Latest News

Plans for a new leisure marina in the Tweed estuary have been dropped after detailed investigations revealed the cost of compensating for the environmental impact would be too great.

Studies carried out by specialist consultants Genecon and Royal Haskoning revealed that whilst a leisure marina could be constructed alongside Dock Road in Tweedmouth, or by digging out part of Spittal Point, the project would cost up to £15 million.

A large part of this would be to pay for the creation of new wildlife habitats which would have to be provided to replace those destroyed by the project.

The marina was a potential regeneration initiative identified in the draft master plan commissioned by the Berwick’s Future Steering Group and public consultation showed significant support.  So the Berwick Harbour Commission, in partnership with the steering group and other key agencies, commissioned the studies.

However the Tweed Estuary has earned a very special reputation for both wildlife and related habitats.  It is of international significance and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation.

This means that if any part of it is used for development, new compensatory environmental habitats would have to be created.  Not only would this be extremely expensive but identifying suitable sites would be virtually impossible because all of the area – including the adjacent coast – already enjoys very similar designation and protection.

Alan Irving, Chairman of Berwick Harbour Commission, said:  “We wanted to see if it would be possible to have a new leisure marina in the Tweed estuary, working alongside the existing commercial dock, to bring people to the area and enhance tourism in Berwick.  The studies prove that while there is a lot of interest in such a facility, this is just not possible for economic and environmental reasons.

Shona Alexander, Director of Regeneration and Development with Berwick Borough Council, added:  The findings give us certainty about what can and cannot be done along the riverside areas.  We will have to look for other ways of promoting the river, including the use of a floating pontoon for smaller craft and possibly cruise ships.  We are already part of One NorthEast Cruise Tourism initiative and know that there is potential to enhance this for the future.”

Dr. Fiona Aungier, Chairperson with the Berwick Wildlife Group, commented:  “We are delighted that the enormous importance of the Tweed Estuary for wildlife has been recognised.  No other town in Northumberland or the Borders has such a beautiful, accessible wildlife site of international importance right at its core.  Properly managed for appropriate river craft and promoted with trails, hides, guided walks and bird watching holidays, it could greatly increase Berwick's potential for tourism.”