Landscapes of the UK - Happisburgh Flashcards
Where is Happisburgh located?
On the northeast coast of Norfolk, eastern England.
What type of coast is Happisburgh?
A rapidly eroding soft rock coastline composed of glacial till (clay, sand and gravel).
What is the historical erosion rate at Happisburgh?
Approximately 0.5-1m per year historically, but increased to over 10m in some years recently.
What caused the increased erosion at Happisburgh since the 1990s?
The deterioration and removal of wooden revetments and groynes that previously protected the coast.
What major assets have been lost to erosion at Happisburgh?
Over 35 houses, the lifeboat station, the beach access road, and parts of the coastal path.
What is the ‘do nothing’ approach in Happisburgh’s management?
Allowing natural processes to continue without intervention in areas where protection is not economically viable.
What was the key finding of the Shoreline Management Plan for Happisburgh?
That continued defense of the entire coastline was not economically justified; some areas would face ‘managed retreat’.
What small-scale management approaches have been used at Happisburgh?
Rock armor (rip-rap) at the beach access, gabions, and beach nourishment.
What is the Coastal Pathfinder scheme at Happisburgh?
A government-funded project to help communities adapt to coastal change, including compensating property owners.
What are the economic impacts of erosion at Happisburgh?
Decreased property values, loss of tourism revenue, cost of relocating infrastructure, and insurance problems.
What are the social impacts of erosion at Happisburgh?
Community stress, loss of historic buildings, displacement of residents, and division within the community over management approaches.
What are the environmental impacts of erosion at Happisburgh?
Creation of new habitats through natural processes, but loss of agricultural land and increased sediment in coastal waters.
