| Devon's coastline under threat of erosion | |
|  | | The beach at Woolacombe could recede by up to 50 metres |
| | Some of Devon's most popular beaches and stretches of coastline could be affected by rising tides and the encroaching sea, according to the National Trust. |
| | | More than 150 miles of National Trust coastline in Devon and Cornwall could be affected by rising tides during the coming decades.
Among the areas which will come under attack are Woolacombe Beach in North Devon, and Man Sands in the south of the county.
The National Trust owns 1,130 km (702 miles) of coastline in the UK. Following research into the threat of coastal erosion, the charity estimates that 60% could be affected in the next 100 years.
The trust forecasts that 169 of its sites nationally - measuring a total of 608 km (378 miles) - will be hit.
Fifty-two of those 169 sites are in Devon and Cornwall, and account for 247km (153 miles).
 | Man Sands in South Devon, where the sea is already making inroads
Photo: National Trust |
The trust described its research as "a wake-up call on coastal change," and has called on greater planning towards adapting to it.
In its report, entitled "Shifting Shores," the National Trust says that sea levels are expected to rise by up to 0.86m in the next 75 years, and planning is needed as soon as possible.
Mark Harold, the trust's director for Devon & Cornwall, warned: "Over the next few decades, extensive coastal change - especially flooding and erosion caused by sea level rise and more frequent storms - appears inevitable.
"The UK cannot ignore the issue, and all sectors must plan how to adapt to a future of coastal change.
"As the UK's largest - and one of the region's largest - owners of coastal land, the National Trust must deal with the reality of the impacts of sea level rise.
"The scale of the impacts we are facing will be mirrored across much of the UK's coast."
He added: "Our changing coastline demonstrates that the impacts of climate change are being felt today and are close to home.
"We need to adapt to the changes under way, working with the forces of nature wherever possible, to secure a better long term future for coastal communities and the environment."
 | | Surfers at Woolacombe Beach |
The trust owns a stretch of the North Devon coast from Ilfracombe to Croyde, taking in most of Woolacombe Beach.
It has been listed in the top five of best beaches in the world, and is a favourite with families and surfers.
However, the trust predicts between 10 and 50 metres will be lost in the next century.
The trust is looking to work with private landowners in the area, and other interested parties, to manage the changes in a way which ensures the continued popularity of Woolacombe.
In the south of the county, the trust points to a success story, where leaving nature to do its things has had environmental benefits.
Man Sands, just south of Brixham, is a remote and beautiful area, popular with walkers along the South West Cost Path.
It was being badly affected by coastal erosion, so the trust took action to keep the sea at bay.
 | The wetland has been re-established at Man Sand
Photo: National Trust |
In 1985, steel gabions - wire baskets holding rocks - were put up, to protect the land behind it, which had been converted from wetland to farmland.
In 2004, the gabions were removed with the agreement of the tenant farmer, allowing the water to re-establish itself on the reinstated wetland.
The result of this return to its natural condition has led to wildfowl moving onto the site.
The trust believes that managing coastal change in such a way can be far more positive than trying to prevent it.
But the most pressing thing at the moment, say trust bosses, is to start making plans for the big changes ahead.
Article written: 28th April 2005
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