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What is coastal change?

Coastal erosion is the removal of the shoreline by the sea

Coastal change – including erosion (the wearing away of the shore by the sea) – is an ongoing process that has always happened. It can happen under any conditions, but it tends to increase when waves are powerful and water levels are high, for instance during storms.

Erosion is also faster where the shoreline is made of softer rocks, such as along much of the east and south coasts.

Does dredging affect coastal erosion?

Results of research such as the North Sea Sediment Transport Study show that because dredging is now strictly controlled and carefully managed in UK waters, it no longer has an impact on coastal erosion.

• Dredging information from the Environment Agency Opens new window

Are you at risk of coastal erosion or flooding from the sea?

Coastal erosion and coastal flooding are often linked. One may lead to another, especially where shorelines separating the sea from flat, low lying land are eroding.

• Sea flooding - find out if you're at risk Opens new window

Your property and coastal erosion

Your property may be at risk from coastal erosion if you live on or near the coast. That risk may increase over time depending on if or how your local shoreline is managed by your local authority, the Environment Agency or another party. Details of coastal management near you can be found in your local Shoreline Management Plan.

Shoreline Management Plans fully consider the technical feasibility, the costs and benefits to taxpayers and communities, as well as the environmental impacts of different solutions.

You can contribute to the management of the shoreline in your local area through the public consultation process. Contact your local authority to find out what is planned near you.

• Shoreline management plan information Opens new window

• Shoreline management plan for your area Opens new window

• Find your local council Opens new window

Landslip and erosion

There may also be a risk to your property from coastal landslips caused by the interaction between soil, rock and groundwater. Erosion from the sea can increase the chance of landslip, but landslips can temporarily protect the land behind them from further erosion – so the two processes are often linked.

Funding for coastal protection

It is not possible to defend against all coastal erosion. In deciding where and how to defend the coast, local authorities consider a range of factors. These include:

• the number of households at risk
• the impact on agricultural land and the farming community
• the impact on the environment and wildlife

• Find your local council Opens new window

Communities adapting to coastal change

Where it is no longer sustainable to defend the coast, communities will need to adapt to the changes that this will bring.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has funded a number of projects, managed by local authorities, which explore different ways of adapting to coastal change. These range from raising awareness of risk with local communities to projects which protect or move affected buildings.

You can find out more about where these are taking place at the Defra website, and get involved through your local authority (or Coastal Partnership if you have one).

• Coastal Partnerships Opens new window