With the end of winter there has been a review of coast protection in the Christchurch and New Forest area.
The New Forest National Park Authority has issued a report on changes to its coastline. Whilst the coast just east of Milford-on-Sea is protected by both the Isle of Wight and the Hurst Spit it is still not immune to climate change.Â
The review reports on predictions of sea level rises and more frequent storms. The saltmarsh is receding every year and it is suggested that regular hot weather will lead to a surge in tourists visiting the coast.Â
Meanwhile in Christchurch coastal management officer Steve Woolard has presented the council with a report on last month’s severe storm which left both the coast path’s winter route through Christchurch and Mudeford Quay at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour flooded.Â
There was also damage to the Sandspit below Hengistbury Head. Steve Woolard suggests that similar storms could be happening once every three years by 2052.
See pages 58, 63, 78-83.
