Work to restore a well-used section of coastal footpath in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and protect houses and woodland has begun thanks to the concerted effort of the local community and Suffolk County Council.  The Haven Gateway Partnership has recently given a grant funding to enable the project to commence.

A section of cliffside is being eroded away at Shotley, south east Suffolk on the Stour Estuary.  Not only does this break a link in the coastal path but it potentially undermines the stability of adjacent housing and damages Shotley Wood, a valuable wildlife habitat and well-used recreational amenity.  The community group, Shotley Stour Footpath Renovation Group, is proposing to construct an erosion protection scheme to a 210 metre section of the cliff that is most at risk.  They have been raising funding and holding meetings to look at ways of reversing the trend and creating a new space that will benefit wildlife and walkers.

Contractors will remove 1000 unsightly old tyres that were an earlier attempt at reducing coastal erosion.  They will be replaced with gabion 'boxes' filled with recycled material and faced with stones.  The gabions will lesson the force of the tide on the cliff-face.  Over time the gaps inside will become filled with sediment and plant species, creating a new habitat and helping the structure to blend into the setting.

The first phase, the construction of 90 metres, is planned for completion in September 2010.  The second phase of 120 metres is proposed for 2011, subject to funding.  The ultimate aim of the project is to stabilise the cliff allowing Suffolk County Council to undertake the improvements to the footpath network.

The total cost is expected to be £40,000 of which £5,000 will come from the Haven Gateway Partnership.  Shotley Stour Footpath Renovation Group is overseeing the work, with professional advice and support from Hawes Associates and Suffolk County Council.