Practical considerations

Each site will have different considerations such as tidal range, water depth, channel width and proximity to flood defences which may influence your choice.

You may wish to seek professional advice to help you choose the most appropriate design. Sources of erosion including wind, boat wash, livestock and geese can all have an impact on river banks and vegetation and your solution should take account of the reasons why the bank is vulnerable.

Considerations

Tides and currents

If the site has a high tidal range or is exposed to strong wave action or current, such as on the lower reaches of the main rivers, then the range of bank protection options becomes more limited.

However, more sheltered areas and dykes running off the main channel will be subject to lower wave action and a broader range of green engineering methods may be used. The map on page 5 broadly shows the tidal range throughout the Broads.

Navigation

The design should also take account of the navigation use. Any development should not cause hazards to navigation and should be adequately marked.

Climate Change

The easterly, low-lying and coastal nature of the Broads makes it vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea level rise. The Broads Authority has produced a Climate Change Adaptation Plan which may be of relevance when considering your scheme.

Existing uses

You need to consider at an early stage how the location is already used and make any allowances so that existing uses can be continued.

The Broads is popular for angling, boating and sailing as well as walking and cycling. Consider such activities when you are planning your scheme.

Use of timber

Timber should be from a sustainable source. For example any treated timber should have FSC certification. If sawn softwood is to be used, it should be pressure treated to provide a reasonable life in wet conditions. Alder, which is available locally, has a natural resilience to rot in a wet environment.