Report by Julia Jones
The RDA Deben Estuary Forum meeting took place at Waldringfield Sailing Club on July 20th and was attended by about 30 people representing approximately 25 river businesses, clubs and action groups. It included a presentation by representatives of the Crown Estate. Their representatives also took part in the more general discussions.
A list of attending organisations, outline of discussion and actions to be taken forward will be found on the RDA minutes page.
The meeting opened with RDA co-chair Colin Nicholson giving an update on the progress made since the previous meeting (July 2024) He focussed on the process of updating the byelaws about boat speed. It’s important that the wording is correct before the changes go out for public consultation. Eventually the revised bye law will be signed off in Parliament. Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP, who was present at the meeting, undertook to assist with this.
In answer to a question about jet skis, Colin confirmed that the present water ski area will remain [CM1] deregulated. There will also be a derogation for club programme events where dinghies/RIBs may need to exceed the limit, eg when acting as safety boats. In answer to a question from Melton Boatyard Colin said that he expected that derogation would also be available to river businesses who may need to exceed the 8 knot speed limit when testing an engine.
There was discussion about enforcement with examples given from other rivers, for example the Crouch where the Essex Police marine unit can operate. Suffolk police have no marine unit. They will undertake occasional patrols on the Deben (one in October last year, another forthcoming this summer). The Felixstowe Lifeboat representatives said that there was a marine unit on the Orwell who might help with enforcement action. Meanwhile Felixstowe Foreshore Trust are looking to update their signage to emphasise the speed limits and reasons for them (assisted by East Suffolk Council group Wildlife Wise). Tony Lyon, Waldringfield harbourmaster said that, as ever, he used conversation and explanation as his best method of control.
The question of boat speed was raised at other points during the meeting. Various people expressed the view that it was important that there should still be an area of the river where it was permissible to go fast – and this this should be the area previously designated for water-skiing. Sam Whitworth from Deben Boatyard asked why there was such a focus on jet skis? What about speeding RIBS? Matt Lis acknowledged that there was widespread public prejudice against jet skis. He recalled the input from the licenced jet ski organisation who had attended the last Deben Estuary Forum and gone far towards convincing those present of their good intentions and responsible attitude, but this had not changed public attitudes (as expressed through the RDA Leisure on the Deben survey) and the business had secured an East Suffolk Council Licence and thus had not been able to go ahead. It was noted that modern jet skis had got quieter. There will be a further chance for people to express their views when the new byelaws go out to public consultation.
Action agreed: to continue with the revision of the bye laws and get correct wording to put to public consultation. Subsequent action on Jenny R-C to assist with Parliamentary process
Water quality remains a concern for many people. Colin referred to the huge step forward resulting from the regular testing by the Deben Climate Centre and their volunteers.
Safety of swimmers and paddleboarders remains a significant concern and dominated the discussion in the later part of the meeting.
Dredging Colin reported that, following an extensive and expensive application process, Woodbridge and Waldringfield boat yard was granted a dredging license in August 2025 and operations are likely to commence shortly. Both at this point and later in the meeting there was much discussion and dissatisfaction about the operation of the MMO (Marine Management Organisation) especially over the cost and difficulty of getting licences and the delay and expense involved. People felt that the MMO had little understanding of river problems such as silting. The Crown Estate representatives agreed that they too had found it difficult to get licences for operations such as the removal of unexploded ordnance. Jenny Riddell-Carpenter listened to the dissatisfaction with the MMO and undertook to hold conversations with them. Emily from the Crown Estate pointed out that the more people got together the easier it might be to work more constructively with MMO.
