10.11 Coastal management at Lyme Regis Flashcards
What are the main regions for management at Lyme Regis in Dorset?
➢ Much of town has been built on unstable cliffs
➢ Coastline is eroding more rapidly due to the powerful waves from the south west
What happened in the Phase 1 of the environmental improvement scheme?
➢ New sea wall constructed to the east of of the mouth of the River Lym
➢ £1.4 million emergency project was completed to stabilise the cliffs at winter
➢ Hundred of nails were used to hold the rocks together as well as improving drainage
What happened in Phase 2 of the environmental improvement scheme?
➢ £22 million improvement to the sea front
➢ Construction of new sea walls
➢ Creation of shingle beach to absorb wave energy
➢ Extension of rock armour at the eastern end to absorb wave energy
What was meant to happen in Phase 3?
➢ There was an initial plan to help prevent landslips and coastal erosion to the west of Cobb.
Why did Phase 3 not happen?
➢ It was decided to leave this stretch of coast alone as costs outweigh the benefits
What happened Phase 4?
➢ The cost was £20 million and it focused on the coast east of the town
➢ Constructed a new 390m sea wall in front of an existing wall
➢ Extensive nailing was used to provide cliff stabilisation
What are the positives of the management scheme?
➢ The new beaches have increased visitor numbers
➢ New defences have withstood the recent storm winters
➢ The harbour is now better protected - benefiting boat owners and fishermen
What are the negative outcomes of the management scheme?
➢ Increased visitor numbers have led to conflict with the local people who think traffic congestion has increased
➢ Some people think the new defenses have spoiled the natural coastal landscape
➢ Stabilising cliffs will prevent landslips that may reveal important fossils - a potential conflict
