Emphasis on the Environment

The Stour and Orwell estuaries are designated as a Special Protection Area(SPA) under the EC Birds Directive and as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Internationally important for their birdlife and recognised as one of the UK’s most attractive estuary areas, the Stour and Orwell need sensitive management in order to avoid damage from the busy commercial shipping activities.

Harwich Haven Authority protects the environment through a wide range of measures: