A Strategy is needed to address several challenges facing this area now and into the future. This coastline is a highly dynamic environment and change is a common occurrence, however this is impeded by climate change. Over the next 100 years, sea levels are expected to rise over one metre, which will have an impact on increased flood risk to properties, infrastructure, low lying land, designated habitats and the species they support.
Key Challenges include:
Coastal Squeeze
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the flood embankments combined with sea level rise are creating a process called coastal squeeze. The presence of the flood embankments prevents coastal habitats moving inland as sea levels rise. Where natural retreat of habitats inland is prevented, it results in the loss of coastal habitats, which in this instance is mostly saltmarsh.
Saltmarsh
Saltmarsh is known to act as a natural flood defence through stabilising the coastline and dissipating wave energy. It is also very good at taking carbon out of the air and storing it. The loss of large areas of this important saltmarsh habitat will have significant consequences for wildlife and local communities. Sadly, the decline of these valuable habitats has already begun and will only continue if opportunities cannot be identified.
Diagram to show the process of coastal Squeeze (Source: NOAA Fisheries)
Flooding
With the change in climate, more intense rainfall events are expected which will affect the rivers that drain out along this coast, increasing the risk of larger and more frequent flood events. Surface water flooding is also likely to occur on a greater scale than currently experienced.
Funding
Although currently funded by central government. A key challenge and success of the strategy progressing will be the securing of funding. It is unlikely future projects identified through the strategy will draw down full funding from central government, therefore funding and investment from other sources will need to be secured to aid implementation.
Opportunities
However, with all these challenges there are opportunities. The Strategy brings with it the opportunity to:
Manage the change that is happening
Involve residents and local groups to have input and shape the future
Enhance the environment for future generations
Plan for future climates
Explore the use of sustainable and creative solutions
Support resilient communities
Damage to Hurst Spit by Valentine's Day Storm 2014 (Source: New Forest District Council)
So what are the challenges?
A Strategy is needed to address several challenges facing this area now and into the future. This coastline is a highly dynamic environment and change is a common occurrence, however this is impeded by climate change. Over the next 100 years, sea levels are expected to rise over one metre, which will have an impact on increased flood risk to properties, infrastructure, low lying land, designated habitats and the species they support.
Key Challenges include:
Coastal Squeeze
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the flood embankments combined with sea level rise are creating a process called coastal squeeze. The presence of the flood embankments prevents coastal habitats moving inland as sea levels rise. Where natural retreat of habitats inland is prevented, it results in the loss of coastal habitats, which in this instance is mostly saltmarsh.
Saltmarsh
Saltmarsh is known to act as a natural flood defence through stabilising the coastline and dissipating wave energy. It is also very good at taking carbon out of the air and storing it. The loss of large areas of this important saltmarsh habitat will have significant consequences for wildlife and local communities. Sadly, the decline of these valuable habitats has already begun and will only continue if opportunities cannot be identified.
Diagram to show the process of coastal Squeeze (Source: NOAA Fisheries)
Flooding
With the change in climate, more intense rainfall events are expected which will affect the rivers that drain out along this coast, increasing the risk of larger and more frequent flood events. Surface water flooding is also likely to occur on a greater scale than currently experienced.
Funding
Although currently funded by central government. A key challenge and success of the strategy progressing will be the securing of funding. It is unlikely future projects identified through the strategy will draw down full funding from central government, therefore funding and investment from other sources will need to be secured to aid implementation.
Opportunities
However, with all these challenges there are opportunities. The Strategy brings with it the opportunity to:
Manage the change that is happening
Involve residents and local groups to have input and shape the future
Enhance the environment for future generations
Plan for future climates
Explore the use of sustainable and creative solutions
Support resilient communities
Damage to Hurst Spit by Valentine's Day Storm 2014 (Source: New Forest District Council)
Damage to Hurst Spit by Valentine's Day Storm 2014