Lyme Regis Case Study of Coastal Management

Overview

• Location: Lyme Regis is a small coastal town on the south coast of England, part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site known for its fossils.
• Importance: Popular tourist destination.

Reasons for Coastal Management

• Erosion: High rates due to high energy waves and geology.
  • Geology: Combination of limestone (resistant) and clay (vulnerable).
  • Threats: Risk of landslides endangering houses, roads, and farmland.
• Tourism Impact: Decrease in tourist numbers due to lack of beaches.

Coastal Management Strategy

• Plan: Lyme Regis Environmental Improvement Scheme.
  • Consultation: Included residents, fishermen, and environmentalists.
• Harbour Dredging: Annual dredging with sand used for beach replenishment.

Phases of Coastal Management

• Phase 1 (1990-1995):

  • Sea wall and promenade construction.
  • Emergency cliff stabilization in 2003-2004 using nails and improved drainage.

• Phase 2 (2005-2007):

  • £22 million investment in seawalls, promenades, sand and shingle beach.
  • Extension of rock armour for harbour wall protection.

• Phase 3: Not undertaken due to cost-benefit analysis.

• Phase 4 (2013-2015):

  • £20 million project for a 390m sea wall and cliff stabilization.
  • Installation of long nails and mesh for cliff protection.

Effects of Coastal Management

Positive Impacts

• Aesthetic Improvement: Increased attractiveness and tourism.
• Protection: New defences withstanding storms, better harbour protection.

Negative Impacts

• Increased Traffic and Litter: Due to higher visitor numbers.
• Natural Landscape Impact: Perceived spoilage by some residents.
• Interference with Coastal Processes: Potential conflicts with neighbouring coastlines.
• Fossil Reduction: Reduced landslides lead to fewer fossils.