South Hams Coastal Change Pathfinder

South Hams District Council received £38,000 to explore planning for and managing adaptation to coastal change for Slapton Line community.

Coastal change issues

The Slapton Line is a shingle barrier beach dividing the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England from the sea. Potential future erosion of the shingle barrier would have impacts on a road (the A379), a number of car parks, a nature reserve and the local community.

These risks were highlighted when part of the road had to be moved inland following damage caused by a storm in 2001.  The Slapton Line Partnership was formed in response to this to support the local community as it adapts to the changing coastline, including the temporary and eventually permanent loss of the road.

Summary of approach

Adaptation planning and community engagement: Developing a toolkit which maps the adaptation project measures undertaken so far which can be of use to other coastal local authorities. Further developing some of the existing adaptation measures including:

• working with local businesses (and the Field Centre) to maximise the benefit of the environmental tourism potential of the area
• working with local schools and the Slapton Ley Field Centre to incorporate additional local material into their educational resources
• capturing more of the coastal history, enhancing the story and interpretation of coastal change

Partners

Slapton Line Partnership, Devon County Council, Environment Agency, Natural England, Slapton Ley Field Centre, South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Slapton Line Business Forum

Further information

• For information on the Shoreline Management Plan
• Slapton Line website

Somerset Coastal Change Pathfinder

Somerset County Council received £235,000 to explore planning for, and managing, adaptation to coastal change for the communities of Porlock Weir and Steart, and others to be determined from outcomes of the Shoreline Management Plan.

Coastal change issues

Approximately one-fifth of Somerset’s 114 kilometre coastline is low-lying, and there is a history of coastal flooding in the area. In the longer term there are risks of coastal flooding and erosion.

Summary of approach

• Community engagement: developing site-specific technical scenarios to help communities understand and explore possible affects of coastal change. Producing dedicated educational resources on coastal change for local communities, the tourism sector, local schools, and partners. Engaging community in a study to consider opportunities associated with a managed realignment scheme.
• Adaptation planning: involving the community in options for managing a coastal managed realignment scheme, identifying potential benefits and required mitigation.

Partners

Environment Agency, Sedgemoor District Council, West Somerset District Council, National Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Natural England.

Further information

• For information on the Shoreline Management Plan
• Somerset’s Pathfinder website