The Crag Walk Project

The Crag Walk is 110m educational public access and viewing platform which will be located at the south end of the Naze Cliffs and will enable visitors and schools to see and understand the erosion process affecting the coast. The project is part of wider plans for educational facilities to help inform the community and others about coastal change and environmental issues. The cliffs have international designations relating to their fantastic fossils and it is important that this fossil evidence is renewed by erosion of the majority of the cliffs.  The viewing platform will allow access to the cliffs.

The project cost for The Crag Walk is in the region of £1.2m capital. INTend have secured £520,000 capital funds as part of its successful Coastal Pathfinder bid for Tendring District Council. Other funds are, Essex County Council (£500,000), the Naze Protection Society (£230,000), Frinton and Walton Town council (£10,000) and Haven Gateway Partnership (£10,000).  This means that the works are planned to go ahead in 2010/2011.  All permissions are being finalised. 

Once the Crag Walk project is underway the partners have agreed to work together to improve the practical management of the land at the top of the cliffs and along the beach.   The land at the top of the cliffs is owned by Tendring District Council.  It is predominantly grassland and scrub with a few ponds and reed beds.  It is an important land fall for many migrant birds which find shelter and food in the vegetation particularly in spring and autumn.  There are many footpaths through this area leading right through to the beach at the northern end of the Naze.  Many visitors walk this route, returning along the beach and back up the cliff steps to the car park.  A Management Plan has been written and agreed for the future management of this area.  Essex Wildlife Trust is planning to work with Tendring District Council on this improved management which will benefit both wildlife and visitors.  This first phase will also include the first of a series of interpretation boards.