Cleethorpes Kingsway

Thank you for your answer, Jim. You have answered my question, albeit thinking that I am against salt marsh in general. Not the case. There are as you say, advantages to a salt marsh, but there are also some minuses. Buts that nature. Maybe I should have used the words ‘is there any strategy to control ‘encroachment of the salt marsh’ on to the main beach, as in my opinion, if allowed to spread in the manner that it has over the last few years it could have a detrimental effect, not only visually, but on Cleethorpes as a holiday resort in terms of visitors, income and jobs. Amusing about the marker buoy getting chewed up, not sure about guessing where it should be though. Not very reassuring!
It’s good that the salt marsh can capture carbon, I’m all for that, but not sure I agree with Natural England about the salt marsh helping to reduce coastal flooding. Weather conditions and tide height are possibly overriding factors on that issue.
But things move on, and the shore is ever changing. It’s a long time since they flew aircraft from what is now the salt marsh. Do you remember?

Merry Christmas

I was there at high tide - about 3pm - and, by that time, there were plenty of knot far out on the sandbank.

I always scan the water for divers and sea ducks, but so far without success.

Disagree with you, Peter, re the saltmarsh becoming ‘intrusive’. It’s said both to soak up carbon and reduce the threat of coastal flooding.

For years, the Cleethorpes tourism industry has urged measures to reduce the spread of the marshland plants (one councillor wanted it sprayed with Roundup) but Natural England has always resisted.

As a compromise, a yellow plastic buoy was installed opposite the leisure centre, and the council was given the all-clear to remove any Marsh plants that spread to the north of it.

However, an Alsatian chewed up the buoy, and council workers now just have to estimate its location.

I’m on the side of Natural England. At least the saltmarsh is spared disturbance from dog walkers, water sports enthusiasts (and birders!)

What’s more it’s a good habitat for waders, wildfowl and, in winter, visiting parties of linnets, twite and buntings.

Late morning off Leisure Centre/Kingsway 91 Shellduck, 4 Curlew.
Other species mainly Gulls and Oystercatchers.
Lack of waders, a few Redshank around marsh grass, but could find little else in any numbers.

Does any one have information regarding any official plans/strategy to curb the intrusive Marsh grass etc. which is gradually changing the habitat.