The small 0 _____ town of Medmerry has found an unusual way to reduce the risk of flooding: let the sea in. The scheme involved the 17 of part of the existing sea wall and the building of seven kilometres of new, higher 18 further inland, closer to local communities. This has led to the 19 of a large area of wetland, capable of absorbing the energy of the waves and therefore bringing about a 20 reduction in flooding at times of storm and high tides.

According to environmental scientists, this 21 project will also turn the whole area into a 22 nature reserve. It is already attracting large numbers of birds and other wildlife and eventually it should provide a safe home for some of the country’s most 23 species. This is bound to attract more visitors to the area, although it remains 24 whether numbers will have to be limited in order to protect the reserve.