Aug 12th 2009 Footpaths and public access
Q: What about public access? There will be no space for the tourists and residents to walk. There is likely to be an increase in people coming, as this unique area will be even more unique by 2020! There are now very few open spaces left.
A: Maintaining public access to the estuary is a key concern of the Cuckmere Estuary Partnership. Working with nature would allow us to plan and manage the impacts on amenities such as footpaths. The Vanguard Way could be retained with some small diversions where land levels are particularly low. On the Eastern side, the current concrete trackway could also be maintained by diverting or raising those sections that might be flooded at high tide. This would maintain access to the beach and Foxhole Cottages. Alternatives for the two footpaths that currently run along the top of the floodbanks along the river are open for discussion but could include floating boardwalks, bridged sections or new footpaths along the estuary sides that would maintain the circular routes and would give fantastic views across the estuary.
A common misconception is that the Cuckmere estuary would be underwater all the time if allowed to revert to a naturally functioning estuary. This is not the case. The lowest land is to the west of the river. These areas are likely to be covered by every high tide. Higher land on the east side, particularly the land around the meanders, would only be covered for a few hours at the very highest spring tides. A visit to Pagham or Chichester Harbour at low tide will demonstrate how large parts of the estuary would be visible and accessible most of the time.
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