case study coastal management- Formby point Flashcards
Where is Formby Point located?
- Sefton Coast
- north of Liverpool
- NW England
Who manages Formby Point?
The National Trust and Natural England.
What type of geology does Formby Point have?
Soft glacial sands and silts, making it vulnerable to erosion.
What processes shape the dunes at Formby?
- Aeolian processes (wind)
- longshore drift.
What type of coastal landform is Formby Point known for?
Sand dune system
What is a dune slack?
A wet, low-lying area between sand dunes that supports biodiversity.
What are blowouts?
Eroded gaps in dunes caused by vegetation loss and wind action.
What rare species live at Formby Point?
Red squirrels
What types of plants are found in the dune system?
Marram grass and sea holly
How much dune erosion occurs at Formby each year?
Up to 4 metres per year in some areas.
How many visitors does Formby get annually?
Around 350,000 people per year.
What human activity worsened erosion in the past?
Sand extraction in the 20th century.
What soft engineering strategies are used at Formby?
- Dune fencing
- marram grass planting
- beach nourishment.
What is the purpose of managed retreat at Formby?
To allow natural erosion and preserve long-term dune health.
How is the area monitored?
- drones
- GPS mapping
- regular surveys.
What is the SMP for the Sefton Coast?
a strategy to manage coastal erosion and flood risks along the Sefton Coast, balancing protecting land with environmental conservation.
How many policy zones are in the Sefton Coast’s SMP?
Hold the Line – Maintain or improve coastal defences.
Managed Realignment – Allow controlled retreat of the coastline.
Do Nothing – Where natural processes can occur with minimal intervention.
Why is the Sefton Coast important for conservation?
The coast supports important wetland habitats, including salt marshes and sand dunes, which are vulnerable ecosystems.
What management strategies are used to protect the Sefton Coast?
- Dune restoration through marram grass planting.
- Beach nourishment (adding sand to the beach).
- Path zoning to reduce trampling.
- Erosion monitoring
What are some challenges facing the Sefton Coast?
- Erosion of sand dunes due to natural and human factors.
- Overtourism, with footpath erosion and trampling of vegetation.
- Coastal flooding due to rising sea levels and storms.
