Strategy Progress

We will update this page as work progresses and we have additional information to share, so please do check back frequently.

Below is a timeline of key events and activities that have taken place since the decision to proceed with a Strategy for the 15km coastline was agreed. Please note that this is complex area of coastline and whilst the Strategy Team are not updating and engaging with residents at the moment, the team of experts are working away in the background.

If you have any questions, please contact hurstspit2lymington@environment-agency.co.uk


OngoingExtensive research and assessments conducted throughout including Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitat Risk Assessment, reviewing the potential impacts and benefits on the environment including heritage and landscape

Nov 2024
Series of public exhibitions on Draft Pathways for the strategy area, View Draft Pathway exhibition boards

May 2024Workshops held with representatives from local organisations and groups connected to Hurst Spit, on the four Leading Options for Hurst Spit as follows; Hold the Form - Upgrade / Hold the Form - Maintain then Sustain / Rollback - Reactive Management / Rollback - Minimal Intervention. View summary report of workshops
Spring 2024
Preparing of the Draft Preferred Pathways for all 9 Management Units

Jan 2024Partner workshop with representatives from Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, Natural England, English Heritage and others to explore the concept of Adaptation Pathways and how this will be adopted for the Strategy

Sept 2023Feedback from the public exhibitions and and online seminar collated, nearly 400 residents attended the drop in sessions and online seminar and over 160 completed feedback forms on the Leading Options. Feedback on the exhibitions and proposals available to view in this View Summary Report
June/July 2023Leading options for each of the nine Management Units shared with residents and stakeholders. Public exhibitions held at community venues in Milford on Sea and Lymington, and an evening online briefing. Attendance at New Forest Show. Leading Options public exhibition boards 2023
Autumn 2022
Shortlist Options appraised on four factors; economics, benefits, technical, environmental

Sept 2022Shortlist of options for each of the nine Management Units shared with residents and stakeholders. Shortlist Options public exhibition boards 2022

March 2022
Strategy Team commission independent panel of experts to review the potential evolution of Hurst Spit. View Panel Report findings

Jan 2021Online survey carried out with residents and stakeholders, 766 responses were received, highlighting key themes and areas of importance. Survey results 2021

Dec 2020
The Strategy Team began working collaboratively with the Christchurch Bay and Harbour Strategy

Nov 2020Stakeholder Advisory Group (StAG) established comprising of 23 key local groups and organisations all with a specialist interest and knowledge of the local area. View StAG Members

June 2020Decision to proceed with production of a Strategy for the coastline. Strategy Team established and made up of representatives from Environment Agency, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Natural England and JBA Consultants


Next Steps

Below is an indication of the next steps and likely timeframe for the next 18 months, please note this may be subject to change as the Strategy progresses.



We will update this page as work progresses and we have additional information to share, so please do check back frequently.

Below is a timeline of key events and activities that have taken place since the decision to proceed with a Strategy for the 15km coastline was agreed. Please note that this is complex area of coastline and whilst the Strategy Team are not updating and engaging with residents at the moment, the team of experts are working away in the background.

If you have any questions, please contact hurstspit2lymington@environment-agency.co.uk


OngoingExtensive research and assessments conducted throughout including Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitat Risk Assessment, reviewing the potential impacts and benefits on the environment including heritage and landscape

Nov 2024
Series of public exhibitions on Draft Pathways for the strategy area, View Draft Pathway exhibition boards

May 2024Workshops held with representatives from local organisations and groups connected to Hurst Spit, on the four Leading Options for Hurst Spit as follows; Hold the Form - Upgrade / Hold the Form - Maintain then Sustain / Rollback - Reactive Management / Rollback - Minimal Intervention. View summary report of workshops
Spring 2024
Preparing of the Draft Preferred Pathways for all 9 Management Units

Jan 2024Partner workshop with representatives from Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, Natural England, English Heritage and others to explore the concept of Adaptation Pathways and how this will be adopted for the Strategy

Sept 2023Feedback from the public exhibitions and and online seminar collated, nearly 400 residents attended the drop in sessions and online seminar and over 160 completed feedback forms on the Leading Options. Feedback on the exhibitions and proposals available to view in this View Summary Report
June/July 2023Leading options for each of the nine Management Units shared with residents and stakeholders. Public exhibitions held at community venues in Milford on Sea and Lymington, and an evening online briefing. Attendance at New Forest Show. Leading Options public exhibition boards 2023
Autumn 2022
Shortlist Options appraised on four factors; economics, benefits, technical, environmental

Sept 2022Shortlist of options for each of the nine Management Units shared with residents and stakeholders. Shortlist Options public exhibition boards 2022

March 2022
Strategy Team commission independent panel of experts to review the potential evolution of Hurst Spit. View Panel Report findings

Jan 2021Online survey carried out with residents and stakeholders, 766 responses were received, highlighting key themes and areas of importance. Survey results 2021

Dec 2020
The Strategy Team began working collaboratively with the Christchurch Bay and Harbour Strategy

Nov 2020Stakeholder Advisory Group (StAG) established comprising of 23 key local groups and organisations all with a specialist interest and knowledge of the local area. View StAG Members

June 2020Decision to proceed with production of a Strategy for the coastline. Strategy Team established and made up of representatives from Environment Agency, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Natural England and JBA Consultants


Next Steps

Below is an indication of the next steps and likely timeframe for the next 18 months, please note this may be subject to change as the Strategy progresses.



Page last updated: 25 Feb 2025, 09:56 AM