Erosion poses 'volatile situation' for yacht club

Members of the club have taken matters into their own hands in an attempt to protect the area from coastal erosion

Concerns have been raised over the impact that an eroding coastline could have on the future of a long-running boating club.

Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club, based at the mouth of the River Deben in Suffolk, has been in operation for more than three decades.

The shoreline has "very drastically" started to wash away, creating a "frightening situation", according to long-time member Janette Godfrey.

She told the BBC she feared the coastal path and access to the bank where boats are kept could "disappear, quite possibility within a year without immediate action".

Members are now attempting to halt the erosion of the "rapidly deteriorating coastline", if only temporarily, in a bid to safeguard their future.

Mrs Godfrey said: "We have pulled together all our limited knowledge and resources and jumped into action to save this vital stretch of coastline.

"Working parties comprising children to pensioners are desperately shoring up the coastline to the best of our ability, working in all conditions.

"Without such immediate action, the sea may take the beautiful coastal path."

It is feared the sea will eventually consume the coastal path in front of the entrance to the yacht club

The area is frequented by residents, dog walkers, holiday makers, visitors and local schools children and activity groups from PGL, which is understood to own the land.

So far the members have installed temporary wooden structures and carried out temporary repairs to one of the groynes at a cost of £5,500.

They now want a permanent barrier installed and to rebuild more of the old groynes, which previously protected the area – works which they said could see costs rise to £35,000.

The members have approached East Suffolk Council and the Environment Agency for advice and support but have said that help has not been forthcoming.

'Volatile situation'

Nicholas Pope, secretary of the club, which has since launched a fundraising page, said it was a "very worrying and volatile situation".

"The problem with erosion is that is all goes in cycles and now it is our turn to be seriously eroded," he added.

"In the fullness of time that situation might stabilise but you can't be sure where it will end. It is a real problem and the erosion could go all the way back, but it might not."

The BBC understands the land on which the yacht club is based is owned by the nearby PGL.

"At PGL Beyond we take erosion seriously and have made investment in local coastline defences and work closely with both the local parish council and East Suffolk council,” a spokesperson said.

“We attend meetings with the Deben Estuary Trust, but we have not been approached directly by the club in terms of any assistance, although have been in discussions with other local residents around ongoing support which we are providing."

East Suffolk Council told the BBC its coastal management team will discuss the erosion at its next Coastal Management meeting on 17 November.

"Following exploration of the topic, the team will liaise with the club," a spokesperson added.

The Environment Agency was also approached for comment.