Over the past year, the coastal village of Hemsby in Norfolk has faced severe erosion, resulting in the destruction of homes and infrastructure. The sandy dunes that serve as a natural defense against the encroaching sea have been wearing away more rapidly, with some sections receding by as much as 1 to 2 meters each year. In 2023, the situation worsened as frequent and early storms began in August, ultimately leading to the collapse of protective dunes and the loss of a significant stretch of a coastal road spanning several hundred meters.*

Startling media images following successive storms and high tides tell a story of destruction-homes teetering on the brink, entire stretches of land swallowed by the sea, and a community grappling with the harsh realities of coastal erosion. For those living by the coast, this isn’t just a far-off issue-it’s personal, urgent, and deeply concerning.

Coastal Erosion: A Growing Threat to Coastal Living

For anyone who calls the coast home, or dreams of owning coastal property, the rapid pace of erosion on some parts of our coastline, presents a sobering challenge. The reshaping of cliffs and shorelines are the obvious physical expression, but the hidden damage is to  people’s lives and futures:

• Your Home at Risk: Many properties near eroding coastlines face immediate threats. Every storm or high tide can bring the shoreline closer, and with it, the fear of losing not just land but the place you call home.
• Financial Losses: The threat can lead to declining property values and, at worse when it goes over the cliff, the total loss of value. Banks will be unwilling to take on future risk for a remortgage, for example, so that homeowners end up feeling trapped and financially vulnerable.
• Safety Concerns: Beyond the financial toll, erosion creates significant safety risks, with properties and infrastructure at risk of collapse.

The unpredictability of coastal erosion only adds to the anxiety—it’s difficult to know when or how quickly the land will change, making it challenging to plan for the future. It takes just one major storm, coupled with a spring tide and strong onshore winds to redraw the map, almpst overnight. 

You’re Not Alone: How CoastClear Can Help

At CoastClear, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with living near a changing coastline. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing resources and guidance to help you protect your home and make informed decisions about coastal property.

Here’s how we can help:

• Assess Your Risk: Learn how to evaluate the erosion risks affecting your property or potential coastal investments through accessing better climate risk information
• Take Action: Use the information to make better informed decisions ahead of completion – walk in with your eyes open, or walk away.  
• Plan for the Future: Discover practical steps to plan ahead for the future and build your community resilience, alongside public agencies. 

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’re living near the coast or considering a move, now is the time to act. Coastal erosion is a pressing issue that demands attention, not just from governments and planners but from everyone it affects.

At CoastClear, we’re here to empower you with the tools and advice you need to navigate this challenge. Whether it’s protecting your current home or evaluating a potential purchase, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Visit CoastClear today to learn how to protect your property from coastal erosion: https://coastclear.co.uk/

Don’t let coastal erosion take you by surprise-take control of your coastal future.

References:

*https://www.lemonde.fr/climat/article/2024/06/01/au-royaume-uni-les-habitants-du-norfolk-seuls-face-a-l-erosion-du-littoral_6236708_1652612.html