The overflow system is designed to reduce flood risk on the B1127 Wrentham to Southwold Road which is close to nearby rare birds.

Easton Valley (Image: Natural England)

Adam Burrows, senior reserve manager at Natural England, said: "The 140-hectare Easton Valley reedbed supports rare breeding birds including bitterns and marsh harriers.

"Rising water levels had prevented successful nesting as well as causing periodic road closures.

"We hope the new drainage system will maintain optimal water levels, enabling wildlife to thrive whilst keeping the road open.

"This project demonstrates how working with nature can simultaneously manage flood risk, support wildlife, and maintain access for communities."

Bittern (Image: Harry Tucker/ Natural England)

The newly completed system directs excess water away from the surrounding reedbed, which is Britain’s third-largest reedbed and one of Britain's most important wildlife habitats.

Previously, flooding not only closed the road but also threatened wildlife and disrupted public access to the nearby King Charles III England Coast Path.

With the new overflow in place, inland diversions on the King Charles III England Coast Path will be reduced by 2.5 miles, improving access for walkers and visitors.

The updated system was installed at the beginning of March and consists of pipes running beneath the beach to create an additional drainage route.

It supports an existing outfall managed by the Environment Agency, which has become increasingly difficult to operate due to coastal erosion.

Since the 1950s, the beach has retreated significantly, increasing the valley’s vulnerability to flooding from both freshwater and saltwater.

Natural England said that when the existing outfall became blocked, the valley could be flooded with fresh or salt water, or both.

Marsh Harrier (Image: Harry Tucker/ Natural England)

The new overflow will also reopen a public footpath which was frequently submerged by raised water levels.

The Easton Valley is home to saline lagoons and rare species such as the starlet sea anemone and sand lagoon shrimp.

Coastal erosion has made managing the valley's water levels increasingly difficult.

Natural England will continue to work with the Environment Agency and Suffolk County Council to monitor the system's effectiveness as part of the adaptive approach to managing this dynamic coastal environment.

© Eastern Daily Press