Tonnes of sand used as natural flood defence

About 14,000 tonnes of sand and shingle will be used as natural flood defences along a stretch of coastline to protect homes.

The material will be taken north to Heacham and south Hunstanton in Norfolk, in a bid to restore the shingle ridge along a three mile (5km) stretch of coastline.

The ridge protects more than 800 properties and 4,000 caravans.

Sadia Moeed, area director for the Environment Agency, said: "It's vital the shingle ridge is kept in good condition to help reduce the risk of flooding to the communities behind it."

The work, which is done each year, is expected to be completed in time for ground nesting birds and tourists to arrive and follows a report into the shingle ridge which was published last summer.

Ms Moeed said beach recycling like this was an "incredibly important" part of work carried out on the Norfolk coast.

She said: "It's also important that property owners continue to refrain from digging into the ridge and approach us if they wish to carry out works within 16 metres of it. This will also help preserve the integrity of the ridge and its ability to perform as a natural flood defence."

The work has been funded by the East Wash Coastal Management Community Interest Company and Natural England, and the RSPB has consulted on the recycling.

Sandra Squire, cabinet member for environment at King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, said restoring the shingle ridges helped protect people and wildlife.

"[It] makes a real difference to the communities in the area," she said.

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