Case study: coastal management in Holderness

The Holderness coast is located in the north east of England. This is one of the most vulnerable coastlines in the world, retreating at a rate of one to two metres a year.

There are two causes of the problem.

• Strong prevailing winds create longshore drift that moves material south along the coastline.
• The cliffs are made of soft boulder clay, deposited by glaciers so they will erode quickly, especially when saturated.

The village of Mappleton, perched on the cliff top, has approximately 50 properties. Due to the erosion of the cliffs, the village is under threat.

In 1991, the decision was taken to protect the settlement of Mappleton, along the Holderness coast, south of Hornsea. A coastal management scheme costing £2 million was introduced. This involved two types of hard engineering: placing rock armour along the base of the cliff and building two rock groynes.

• The scheme has protected the settlement of Mappleton and the cliffs are no longer at great risk from erosion.
• The rock groynes have stopped beach material being moved south from Mappleton along the coast. This has increased erosion south of Mappleton.
• This shows that benefits in one area might have a negative effect on another, and demonstrates the need to consider the sustainability of strategies for the future, particularly with the increased threat of sea level rise due to climate change.
• This case study is a good example of how conflict can occur between interest groups.