Planning Advice Note PAN 69
Planning and Building Standards Advice on Flooding
CASE STUDY 7
NIGG BAY, CROMARTY FIRTH: Coastal realignment
At Nigg Bay on the Cromarty Firth, a 25-hectare field has been opened up to the sea as part of a coastal realignment project. To do this, a sea wall which previously protected farmland has been breached, allowing the sea to flood a large area of low-lying land. A second flood wall remains in place further inland to protect land beyond the field which is now allowed to flood.
The field was originally 'claimed' from the sea in the 1950s, but subsequent erosion of sea defences made it difficult to keep the area protected from sea water. Following the breach, the field now becomes flooded at high tide, and over time this will form a coastal wetland, providing habitats for wildlife.
This RSPB project is an example of creating salt marshes and mudflats, which will provide important habitats for birdlife. Nigg Bay is the first coastal realignment project in Scotland.
Nigg Bay coastal realignment at high tide.
(Photo courtesy of RSPB)
For more information about Nigg Bay, contact RSPB on 01463 715000.