Lyme Regis

Question 1

Where is Lyme Regis?

Answer 1

Dorset

Question 2

Why is Lyme Regis at risk of coastal erosion

Answer 2

• It is on the coast
• It was built on unstable cliffs
• It has a long wave fetch meaning it has destructive waves

Question 3

What is the Lyme Regis Enviromental Improvement Scheme?

Answer 3

• A scheme set up in the early 1990s with the objective of providing long term coastal protection to the town. - By 2015 the scheme was complete and cost over £40 million

Question 4

Phase 1

Answer 4

New sea wall and promenade was built to the east of the River Lim’s mouth

Question 5

Phase 1.5

Answer 5

• Between phases 1 and 2 emergency work was done to stabilise the cliff which cost £1.4 million.
• The beach was reprofiled

Question 6

Phase 2

Answer 6

Improvements were made to the sea front: £22m
- New sea walls and promenades were built
- A wide sand beach was created next to The Cobb, and a Single beach to absorb energy and increase tourism

Question 7

Phase 3

Answer 7

CANCELLED - failed cost benefit analysis

Question 8

Phase 4

Answer 8

Final phase: £20m
- Construction of a new 390 meter sea wall in front of the existing sea wall to provide additional protection
- Extensive nailing, pilling and drainage to provide cliff stabilisation to protect 480 homes.

Question 9

What coastal management schemes were used?

Answer 9

Soft
- Beach reprofiling
- Beach nourishment
Hard
- Sea walls
- Cliff stabilisation

Question 10

Beach Reprofiling

Answer 10

Moving sediment up the beach to make it steeper. This absorbs more of the waves energy stopping it

Question 11

Beach reprofiling costs and benefits

Answer 11

Benefits
- Looks nicer
- Attracts tourists
Costs
- Overcrowd beaches
- Increase noise pollution, littering and traffic

Question 12

Beach Nourishment

Answer 12

A large beach was created along the sea front and the town’s shingle beach was replenished. Sand was imported from France whilst shingle was dredged from the sea bed.
The beaches create a buffer between the sea and town

Question 13

Beach Nourishment Costs and Benefits

Answer 13

Benefits
- The beach built by the Cobb has been popular with tourists
- The beach has provided greater protection from coastal erosion as the sand and shingle absorbs a lot of the incoming waves’ energy
Costs
- Due to erosion and longshore drift the beach needs regular nourishment to maintain its size and appeal

Question 14

Sea Wall

Answer 14

A sea wall and promenade were built. A new 390 metre sea wall was built in front of the existing one. The sea wall reflects the waves’ energy

Question 15

Sea wall Costs and Benefits

Answer 15

Benefits
- Long lasting
- Works the best
Costs
- Expensive
- Can be an eyesore

Question 16

Cliff Stabilisation

Answer 16

Extensive nailing, piling and drainage to provide cliff stabilisation to protect 480 homes

Question 17

Cliff Stabilisation Costs and Benefits

Answer 17

Benefits
- Protect Businesses and decreases insurance
- Stops the houses from being destroyed protecting the people who live in them
Costs
- Fossil related businesses rely on the cliffs collapsing
- Tourists also come for the fossils