Sea defense works to protect an important natural habitat at the Naze in Walton have been successfully completed, Tendring District Council said.
The Tamarisk clay sea wall has been extended to provide long-term protection for Hamford Water, which is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The project was led by the Naze Management Board in partnership with Tendring District Council, the Environment Agency and the Naze Protection Society.
According to the Council, it aims to protect Cormorant Creek from being overwhelmed by the sea and wiping out significant natural habitat – as well as putting homes and businesses around Hamford Water at risk.
The project, including some previous sea defense work, has cost almost £218,000, with £154,000 coming from the Environment Agency, £20,000 from TDC, £20,000 from the Naze Preservation Society and more than £23,000 from the landowner. The work was carried out by the Council’s own engineering team.
Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC Cabinet Member for Environment, said that the scheme was vital to protect the important habitat.