Project management, communication and construction
The feedback from project managers during the building of the OMReG database consistently highlighted how Managed Realignment (MR) projects require careful project management and also emphasised the importance of having committed and enthusiastic implementers on board who learn from previous experience. Having a clear, honest and early stakeholder communication strategy was also regularly identified as being important.
Identifying obstacles from the past is going to be vital for the future and two key potential issues include drawn out landowner negotiations (e.g. Hesketh Out Marsh) and accommodating access diversions (e.g. Walborough, Alkborough, Brancaster West Marsh, Chowder Ness, and Thornham Point). Also some great examples are emerging of good stakeholder engagement which has helped overcome or avoid such issues (e.g. Alkborough, Allfleet’s Marsh and in-development projects such as Wallasea Island Wild Coast, Medmerry and the Bristol Ports and Environment Agency Projects at Steart).
The paper reviews the methods and results from past project implementations with a view to informing best practice for the future.