Managed Realignment at Hesketh Out Marsh West

This paper reviews the design and construction of a managed realignment scheme that was completed at Hesketh Out Marsh West in the Ribble estuary in September 2008. The scheme was developed, on previously reclaimed land, to create additional intertidal habitat while maintaining flood defence standards. It has received a best practice award from the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and was a commended nomination for a merit award from the Institution of Civil Engineers' north west branch. The reasons for selection of this particular site as suitable for intertidal habitat creation are outlined, and the objectives and the designed components of the scheme are detailed. The paper also describes methods used in the design process and the design constraints, along with an outline of how the scheme was engineered to be as sustainable as possible. The paper concludes with a brief update of the changes made between design and construction and an indication of how the site is expected to develop and be used in the future.