Action agreed: Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP to talk with MMO
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP
Some actions of the Environment Agency also came in for criticism. Matt Liss from WWBY described their proposals for the beneficial use of the residue from their proposed dredging. They had wished to use it to rebuild the salting on the west bank of the river below Woodbridge and had asked for a contribution from the EA and East Suffolk CC towards the additional cost. Neither organisation appeared to have any understanding of the issue, or interest in discussing it. Neil Boast from River Deben Paddlers complained about the insensitivity of the EA flying hovercraft low over the salting s to conduct surveys, when these could quite well be conducted in kayaks. He felt that the EA does not listen to individuals and asked the Crown Estate if they could include matters such as this in a ‘re-set’ meeting with the EA. Lack of understanding from East Suffolk County Council was addressed later in the meeting
Actions: Request to Crown Estate to use its influence to improve relationships with EA – especially regarding its use of disruptive hovercraft to survey saltings
PRESENTATION FROM THE CROWN ESTATE
Emily Swift, Coastal Senior Asset Manager and Peter Riches, the managing agent who oversees The Crown Estate’s coastal, foreshore, and tidal river portfolio across East Anglia and parts of the South East introduced the Crown Estate and gave an overview of its different areas of work. Much of this general information can be found on http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/
There is little, however, in this general information which seems relevant to the River Deben – The Crown Estate explained that it invests in a range of programmes that support nature recovery, communities and sustainable development while returning its net revenue profit to the Treasury. The Crown Estate owns the majority of the tidal bed and foreshore of the River Deben estuary. A look at the map of their holdings reveals a mixed pattern of ownership – the Alde but not the Ore, the Stour but not the Orwell, the coast to the left of the Deben Entrance but not to the right.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/0dfdddc42b454c2fa00b76104b47e31b
The Fairway Committees and river navigation
In the areas under its ownership, the Crown Estate oversees activities such as moorings, jetties, pipelines, wildfowling and channel rights within the tidal estuary. Some non-tidal areas remain in private ownership. The River Deben Fairway Committees pay rent to the Crown Estate for their right to lay moorings. When originally established in the 1950s Fairway Committees were allowed to retain an operating surplus of 25% of the money they raise from mooring holders and have a duty to charge them ‘a market rent’.
Their net profit every year is paid directly to the Treasury. A main theme of Emily and Peter’s presentation, however, was that their approach to management had changed. Their instructions, as part of the new Coastal Strategy now direct them to be much more proactive and involved with local issues instead of merely passive landlords. Their leases will aim to gain more social and environmental value. They can co-invest in the Deben by supporting community projects – as long as these projects come from groups who are based in areas owned by the Crown Estate.
Currently the four fairway committees (Felixstowe Ferry, Ramsholt, Waldringfield, Kyson)have four leases from the Crown Estate enabling approximately 1000 moorings. This number has remained relatively static for many years, since the 1960s yachting boom. Peter posed the question – does the Fairway committee system still work? The Crown Estate believes it does and sees no obvious need to change it. However, feedback from local stakeholders is welcome.
An example of Fairway Committee activity was given when the question of the withies marking Loder’s Cut was raised. These are currently almost submerged at tides of 4m and therefore no aid to navigation. Matt Lis confirmed that the provision of new withies was the responsibility of the Kyson Fairway Committee and that they ‘had it in hand’.
In answer to a question about the channel buoys however Tony Lyon (Waldringfield Harbourmaster) responded that responsibility lay with the Inspector of sea marks at Trinity House. He also paid tribute to the work done by John White, the harbourmaster at Felixstowe Ferry. ‘I don’t know how John does it.’ There had been several groundings on the Deben this year but these have mainly been due to skipper inadvertence and failure to heed advice on the chartlet. Best advice before entering or exiting the river is ‘Ring John.’
Back in the days of the formation of fairway committees, they had to have community representation – such as a parish or district councillor. This may not be so well observed now though Waldringfield has Parish Council representatives on the fairway committee and Kyson Fairway committee has a seat at the table for its parish council.
Colin Nicholson wondered whether the Deben Estuary Partnership (DEP) should be taking more of a lead here? In his experience, East Suffolk Council had little idea of the problems of the river. He hoped perhaps the Crown Estate might help to encourage them to take more interest. Currently East Suffolk Council has no experience with estuary management although there are at least three rivers in its area.
Dee McLeavy, who is doing administration for the DEP, reminded the meeting that the DEP need a chairman and that this was important.
Action agreed. To have a proper conversation with E Suffolk Council. Note this is shortly to be a unitary authority.
Questions to be considered: Is the system of Fairway committees working well? Is there anything to be gained from establishing a statutory harbour authority for the Deben?
