A thousand years ago King Canute came to Sussex to remind the yes-men who surrounded him he knew his limitations and could not hold back the waves.

There is perhaps the need for a return visit as once again we vainly attempt to defeat time and tide, this time at the Cuckmere estuary.

Whether we like it or not, sea level rises will see to it the waves eventually break through and the much-loved beauty spot is returned to what nature intended.

The Environment Agency's plan to remove flood defences, backed by the National Trust, English Nature and the Sussex Downs Conservation Board, should be supported.

The estuary we see today is the invention of Victorian engineers and allowing the river to flood naturally should create superb habitat for wildlife and visitors.

It is right planners should consider the pros and cons, not least because it is the simplest way to properly consult with the public.

Similarly calls for a public inquiry carry weight, although it would make sense to hold a single hearing on the whole scheme, rather than one before flooding the west side of the valley and a second before flooding the east.

But returning the Cuckmere estuary to nature is probably for the best and, like Canute, we should remember we cannot hold back the waves.