medmerry

Question 1

why was the scheme needed?

Answer 1

• area of South East England most as risk of flooding
• beach reprofiling (200,000 pounds a year) was becoming unsustainable
• 348 properties, water treatment plan and a main road would be flooded
• last breach (2008) - 5 million pounds damage

Question 2

what was done?

Answer 2

• 2011 - 2014
• new clay embankment to contain floodwaters
• 60,000 tons of rock armor
• breach made to allow sea to flood land behind

Question 3

positive effects of managed retreat

Answer 3

• 1 in 1000 chance of coastal flooding (best level of protection in the UK)
• new cycle paths and footpaths behind the embankment
• 4 viewing points for birdwatchers and nature lovers = increased tourism
• protects local existing species
• habitats (mudflats, salt marshes) attract new species, which leads to increased biodiversity

Question 4

negative effects of managed retreat

Answer 4

• local residents unhappy with decision
• too much money spent on sparsely populated area (28 million, much more than it was to maintain shingle beach)
• loss of agricultural land