Abandoned boats
The Crown Estate representatives raised the question of abandoned boats. Where the owner cannot be traced the responsibility may fall on the Fairway committees (as quasi navigation authorities) or the Environment Agency (if there is pollution) or the riparian owner if the boats are above the tide line. In other areas the Crown Estate has been able to facilitate action where it can influence the actions by working in collaboration with other authorities.
It was acknowledged that this remains a difficult question. Perhaps a deposit scheme may be necessary to help fund the removal of abandoned boats.
New coastal strategy.
The Crown Estate representatives seemed eager to present themselves as willing to offer financial support to community projects – eg slipway renovation or saltmarsh restoration.
For example. The Crown Estate was able to support the Deben Yacht Club with disabled access. They also contributed to the renovation of the clubhouse building.
Question. Can the Crown Estate fund dredging?
Answer. They would consider helping if a viable business plan was put together.
It was agreed that there is a need to consider silting as an estuary-wide issue
However, the Crown Estate representatives pointed out they have no statutory duty to maintain the foreshore or to attempt to keep the river in its current boundaries.
They stated that they would be willing to consider requests under £20K for stewardship projects. Colin Nicholson wondered aloud how best to work with the Crown Estate holistically. Another job for the Deben Estuary Partnership?
Safety on the River
There was a discussion on safety with particular focus on Waldringfield. Tony Lyon expressed his anxiety over safe use of the river especially where swimmers, paddle boards, kayakers venture into the main channel and are unaware of the dangers of larger vessels which cannot stop and may not have seen them. ‘Sooner or later a swimmer will lose their life.’
The lifeboat representatives from Felixstowe described the dangers of inflatable paddleboards, particularly when the river is ebbing. They stressed the importance of education. Felixstowe Lifeboat do not do land patrols and have a huge area to cover. However, the Felixstowe Coastguard rescue team (a volunteer unit) will do land patrols.
A new organisation Wildlife Wise introduced themselves as funded by developers and interested in considering human recreation and its impact on the environment. They are now producing new literature on Suffolk waterways and where you can launch. They will provide signage on slipways concerning safety.
Harbourmaster Tony Lyon with his bike and buoys.
Tony Lyon commented that we are all responsible for safety. He was sceptical about the usefulness of any signs that are too wordy. ‘You get fed up with reading it after the first paragraph’. We have to talk to people, he said. Jaq Barnard agreed that it was education, not regulation that was needed. Many people simply do not understand tides. Andrew Excell from Suffolk Wildlife Trust mentioned Coastal Rangers and the national landscape team volunteers. Could they take on more of a safety brief?
Anna Marie Sellon asked how many incidents has Tony Lyon noted this year? Some data might be helpful. Tony responded that he had pulled 2 dead people from the river last year.
Mark Packard, the representative of East Suffolk Council, suggested the council have a wildlife team who could do signage for swimming and safety. They should go into schools to teach children about water just before the summer holidays every year. The Crown Estates representatives said they would consider funding a group going into schools. A lifeboat representative, who was also a primary school teacher, advised that it is now compulsory to teach water safety education. However, they cannot get to all the schools. The Crown Estates might help?
However there were no definite actions from this part of the meeting
Other comments / suggestions / observations during the meeting came from Andrew Excell of Suffolk Wildlife Trust who returned to the issues of water quality and the degradation of the salt marsh. His suggestion? To get early engagement with Natural England. In his experience Harwich Haven Authority could be effective and helpful.
Barry Paul from Bawdsey confirmed that the sailing club have spent about £10,000 on the river paths and repairing the groins. Private individuals have undertaken this work, not public authorities. It matters because 500 people a day may go down that path.
The minutes of this meeting will be posted on the RDA website when they have been agreed by the committee. This article represents my own understanding of the discussion though it has been checked for accuracy by RDA co-chair Colin Nicholson.
The next Deben Estuary Forum will take place in 2028
Crown Estate team/DEP/RDA estuary cruise to view areas owned by The Crown!
[CM1]Steve James denied the ESWWSC is disbanded in a subsequent e-mail exchange