Site Event/Activity record ESF28666 - Survey - World War II Uncovered

Coastal erosion is active in the county of Suffolk and sites and objects of WWII interest are regularly being exposed. Many are already known and even recorded, but others are previously unknown assets which, following exposure, are at risk of loss or damage without adequate record. In an attempt to quantify the number of potential sites currently being exposed three sample areas of the coast were rapidly surveyed at Bawdsey, Sizewell and Walberswick. The results of the survey and the accrued base-line data was also used to identify sites/assets liable to be under threat from coastal erosion over the coming decades and to test the accuracy of existing records. The work was commissioned by Touching the Tide with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Crown Estate. Three sample areas were chosen for the survey (Fig. 1), these were at Bawdsey (Area A; from the northern edge of Bawdsey Estate to East Lane), Sizewell (Area B; Sizewell power station to Dunwich Heath) and Walberswick (Area C; a 2.5km stretch south of the river mouth). A two stage approach was proposed for the survey, the first being a gathering of baseline data through a combination of limited documentary research to prepare base mapping and site walkover surveys to confirm the actual presence and condition of any WWII assets. The second stage of the project is to undertake targeted investigation ofany new, significant or particularly vulnerable remains identified within the sample survey areas.