Plans to manage threatened coastline from Hurst Spit and Lymington unveiled at public drop-in sessions in Milford and Lymington

STRATEGIES to manage the effects of climate change between Hurst Spit and Lymington are set to be revealed in a series of public drop-in sessions.

The nine-mile section of coastline between the two points is under threat, and over the next 100 years flooding and coastal erosion will hit important habitats and heritage sites including Hurst Castle.

The public are invited to attend sessions in Milford and Lymington, organised by the Environment Agency in partnership with New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Natural England and JBA Consulting.

Coastal erosion and sea level rise will threaten internationally designated parts of the coastline, including low-lying sections of saltmarsh, mudflats and vegetated shingle.

Visitors can speak to experts who have been assessing the impact of climate change and learn how the coastline and flood risk may change over time, and how it can be managed over the next 100 years.

The strategy is taking what is known as an “adaptation pathway” approach. This allows decisions regarding flood management options to remain flexible to observe and predict changes over time. According to the EA, by regularly monitoring how sea levels, habitats and flood risk are impacted, flood management approaches can be implemented “in a timely way”.

EA flood and coastal risk manager Claire Francis said: “We’ve reached a significant milestone in the project. We can now share with the local communities our draft options for adapting and enhancing the coastline between Hurst Spit and Lymington.

“We understand how much the coastline is valued by local communities, and therefore we are inviting them to a series of public exhibitions throughout November in and around Milford and Lymington.

NFDC portfolio holder for the environment, Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, added: “The Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy that is being developed will enable us to consider the natural changes that may affect our coastline now and into the future. It will help to identify actions that, subject to funding, may be implemented to address the impacts of climate change.

The public are invited to drop-in sessions at All Saints Church Hall, Milford, on Friday 22nd November from 12.30pm to 4.30pm; and then at Lymington Masonic Hall on Tuesday 26th November from 10am to 3pm.

An online presentation has also been arranged on Thursday 21st November from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. To register email hurstspit2lymington@environment-agency.gov.uk

For more information about the strategy visit www.hurstspit2lymington.co.uk