THE MERSEA HARBOUR PROTECTION TRUST

The Mersea Harbour Protection Trust is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to the conservation, protection, and improvement of Mersea Harbour and its surrounding natural and marine environment. Registered as a charity under number 1159088, the Trust's primary mission is to safeguard Mersea Harbour, located on Mersea Island, from the threats posed by coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and adverse climatic changes.

Background and Purpose

Mersea Harbour is a vital habitat supporting a diverse range of wildlife, including vulnerable bird species such as the rare Little Tern, as well as a host of marine activities including fishing, oystering, sailing, and crabbing. Over recent decades, the harbour’s natural protective features—principally the off-lying islands of Cobmarsh, Packing Marsh, and Old Hall Point—have been progressively degraded by storm wave action and rising sea levels, exacerbated by global warming and changing weather patterns. This deterioration threatened the viability of moorings, oyster layings, wildlife habitats, and commercial leisure activities, with the potential loss of key natural features within 20 to 30 years[1][5].

Project and Activities

Formed by local volunteers and stakeholders passionate about preserving the harbour, the Trust spearheaded the "Save Mersea Harbour" project. This initiative focused on a substantial "recharge" of the seaward sides of the protective islands with suitable sand and shingle material to rebuild and elevate them above the highest storm wave levels.

The recharge material was sourced from dredging operations in the approaches to Harwich Harbour, coordinated with Harwich Haven Authority’s extensive channel deepening efforts. After meticulous planning to meet marine, ecological, environmental, and legal approvals, the project successfully placed approximately 98,000 cubic meters of dredged sand and gravel onto key locations including Cobmarsh, Packing Marsh, Old Hall Point, and Shinglehead Point at Tollesbury Wick[1][2][5].

The final phase of this major environmental restoration was completed on 16 January 2022, marking a significant milestone in ensuring the long-term protection and sustainability of Mersea Harbour. The recharge effort is expected to provide effective coastal defence for at least 70 to 100 years, securing ongoing habitat preservation and the continuation of local fishing, oystering, sailing, birdwatching, and other recreational uses of the waterside[1][5].

Funding and Governance

The Trust operates through charitable funding, having made applications to various bodies to cover the costs incurred from dredging fees—estimated around £300,000—and ongoing maintenance and monitoring expenses. It is governed by a board of trustees and supported by volunteers from the local community committed to environmental stewardship and public benefit[1][4].

Impact and Legacy

The work of The Mersea Harbour Protection Trust exemplifies community-driven environmental conservation, blending scientific and ecological best practices with grassroots mobilisation. By restoring and reinforcing natural coastal defences, the Trust has helped preserve an iconic coastal area for future generations, while maintaining the ecological integrity and commercial viability of Mersea Harbour.

Charity Number: 1159088
Focus: Conservation, protection, and improvement of Mersea Harbour's physical and natural environment.

[1] https://www.westmersea.org/uploads/Mersea%20Harbour%20Protection%20Trust.pdf [2] http://savemerseaharbour.org [3] https://cbccrmdata.blob.core.windows.net/noteattachment/CBC%20-%20Sustainability%20-%20Building%20Resilient%20Communities%20-%20COMMUNITY%20Mersea%20Island%20Harbour%20Protection%20Trust.pdf [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5047784 [5] https://hha.co.uk/news/recharge-of-mersea-harbour-completed/