I read with interest every time the story about the Environment Agency's decision to allow the Cuckmere Haven to succumb to the sea appears in the news (The Argus, October 29).

It seems to me a great tragedy that it is too costly to maintain the flood defences and protect the river plain.

We will lose beneath the tides a distinctive and unique landscape, although it is perhaps indicative of the times in which we live.

My first reaction is surprise that conservation bodies such as the RSPB and English Nature are supporting the plan. The RSPB say that birds like lapwings and redshanks will be attracted to a flooded estuary.

But these species already breed in this area. The other tidal rivers in the county such as the Arun and the Adur seem very canal like and fairly devoid of birdlife apart from the area near Shoreham on the Adur.

If we do have to lose the remarkable and beautiful, meandering Cuckmere river estuary then perhaps a work of natural art, like the one which was constructed in the water-meadows in Lewes could commemorate for future generations a feature which many of us have grown up with and which is part of our county's history.

  • Alan Burlap, Northlands Avenue, Haywards Heath