Can you give an example of successful coastal management in the UK?

One example of successful coastal management in the UK is the Medmerry Managed Realignment Scheme in West Sussex.

The Medmerry Managed Realignment Scheme, completed in 2013, is one of the largest coastal realignment projects in Europe. It was designed to reduce the risk of flooding to over 300 homes, local infrastructure, and farmland in the Selsey area. The scheme involved creating a new 7km-long floodbank inland and allowing the sea to flood a previously defended area, creating a large intertidal habitat.

This project was successful for several reasons. Firstly, it significantly reduced the flood risk for the local community. Before the scheme, the area was prone to frequent flooding, which caused considerable damage and disruption. By allowing the sea to flood a controlled area, the pressure on existing sea defences was reduced, providing better protection for the inland areas.

Secondly, the scheme has had positive environmental impacts. The creation of new intertidal habitats has benefited local wildlife, including birds, fish, and invertebrates. This has enhanced biodiversity and created new opportunities for nature tourism, which can boost the local economy.

Additionally, the Medmerry scheme has been praised for its cost-effectiveness. Traditional hard engineering solutions, such as sea walls, can be very expensive to build and maintain. In contrast, managed realignment is often cheaper in the long term and can provide more sustainable protection against rising sea levels and increased storm frequency due to climate change.

Overall, the Medmerry Managed Realignment Scheme is a prime example of how innovative coastal management strategies can provide effective flood protection, support local communities, and enhance the natural environment.