Woodbridge Historic Riverside

Woodbridge Town Council and The Crown Estate are pleased to confirm they have today entered into a long lease enabling the effective management and preservation of an important part of the River Deben foreshore.

The area involved is bounded by Whisstocks Quay and its slipway, the Tide Mill Quay, and the Tide Mill and its Pond, and it extends out to the line of mean low water .

The signing of the lease is of both historic and current importance. The water frontage view of the Tide Mill and across the Deben to Sutton Hoo, is one of the most iconic views to be found within East Anglia and has been the subject of numerous and, in certain cases documented, paintings and prints certainly as far back as the early 19th Century.

The association of the Longshed, Tide Mill and Woodbridge Museum to this important stretch of the River Deben is self-evident to all who visit them. These attractions together form the cultural hub of Woodbridge, and collectively play a critical role in the telling of the River Deben's vivid history back to medieval times.

Woodbridge Town Council wish to acknowledge the generosity and assistance of the Kyson Fairway Committee and Whisstocks Development Company, both of whom have rescinded part of their existing foreshore lease. The Town Council will now manage the foreshore, ensuring that this sensitive area is preserved for the future benefit of Woodbridge residents and visitors to the town alike.

Woodbridge Town Council Mayor, Sue Bale, commented “I am delighted that the extension to the leased foreshore area allows the Town Council to manage and safeguard this important part of the Historic Woodbridge Riverside.”

On behalf of The Crown Estate, local managing agent, Peter Riches said: “This is a really special area for the local community. We’re delighted to have been able to work with Woodbridge Town Council, to ensure we can preserve and manage effectively an important part of the River Deben foreshore for the future'.

Photo credit - Mr David Mortimer.