Soft Management Case Study: Sefton Coast, North Of Liverpool, Lancashire

Question 1

The Sefton Coast has the largest

Answer 1

Dune area in England

Question 2

Why is coastal management needed along this coast?

Answer 2

• Sand dune system experienced continual erosion during 20th century losing around 700m from 1920-1970
• over last years the average rate of erosion has been around 4.5m/year

Question 3

What are some of the causes of erosion of the sand dune system around Formby point?

Answer 3

• physical= periodic storms combined with high tyde
• human= dredging of beach material for local foundry trade and glass industry, building of hard sea defences, human access (walking on the frontal dunes)

Question 4

Some recent climate models suggest an average of sea level rise of 0.3m over the next 60 years and an increase in maximum wave height could lead to

Answer 4

A significantly increased risk of erosion; in this scenario, the dunes could play a vital role in mitigating flood risk for the local area

Question 5

Sefton coast management scheme was developed on the late 1980s and in the Formby area includes:

Answer 5

• ‘planting’ used Christmas trees on the seaward edge of the dunes to reap more sand and encourage dune regeneration
• constructing boardwalks to stop people trampling the dunes and fencing off areas of sand dunes to resort garden pedestrian access
• ranger serviced to educate local children regarding the protection and conservation of the dunes
• controlling extraction of sand for commercial purposes

Question 6

All of measures in Sefton coast management scheme seek to

Answer 6

Protect the area for future use I.e to be sustainable (economic, social and environmental)