Our Changing Coast
Coastal change is a natural, ongoing process that has always happened. As sea water meets cliffs and shores, it causes sediment or rocks to be broken down and washed out to sea.  In some instances, this material may be moved to a different part of the coast and deposited in large quantities, causing 'accretion' - the opposite of erosion, where shorelines may advance or build up with sediment over time.  In fact, the sand and shingle that makes our beaches is a product of erosion, and to remain in place they need a continual supply of material.

Erosion can happen under any conditions, but its rate tends to increase when waves are powerful and water levels are high - for instance during storms or in high winds.

How has our shoreline changed over the years?
Shorelines constantly change due to waves and tides.  The amount of physical change depends on many things, and happens over timescales from seconds to centuries.

Although not in the Southwest Coastal Group’s Area, an example of the effects of this change can be seen from this video of the village of Happisburgh in North Norfolk

The ever changing coastline has also been influenced by people’s actions throughout the years, particularly in attempts to stop the effect of erosion or flooding.   In some cases, this has taken place without an appreciation of the effect these actions could have on other places up and down the coast.

People enjoy living by and visiting the coast, and the pressure for more housing is increasing.  As international trade increases, so does the demand for port space and associated coastal-based industry.

This sort of development places stress on natural coastal habitats that are often unique and of national and international importance.

Help and advice on coastal change
Coastal change can affect people in both positive and negative ways.  Eroding coasts can place houses, businesses and farmland at risk, yet others may benefit from sediment moving along the shoreline and keeping natural defences such as beaches and marshes healthy.

The risk from erosion can bring problems for home and land owners relating to insurance, property values and planning permission.  Although insurance may be provided against sea flooding, there is no insurance against coastal erosion.

In some locations it is not possible or appropriate to defend against erosion or maintain existing defences. Where this is the case, Defra, the Environment Agency and local authorities, aim to work closely with communities to help them adapt to the changes.

How policy is changing
Anticipating and responding to these problems is the subject of new policy being developed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Defra is developing new proposals on how communities can receive practical support to help them adapt  to coastal change. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is also developing new planning guidance on future development at the coast.

Find out more by visiting the links below.

Consultation on Coastal Change Policy - Defra website 

Supporting communities that may be affected by coastal erosion and flooding - Adapting to coastal change - Defra website