A Suffolk Saltmarsh Group
A Discussion Paper for the Suffolk Coastal Forum
April 2017
1 Introduction
Following informal consultation with Suffolk Coastal Forum (SCF) members and estuary partnerships in 2016 it was agreed by SCF in January 2017 that there was aneed for an over-arching Saltmarsh Group for Suffolk. This need has arisen from a number of strategic challenges facing local partnerships in delivering saltmarsh-related projects.
Estuary groups are under-taking a range of important saltmarsh initiatives but face similar problems in taking forward grass-roots projects. The key issues have been identified as being common across Suffolk and include issues relating to establishing consistent monitoring methodologies, streamlining the consents process for saltmarsh works (both at a local and estuary-wide scale) creating new funding sources and drawing on best available research and evidence.
There is broad support across the estuary partnerships and from the relevant statutory bodies that having a focal point for discussion for these strategic issues would be beneficial to the estuary partnerships. Following the January SCF meeting there was an action for a small group of officers from relevant organisations to set out potential roles, membership and governance for a new Suffolk Saltmarsh Group. The following paper sets out a proposal for the SCF to consider at the April 2017 meeting for discussion with the estuary partnership representatives and wider SCF membership.
2 Agree the Role of the Group
Suffolk Saltmarsh Group (SSG) will provide a strategic framework and support for those wishing to undertake saltmarsh projects in Suffolk.This will include saltmarsh restoration, saltmarsh re-creation and beneficial use of dredging projects.
The primary function of the Group will be to take forward technical issues that are challenging the progress or delivery of saltmarsh initiatives in Suffolk and to share good practice. The Group will be a sub group of, and report to, the Suffolk Coastal Forum and will actively involve the existing estuary groups.
This governance structure will ensure the SSG is accountable and delivering what local groups and organisations need to support saltmarsh initiatives.
Collate a programme of potential saltmarsh projects for 2017-2027 from suggestions put forward by estuary groups and partnerships and support the delivery of the programme.
This group will link to the Marine Pioneers Project as appropriate.
3 Agree the remit of the group
There are a number of strategic issues and opportunities that have been identified by estuary partnership members and wider SCF membership. The SSG aims to focus on the following core topics to try and remove challenges and promote opportunities for those wishing to deliver saltmarsh projects across Suffolk.
3.1 Funding
Establish a range of viable funding and investment streams to pay for delivery linked tothe delivery programme.
Develop a pilot on the Deben to establish an investment model for restoration and beneficial use of dredgings which will be transferable to the rest of Suffolk and feed into the Defra Marine Pioneer Programme.
Make links to the Defra Natural Flood Risk Management programme and seek opportunities for both large scale pilots and small scale projects so we can maximise any funding opportunities and meet the needs of local saltmarsh groups.
3.2. Licensing and consents
Create a bespoke framework for gaining consents and licenses for saltmarsh projects that is proportionate the likely scale, cost and risks associated with the techniques and location. Gain local partnership support for this approach.
Work with the MMO to streamline the licensing process for saltmarsh projects- ideally establish a licensing template that MMO can ‘fast-track’.
Explore the opportunity for estuary-wide ‘strategic’ consents that support a programme of estuary partnership projects.
3.3 Evidence, Data, Monitoring and Analysis
Review existing monitoring data, analyse and consider any gaps.
Agree what needs monitoring to demonstrate the efficacy of different approaches and the value of the work undertaken
Consider rationalising existing monitoring approaches and agree a consistent approach which is cost effective and delivers what we actually need.
Advise partners and groups of the approach with their involvement, offer guidance, support and funding where appropriate.
Establish ecosystems services approach as a core principle of the SSG
Undertake any additional evidence gathering on ecosystems services benefits to ensure baseline is in place for discussion with investors regarding carbon, fisheries etc.
3.4Membership and Governance
The Group will be inclusive and have a membership of statutory, non-statutory and community representatives from across Suffolk. External experts will be encouraged to attend meetings for specialist discussions.
The Group will be chaired by an independent, democratically elected representative.
The Group will have full representation from each estuary partnership or group to ensure issues and lessons are shared and progressed
The Group will have technical representatives of the organisations with the most involvement and experience with saltmarsh projects.
The Group will have a standing agenda which will cover all relevant saltmarsh topics and include a special topic to ensure a key issue is progressed- other organisations or individuals with specialist expertise or relevance will be invited to attend special topic discussions to support the Group in progressing challenging issues or identifying opportunities.
The proposed membership is;
A Chairperson to be determined after the Council elections in May. A politician/ independent chairperson will be sought.
A community representative from each of the 4 estuary partnerships
A technical representative from the organisations with most experience or stake in saltmarsh work and include; EA, NE, AONB, SCC, ESIDB and EIFCA
Invitations to other relevant groups such as MMO, Anglian Water, Universities and saltmarsh practitioners will be made to ensure particular topics are addressed in more detail and progressed by those best able to support the Group.
In the first year the group plan to meet quarterly.
The Group will NOT replace the delivery function of any estuary group or partnership.
The Group will be a sub group of and report to the Suffolk Coastal Forum to share evidence and good practice and report on challenges. The SCF will steer the SSG accordingly.
3.5 Engagement
SSGworking alongside estuary partnerships, will raise awareness of the value of saltmarshes locally with partners, businesses and the public
- Public - engagement at a county-level to increase general awareness of the value of marshes and their role in Suffolk’s environment. In addition we would like to promote the work of estuary groups through existing partnership routes and share success stories. We would also encourage the public funding of saltmarsh worksthrough county-level initiatives (e.g. buy-a-brick approach and the Size of Wales initiative)potentially through the Greenest County Initiative and AONB awareness programmes.
- Businesses -at a county level through SCC Carbon Charter with a view to seek contributions for businesses looking to invest in carbon ‘credits’.
- Local Partners – consider wider partnerships like NGO’s and Anglia Water with regard to supporting and funding projects. Establish opportunities for linking to others within the Local Enterprise Partnership Area.
- Defra – Feedback through the Marine Pioneer project to ensure lessons are shared
4.0 Recommendation
The following officers have been involved in the discussion and development of this proposal at the request of SCF;
Simon Amstutz (AONB), Jane Burch (SCC), Emma Hay (NE), Matt Jones (AONB) David Kemp (EA) and Karen Thomas (ESIDB).
These officers would like to recommend the following for the SCF to;
i)discuss, amend and approve the proposals set out in the document
and
ii)establish the Suffolk Saltmarsh Group as a sub-group of the SCF
There is a provisional date of May 11th for the first SSG meeting should these recommendations be accepted by the SCF.
Suffolk Saltmarsh Group - SCF Paper V4KT 03/04/17