Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club faces an uncertain future as coastal erosion threatens its shoreline, members have warned. Located at the mouth of the River Deben in Suffolk, the club has operated for more than 30 years, but long-time member Janette Godfrey said the coastline has “very drastically” started to wash away, creating a “frightening situation.” She added that without urgent intervention, the coastal path and access to the bank where boats are kept could “disappear, quite possibly within a year.”
Club members have taken immediate action to try to protect the area. Mrs Godfrey explained: “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.”
So far, temporary wooden structures have been installed, and repairs to one of the groynes have been carried out at a cost of £5,500. Members hope to secure funding to install a permanent barrier and rebuild additional old groynes, with total costs potentially reaching £35,000. Despite reaching out to East Suffolk Council and the Environment Agency, the club said support has been limited.
Nicholas Pope, the club secretary, described the situation as “very worrying and volatile.” He added: “The problem with erosion is that it all goes in cycles and now it is our turn to be seriously eroded. 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 land on which the club operates is owned by PGL, which said it takes coastal erosion seriously and has invested in local defences. 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 said its coastal management team will review the issue at its upcoming meeting on 17 November and will liaise with the yacht club following discussions. Meanwhile, the club has launched a fundraising page to help cover the costs of long-term protection measures. Members are determined to safeguard the coastline for future visitors, local schools, and boating enthusiasts.
