Ebb and Flow

An exploration and celebration of the River Alde and Ore

The Ebb and Flow project was devised by Suffolk Coastal ARTS and the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit to explore the rich history and heritage of life along the Alde and Ore and to involve the local community in its work.

The project worked with local people to identify how this estuarine landscape changes, by exploring elements of topography, archaeology & social history.

The archaeology of the area was tracked over 6,000 years, while maps from 1500 to the present day were studied, and local residents recorded their thoughts on the way they have seen things alter during their lifetimes.

Two hundred children from eight schools were involved, as well as over 40 adult volunteers.

The project culminated in Flowfest, a free day-long celebration at Snape Maltings held in July 2008, but its achievements will be around for people to enjoy long after that including:

• Recordings of memories of the area from local residents.
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• Temporary series of sculptures along the Sailors Path between Aldeburgh and Snape by artist Jonathan Keep.
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• Listening posts at Orford Quay and on the Sailors Path and a downloadable podcast.
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• Recording of a river soundscape by composer Mike Challis.
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• Ebb and Flow river heritage walks and booklet.

Snape Maltings museum and gallery, due to open in 2010, will also hold some of the work, along with an art commission inspired by river tales, by artist Mark Dixon.

Who is behind the project

Ebb and Flow was a partnership between Suffolk Coastal and the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit (new window).

The project was funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Natural England, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit, the AONB Sustainable Development Fund and the Aldeburgh and District Local History Society.