In light of the increasing intensity of climate-change induced environmental changes, restoring historic floodplains of rivers has become a new approach to counter some of these effects. Such a strategy is employed here, along the brackish Kentish River Stour near the town of Sandwich. Following case studies such as Marker Wadden and Waterdunen in the Netherlands, the Stour is expanded into a flood storage area using existing drainage culverts, where new habitats are created using tidal forces to shape and naturalise the landscapes into various habitats.

By connecting to the river at three separate points of different salinities, a unique combination of habitats is created – saltwater, brackish, and freshwater. These habitats not only tackle the rising water levels of rivers, but also enhance local habitats, counter saline intrusion, monitor river changes, and boost local ecotourism – all issues that need to be tackled in Sandwich town and its local environment.