Welcome to the “Living with a Changing Coast” project. We are a cross-channel project helping coastal communities to better understand and prepare for the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and erosion on their coastline. Partner organisations from Devon, Dorset and Normandy are working together on this part European-funded project, led by the Environment Agency. The project covers a period of three and a half years, from Apri 2011 to September 2014.
Why are we doing this?
Stormy seas at Exmouth, Devon
Climate change, sea level rise and erosion are already having impacts on the South-West of England and Normandy. Coastal communities need to be aware of how they may be affected and what they can do to prepare for this. We can also help to protect the coastal environment through a better understanding of the plant and animal species that live there.
How will we do this?
- by looking at historical records showing changes in the coastline and understanding that this is a long-term phenomenon which has always existed,
- by understanding the issues and speaking to the local people, using workshops and engagement events, and
- by studying coastal biodiversity and the natural environment and evaluating how they are evolving in relation to changes in the climate.
Where is our work focussed?
Poole Harbour, Dorset
The project covers seven sites in the South West of England and Normandy in France:
- Exe Estuary, Devon
- Poole Harbour & Wareham, Dorset
- Veys Bay, Normandy
- Sienne Havre, Normandy
- Saire Valley, Normandy
- Saâne valley, Normandy
- Orne Estuary, Normandy
Why did we choose these locations?
Aerial view of Saire valleyThe issues faced in Poole harbour and the Orne Estuary are similar – they are both major sea ports with ferry terminals, contributing to the economy of the region and its tourism. They also represent important areas for biodiversity.
The Exe Estuary, Sienne Havre and Veys Bay are all internationally important sites for wading birds and wildlife in general. There are conflicts of interest in terms of the use of these sites, from farming, tourism and transport.
The Saire Valley faces the problem of coastal erosion and marine flooding. Due to these problems, the major issues identified in terms of management of the environment relate to the loss of wetlands, the future of agriculture and infrastructure in coastal marshes and the fate of bird life.
Le Point d’Agon au Havre de la Sienne, département de la Manche, Normandy
The Saâne valley is confronted by the problem of flood management and movement of fish as the mouth of the valley is crossed by a road dike that cuts the flow of water between the land and the sea.
All the sites chosen highlight the dynamic aspect of the coast and the key role estuaries play in terms of tourism and the economy. They present many different challenges and opportunities for future management.
