Speed up Coastal Re-alignment

Managed or coastal realignment involves moving sea defences further inland and restoring coastal habitats, a program which will shortly be delivered by the Medmerry Managed Realignment Scheme on the Manhood Peninsula.

According to climate change advisors however, Councils must increase the rate at which managed realignment takes place nationally. The rate of realigning the coastline must increase five-fold to meet goals set out in long-term coastal plans. The current rate of six kilometers per must be increased to 30 kilometers per year. The statement was made in a recently published report – ‘Managing the Land in a Changing Climate’, produced by the government's advisory body on climate change.

Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs), such as the North Solent SMP, have identified ten percent of the UK coastline as currently suitable for managed realignment by 2030. To date only one per cent of the coast has been realigned, with plans for a further 0.8 per cent to 2016, the report noted. Realigning ten per cent of the coastline by 2030 would reduce flood defence costs by between £180 million and £380 million a year, the report said.

Follow this link to read Managing the Land in a Changing Climate.

Medmerry

The RSPB's newest nature reserve at Medmerry offers long walks and cycle rides through an amazing new landscape only a stone's throw from Pagham Harbour, with new mudflats, tidal lagoons, saltmarsh, wildlife-friendly farmland, dragonfly-rich ditches and great views and sunsets. Situated on the Manhood Peninsula coast, south of Chichester, this is a ground breaking project and the first of its kind... Read More»

1950's Selsey sea defences

Sea defences have been required in the Manhood Peninsula for many years. A great deal of work was needed following a particularly bad storm in December 1951 which wrecked houses along the Selsey sea front, and led to their subsequent demolition. Following is a gallery of images courtesy of Royal Haskoning, the Coastal Engineering Consultant for Chichester District, showing the coastline and sea defences evolve... Read More»

Drainage & Flood Risk

Drainage and flood risk are increasing problems on the Manhood Peninsula which may worsen considerably with climate change. For local advice see the Chichester District Council web pages for Drainage - Help and Advice. The Manhood Peninsula Partnership (MPP) commissioned a drainage survey of the peninsula from Royal Haskoning DHV during the ESPACE Project in 2006 (see link below) and is working closely... Read More»