England's Historic Seascapes: Southwold to Clacton
Oxford Archaeology (South), 2007. https://doi.org/10.5284/1000277. How to cite using this DOI
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 746
- ALSF Project Number: 4729
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1000277
- How to cite using this DOI
England's Historic Seascapes:
Southwold to Clacton
ALSF Project Number 4729
Oxford Archaeology, 2007
The Gabbard
Primary Subcharacter Type:
Caution Area
Main Character / current form and use
This area is currently characterised as a navigational feature and military area. Two offshore sandbanks are located to the east and west of the area, known as the Outer and Inner Gabbard respectively. The Inner Gabbard is approximately 16 km long and 36.5 km from the coast in the Felixstowe area and the Outer Gabbard approximately 4 km long and 46.5 km from the same coastal location. The northern end of the Inner Gabbard is subject to a large area of water turbulence. The depth of the character area is generally 20-30 m, though areas of deeper water, up to 50 m, exist to the west of the area. Depth over the Inner Gabbard is reduced to 5-15 m, and 2-20 m on the Outer Gabbard. The geology of the area is a mix of gravel and gravelly muddy sand over London Clay. The tidal range is 3.1 at Mean Spring Tide and 2 m at Mean Neap Tide and the flow is generally NNE/SSW (http://www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk).
The character area is transited by passenger ferries, bulk and cargo ships and tankers, though shipping appears to avoid the area of the two sandbanks (Jones et al nd). As a result of its proximity to the ports of Harwich and Felixstowe the area comes within the jurisdiction of the Harwich regulatory system. It is subject to restrictions concerned with high speed craft, submarine cables and traffic separation and is covered by Vessel Traffic Services (VTS).
The area is fished all year round, usually drift netting or long-lining, though limited trawling takes place.
The Gabbard area is also used recreationally. A number of tertiary Royal Yacht Association (RYA) routes cross the area to the south, heading east-west out to the open sea, representing continental sailing. In addition recreational fishing boats from Orford and Aldeburgh are known to visit the areas around the sandbanks. Diving is identified in the area but unusual due to its distance from shore (Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Ltd 2005).
The area is also dominated by the Outer Gabbard military zone. This zone is used by the Royal Navy for mine laying and mine countermeasure exercises. The area is permanently delineated, though access is only restricted during active exercises notification of which is given by radio shortly before minelaying takes place.
The character of the area is likely to change considerably as on 19th February 2007 planning consent was given to Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Ltd (Airtricity and Fluor) for the construction of a windfarm comprising 140 turbines over two sites. The larger site covers much of the character area including the Inner Gabbard, the second site is located on the Galloper sandbank (see The Galloper). Overall the area will encompass 147 km� of seabed and is expected to produce 500 MW of energy - enough to power 415,000 homes, more than the domestic demands of Suffolk. Approval for the development was given as part of a wider push towards renewable energy sources. Government targets are to convert 10% of the UK�s energy needs to renewable sources by 2010. The Greater Gabbard site will count towards 5% of this proportion. Among other reasons the site was chosen due to its good wind resource, low recreational and fishing activity, good seabed properties and the absence of known archaeology. The company suggest that little impact is expected on existing hydrodynamic, wave and sedimentological regimes, though the seascape will significantly change. A navigational channel will be maintained for safety.
Historic Character and archaeological potential
Both the Inner and Outer Gabbard are marked on the Admiralty chart of 1855, indicating they were known navigation hazards at this time. In total 13 known wrecks are located within the character area, all of which are considered dangerous. At least five of the vessels were mined or torpedoed. Named examples include, Palembang, Lodewijk Van Nassau, Ionian, Cormorant and Hendon Hall, representing international routes.
The area was the location for the Battle of the Gabbard, during the first Anglo-Dutch War in 1653 (see link).
The Albert Close fishing chart of 1953 records that this area was good sole ground in the summer.
In addition to it's shipwreck potential the area has potential to contain submerged prehistoric landscapes, features or artefacts, having been dry land prior to 8000 BP. However, no investigation work is known to have been done in this area.
Character perceptions
The Gabbard sandbanks are known and avoided shipping hazards and are likely to be deeply entrenched in the maritime psyche of the region. However, the construction of the Greater Gabbard wind farm will undoubtedly result in a changed perception of the character area. The turbines will be just visible from the coast but will be a huge feature for sea-users. Although wildlife groups have expressed worries about birds hitting the turbine blades local response has generally been quite positive and the Suffolk Preservation Society have shown support for offshore development of this sort, rather than the construction of terrestrial windfarms.
Bibliography
Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Ltd, 2005, Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary. Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Ltd.
Jones, L. A., Coyle, M. D., Evans, D., Gilliland, P.M., & Murray, A. R., Southern North Sea Marine Natural Area Profile: A contribution to regional planning and management of the seas around England. Peterborough: English Nature.
UKHO, 1953, Close�s Fishermen�s Chart of the North Sea United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
Port of Felixstowe. Available at: http://www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk(6/03/2007)
Wikipedia. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org (15/03/2007)
