A: The Environment Agency’s models show that restoring the Cuckmere to a naturally functioning estuary will not increase the risk of flooding upstream. 

Further details about the areas upstream of Exceat Bridge are dealt with in the Cuckmere and Sussex Havens Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP).  This document includes an action plan that lists the further studies that will be done.

A: The Environment Agency’s study that informed the flood risk management strategy does compare the benefits and cost of partial protection, but the economics were not beneficial.

In 2003, technical assessments were undertaken to check the flood risk implications of taking a phased approach to restoring a naturally functioning estuary. In summary, the assessment established that restoring the western flood plain alone would greatly increase the risk of collapse of the eastern flood bank. As a result, later studies have considered the estuary as a whole.

Further information can be found in the Cuckmere Estuary Strategy Project Appraisal Report.

A: The Environment Agency’s modelling predicts that if the defences were removed, the amount of tidal water entering the estuary would keep the mouth clear.  The Environment Agency is committed to monitoring the river mouth and will keep clearing it until it becomes self clearing.

A: A breakdown of costs for all options can be found in the Environment Agency’s Cuckmere Estuary Strategy Project Appraisal Report (PAR) which is available to download from the ‘Partners’ policy documents’ page from the Resources section of this site.

The Environment Agency did not individually cost each element of Option 3, because it was clear that this option could not qualify for funding under the funding rules.

Although the Environment Agency’s Option 3 included a lengthy earth embankment, it is by no means certain that this would be required. The Partnership will consider this in development of its future management plan.

A: The Environment Agency has an annual river maintenance programme to reduce flood risk and improve habitats for wildlife.  This programme is risk-based in line with government policy.

The Environment Agency’s current maintenance works here include:

- making sure outfalls are clear of debris
- removing blockages
- weedcutting when required.

The Environment Agency is also working with parish councils to establish a future maintenance regime for this area.

A: The Flood Risk Management Strategy that the Environment Agency has developed for Cuckmere has cost £560,000.  The strategy looks at the next 100 years to make sure that the Environment Agency understands the future implications of what they do and finds the right long-term solution.

This money has funded extensive research into improving understanding of the specific environment of the estuary and how it works, which enables them to make the best decisions about the estuary’s future. 

The money has also paid for detailed modelling, identifying options and the costs and benefits of those options and consultation with local people.

The National Audit Office (NAO) reviewed the Environment Agency’s expenditure on this strategy in 2006 and, overall, were happy with the way that the funding was used. The NAO did recommend the Agency make sure the cost benefit analysis covered all the factors and also suggested the Partnership try to bring all shades of opinion together to attempt to reach a consensus.

A: Current membership of the Partnership consists of local organisations who have direct responsibilities for the estuary, for example as land owners and/or land managers. However, the Partnership is happy to consider applications from others who have a substantive interest in the estuary. The Partnership has met with representatives of some of the Coastguard Cottage owners to discuss the possibility of them joining. Given the Partner’s preferred option of working with nature rather than against it, the owners in question chose not to join at that time. However, they have continued to attend individual meetings, and we see no reason why this cannot continue. Discussions are continuing with some of the owners and we are hopeful that they will soon be represented on the Partnership.

A: Current membership of the Partnership consists of local organisations who have direct responsibilities for the estuary, for example as land owners and/or land managers. However, the Partnership is happy to consider applications from others who have a substantive interest in the estuary.

The Partnership has met with the Chairman of Cuckmere Valley Parish Council to discuss the possibility of them joining. Given the Partner’s preferred option of working with nature rather than against it, the Parish Council chose not to join. However, they have continued to attend individual meetings, and we see no reason why this cannot continue.

A: There are currently no specific costs associated with joining the Partnership, although costs do arise, for example those associated with the current engagement events. Future costs may include studies into key issues, e.g. understanding the historic environment and potential impacts on the local economy. For practical reasons, membership of the Partnership is currently limited to those with a direct responsibility for the estuary, e.g. landowners/land managers. This does not exclude other organisations or individuals working with the Partnership and we welcome this.

A: Given the current financial climate, it is a reality that decisions will ultimately have to be based on cost. However, by working together, we hope that we can find a solution that is cost effective and also one that meets the priorities of the majority. Working in Partnership also broadens opportunities for external funding.