Case study: Coastal realignment in Medmerry

Question 1

Why was the scheme needed

Answer 1

Environmental Agency identified Medmerry to be most at risk from flooding due to climate change

Question 2

Why was it decided to do coastal realignment

Answer 2

• beach reprofiling at a cost of £200,000 per year was ineffective
• flood damage in 2008 cost £5 million

Question 3

What was decided?

Answer 3

1. To build a new clay embankment 2km inland to protect 348 properties behind it
2. There would be a channel behind the embankment to collect floodwater
3. Rock armour at the edge of the embankment (next to the sea)
4. Within the embankment, a breach was made to allow the land to flood

Question 4

Positives of what happened after the scheme; social

Answer 4

Avoided flooding in 2013. Provided footpaths and bike paths

Question 5

Positives of what happened after the scheme: economic

Answer 5

• 4 new viewing points —> more people going to holiday village
• 2 new car parks —> increase in tourism

Question 6

Positives of what happened after the scheme: environmental

Answer 6

300 hectares of new Halifax’s; eg salt marsh, mudflats. Huge nature reserve managed by RSPB

Question 7

Negatives of what happened after the scheme: social

Answer 7

Some locals wanted to continue beach reprofiling. Others resented investment. Other places are still vulnerable.

Question 8

Negatives of what happened after the scheme : Economic

Answer 8

Very expensive: £28 million spent at start. Even more expensive in future.
3 farms also abandoned.

Question 9

Negatives of what happened after the scheme : Environmental

Answer 9

Habitats were still disturbed, eg badgers