Doubts are arising that damage to some of North Norfolk’s sea defences caused by the tidal surge in December will be repaired. The Environment Agency are seriously considering allowing the sea back in to reclaim land at Cley and Salthouse. If that does prove to be the case the economic impact on the area could be considerable. Thousands of birdwatchers travel to the reserves at Cley and Blakeney Point every year injecting a great deal of money into the local economy. If the nature of the reserves is changed by allowing the sea back in the variety of bird life will also change and the attraction of this unique part of Norfolk for keen ‘birders’ could wane.