Week 4 Field course information Flashcards
(9 cards)
Highcliffe Monitoring and Coastal Change BCP
Monitoring Since 2002: Highcliffe area has generally accreted, with minimal change in the easternmost groyne bay.
Beach Changes: Six groyne bays west of the unprotected section between Highcliffe and Friars Cliff have experienced upper beach erosion and lower beach flattening with accretion.
Naish to Barton Monitoring
Observations Since 2002: Erosion to the west of Naish and overall accretion across most of the beach.
Implication: Continued monitoring is needed to understand long-term coastal dynamics and plan for potential erosion.
Christchurch Bay Strategy – Risk and Costs
Properties at Risk: 191 properties could be impacted by coastal erosion by 2123, with £51.7 million in potential damages.
National Option: £13 million for long-term beach nourishment and outflanking defenses in the short term, maintenance of existing defenses in the medium term.
Local Option: £14.5 million for medium-term nourishment and outflanking defenses, with additional long-term nourishment.
Funding Challenge: Only £1.5–2.2 million available from the government; additional funds needed from contributions.
Hurst Monitoring and Changes
Key Changes Since 2003:
East of the Elbow: Accretion on the lower beach, erosion of the landward face.
West of the Elbow: Erosion on the lower beach, accretion on the landward face.
Hurst Point: Erosion of the lower beach and accretion on the top and back face, with significant shape and position changes.
Hurst to Lymington Conservation Designations
Special Protection Area (SPA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and RAMSAR site.
Conservation Objectives:
Maintain annual vegetation of drift lines and habitats for over-wintering waders and waterfowl, including species like dark-bellied brent goose and black-tailed godwit.
Protect breeding habitats for species such as Little, Common, and Sandwich terns.
Annual Vegetation of Drift Lines
Characteristics: Sparse, ephemeral vegetation on mobile shingle foreshores.
Adaptations: Tolerance to saltwater influx and disturbance from waves or tides.
Best Examples: Found on level, high-level beaches with limited human interference.
Over-Wintering Waders and Waterfowl
Dark-Bellied Brent Goose: 91,000 travel from Siberia to the UK each autumn, with the Solent hosting about 30% of the UK population.
Black-Tailed Godwit: A significant number reside in the Solent year-round, with many more arriving in winter from Iceland.
Conservation Importance: The Solent is a vital habitat for these birds, emphasizing the need for protection.
Habitat Contributions – Saltmarshes
Ecosystem Services:
Carbon Storage: Saltmarshes sequester carbon in soils, playing a role in climate regulation.
Flood Protection: Provide natural defence against flooding, stabilizing shorelines and protecting coastal areas.
Ownership and Management at Hurst
Ownership Details:
Privately Owned Areas: Recently sold land for £200,000.
Hurst Castle: Managed by Hurst Marine for English Heritage, designated as a Scheduled Monument.
Land Management: Land towards New Milton is managed by New Forest District Council.
Significance: The strategic management of these areas is crucial for preserving cultural and natural heritage.
