Friskney Sea Lane and saltmarsh access, Lincolnshire

Unrestricted access to The Wash frontage via Friskney Sea Lane to a Defence Infrastructure Organisation owned track-way has led to several issues. Health and safety are of significant concern as the area of saltmarsh is a closed military bombing range with potential unexploded ordnance, which the DIO have a legal duty to mitigate. Additionally, access has led to multiple fly tipping incidences and anti-social behaviour with significant cost to land owners. Vehicle use of the marsh, which is not legally permitted has also resulted in disturbances to protected features within The Wash nature reserve.

A range of organisations and individuals that have a legal duty or stake in ensuring these problems are resolved were brought together to jointly agree solutions.

Participating organisations include:

The Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Local land owners
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Natural England
Witham Fourth Internal Drainage Board
Skegness and Wainfleet District Wildfowlers
East Lindsey District Council

It is not the intention of the group to completely restrict access to the area. It was agreed that something needed to be done to deal with these issues. After an extensive options analysis (available on request), a series of actions have been agreed.

The helipad has been left open for parking, but access to the two adjacent trackways leading out to open marsh is restricted. Multiple two tonne concrete blocks have been installed.

Vehicle access via the sea wall cattle grids has been restricted.

A gate has been installed to limit vehicle access to Friskney Sea Lane. Access rights will be controlled by Roughton Farms.

The gate will be locked at night and at the convenience of farm access will be limited during the day

Pedestrian access will be ensured adjacent to the new gate.

Cover image by Robert Enderby

If you have any questions, please contact The Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership using the contact details below.

The Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership
6 North Lynn Business Village
Bergen Way
King’s Lynn
Norfolk PE30 2JG
Telephone: 01553 772020
Email: info@wnnmp.co.uk

Local Designations

North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Promoting an understanding and appreciation of North Norfolk's natural beauty and the importance of local sustainable development. Image credit, C. Knights More

RAMSAR Wetlands sites

Gibraltar Point, The Wash and North Norfolk have been designated RAMSAR sites to protect their wetlands and associated resources. Image Credit, S. Bosley. More

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Gibraltar Point, The Wash and North Norfolk have been designated SSSI's in recognition of their important ecological and geological value to the UK. Image credit, C. Knights More

National Nature Reserves

Gibraltar Point, The Wash, Titchwell, Holme , Holkham, Cley and Blakeney coasts have all been designated NNR's to protect their habitats, species and geology. More

Cromer Shoal Marine Conservation Zone

Chalk beds are home to a beautiful diversity of sea-life such as sponges, algae, crabs and herring and are protected at Cromer, Norfolk. Image credit, Rob Spray and Dawn Watson. More