The bore arriving at Lower Parting, Alney Island (Bore walk)

Mud cracks on the current foreshore (Beachley to Sudbrook walk)

Mythical beasts along the muddy shores (Severn Bridge walk)

Mud cracks on the current foreshore (Beachley to Sudbrook walk)

Islands

The estuary’s islands have a quiet, enduring allure. They feel almost like old friends, following you around the estuary, sometimes popping up in unexpected places and challenging your sense of geography! Steeped in history, they also provide sanctuary for rare, and at times unique, plants and wildlife. I particularly enjoyed our visit to Flatholm last autumn and discovering some of the challenges of island living and discovering Wales’ most southerly pub, the Gull and Leek!

The rarely seen seaward shores of Steepholm from a recent cruise onboard PS Waverley (Waverley article)

A different geography – a distant view of the Holms from Sand Point (Sand Point to Brean Down walk)

Wild leeks on Flat Holm with distant views across to the Somerset coast (Flat Holm article)

A new perspective of the Prince of Wales Bridge – from below – near Sudbrook (Beachley to Sudbrook walk)

Heading towards the second tower on the Severn Bridge (Severn Bridge walk)

Heading towards the second tower on the Severn Bridge (Severn Bridge walk)

A distant view towards the Prince of Wales Bridge across the mudflats from the Severn Bridge

The last 30 years

As we’ve been celebrating our Partnership’s thirtieth anniversary, I’ve found myself reflecting on the many changes the estuary has seen over this period. Perhaps the most visible transformations have been along its urban shores, where once-decaying docklands have given way to vibrant waterfronts in our port cities and towns. Even more remarkably some of our former industrial shores, such as the Newport wetlands, have been transformed into wildlife havens. Many of the estuary’s resorts, too, have been refreshed, with piers restored and promenades revitalised. Yet these bright new façades sit alongside more sobering shifts. Concerns over water quality and declining fish stocks have curtailed some of the estuary’s traditional activities, making it harder to imagine the close maritime ties of previous generations.

The construction and opening of the Second Severn Crossing—now the Prince of Wales Bridge—in 1996 reshaped the geography of the estuary, strengthening physical connections across its shores. Political changes brought about by devolution have introduced new challenges for its integrated management. Of more concern still is the creeping spread of development at the edges of our settlements alongside the growing threat of climate change. It is little wonder that so much of the estuary’s shoreline now bears the marks of new and strengthened flood defences.

Evening light across the RSPB Newport Wetlands reserve, once a former industrial site (Newport wetlands walk)

Penarth Pier bathed in the evening sunshine (Penarth walk)

The Pierhead Building and the Senedd (the seat of Welsh Parliament, Senedd Cymru) at the heart of Cardiff Bay (Cardiff Bay walk)

Victoria Dock is one of the most imposing dockland restoration schemes around the estuary, particularly as much of the maritime and industrial heritage lies at the heart of the regeneration (Gloucester walk)

The beautifully restored Clevedon Pier from the deck of PS Waverley (Waverley article)

Sea defences at Severn Beach with distant views of Avonmouth (Aust to Severn Beach walk)