Seabird, led by the RSPCA, to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving our rich wildlife habitats and tackling disturbances to seals, sea birds and nesting birds. To read more about this important message, click here.

Suffolk Coast Foot Ferries

There are four historic foot ferries in the AONB connecting communities along the beautiful rivers and estuaries Bawdsey Ferry Butley Ferry Harwich Ferry Walberswick Ferry   View and download the guide to explore schedules, prices & more

Wonderful news and many congratulations to the Butley Ferry team!

Butley Ferry receives The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Butley Ferry, operated by a group of volunteers based in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. The volunteers operate what is believed to be the smallest licensed ferry in Europe and carries walkers and cyclists across the Butley River in a boat propelled solely by oars. Butley Ferry is one of 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse. They include volunteer groups from across the UK, including an inclusive tennis club in Lincolnshire; a children’s bereavement charity in London; a support group those living with dementia and their carers in North Yorkshire; a volunteer minibus service in Cumbria; a group supporting young people in Belfast; a community radio station in Inverness and a mountain rescue team in Powys. Representatives of Butley Ferry will receive the award crystal and certificate from Clare, Countess of Euston, Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk later this summer. Furthermore two volunteers from Butley Ferry will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2022 (depending on restrictions at the time), along with other recipients of this year’s Award. Roy Truman, Head Ferryman, says “To get recognition for our work from such a high level is the icing on the cake. To work in such a peaceful and unique corner of the country is a joy in itself. There has been a ferry at this spot since 1383 and it is a privilege to carry on the tradition of helping our passengers on their journeys. Our volunteers turn out in all weathers to not only do the physically demanding job of rowing the boat but to help to build and maintain the jetties and walkways. This Award has been earned through their hard work and commitment “. Notes to editors Lord-Lieutenants represent the monarch in each of the UK’s ceremonial counties This year there were 241 recipients of The Queen’s Award Voluntary Service from  across the UK and Channel Islands. More information on the recipients and the Award can be found at https://www.gov.uk/queens-award-for-voluntary-service Full details on how to nominate are available at https://qavs.culture.gov.uk/. Nominations for the 2022 awards close on 15 September 2021.

Development Consent Order to build Sizewell C

The application for a Development Consent Order to build Sizewell C has entered the examination phase. This process is led by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). The full planning application can be viewed on the PINS website. If you require USB sticks of the application, please do not hesitate to contact the Sizewell C Community Team on the details below: Contact details: Sizewell C Community Team EDF Energy – Nuclear New Build Freephone:0800 197 6102* Email:info@sizewellc.co.uk Post:FREEPOST SZC CONSULTATION

Flood Alert: The Suffolk coast from Lowestoft to Bawdsey

A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency. Flood Alert in force: The Suffolk coast from Lowestoft to Bawdsey. Flooding is possible for: The Suffolk coast from Lowestoft to Bawdsey, including the Blyth and Alde and Ore estuaries. Be prepared. This message has been issued because some minor flooding to coastal roads and footpaths is likely between 3pm and 5pm this afternoon, Monday 5th April.  Strong winds and a surge tide may cause large waves, and spray overtopping on the coast. We expect to see high water levels in Lake Lothing in Lowestoft as well as high sea levels along the Suffolk Coast, impacting on beach access points.  The detailed forecast for those that use it is for a peak level at Lowestoft of 1.71 mAODN at 4pm this afternoon, which is 1.13m above tide tables, wind Force 7, north westerly. (mAODN is height above average sea level, for more info refer to local tide tables). Take care on coastal roads and footpaths and don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger. We will continue to monitor the situation, and will reissue this message for any subsequent tides if required. To check the latest information for your area ——————————————————- * Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/target-area/054WACDV3B * Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 213550. * Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter. * Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio. What you should consider doing now ——————————————— * Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. * Get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one. * Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so. * Prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, home insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need. * Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies. * In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood. * Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet. * Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it.

Natural England release proposed route for the Bawdsey to Aldeburgh section of the England Coastal Path

There will be keen interest in Natural England’s proposed route for the Bawdsey to Aldeburgh section of the England Coastal Path which has now been released for public comment until 31 March 2021. Click here for details of the proposed route. The England Coastal Path will be a continuous national footpath so will attract visitors from far and wide. Natural England has prepared the proposals balancing the interests of walkers, conservation and the various provisions set within legislation, such as avoiding gardens, and other excepted factors. These were explained by Natural England at the public meeting the Association organised in 2019 for members to learn about the proposals and make clear their concerns and wishes. The proposals have considered the path in 5 different sections around the Alde and Ore Estuary, with the route mostly following the existing coastal route and along the river walls with existing paths: some parts relatively unchanged and some with greater or small additions to the public paths and permissive paths that have been in place up to now. The proposals would make some adjustments along the coast north of Bawdsey, would open up paths closer to the Upper Butley River with seasonal diversions, would confirm the permissive route around Gedgrave but thereafter, essentially, with only small adjustments, follow the existing routes on the river walls, which do not include to the river walls to the east of Iken, on to the Sailors Path, and walls near Aldeburgh around the upper Alde. Some members will welcome some or all of the proposals, but some may also be disappointed or dismayed. Members are urged to make their views known to Natural England (contact points given below) but please copy any comments to the Association by email info@aldeandore.org. Anyone can comment on the proposals (make a representation). Landowners and occupiers can make an objection. Representations and objections must reach Natural England by midnight, Wednesday, 31 March 2021. Comments should be sent by post or email using the appropriate form to: England Coast Path delivery team (East) Natural England Eastbrook Shaftesbury Road Cambridge CB2 8DR Email eastcoastalaccess@naturalengland.org.uk Telephone 0300 060 3900 Notes on making a representation about a coastal access report can be found here.