Port Clarence and Greatham South

Year Implemented

2018

Project Type

Managed realignment

Country

United Kingdom

Location

River Tees Estuary

Longitude

-1.2184095

Latitude

54.61930

Habitat(s) Created

Mudflat
Saltmarsh

Size

30 Hectares

Why Undertaken

Flood Risk Management
Habitat Enhancement
Improve Flood Protection

Project Description Summary

The main aim of this project (called the Port Clarence and Greatham South Flood Alleviation Scheme) was to replace aging flood defence assets and protect the residential area of Port Clarence and industrial plants on the north bank of the River Tees. The north bank of the Tees Estuary at this location has suffered significant land take from the mid 19th Century but much of the land remains below MHWS.

The opportunity was therefore taken to realign some defences on the south bank of Greatham Creek to return the area to intertidal habitat. The area is part of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA and wide ranging consultation occurred to ensure that maximum benefit could be gained while protecting freshwater habitats that had formed since the original enclosure of the intertidal areas. The realignment therefore allowed about 30ha to return to intertidal conditions with the new bank protecting the remaining freshwater habitat.