EROSION ON NORTH WEST NORFOLK COAST: SEPTEMBER 2001
This page ARCHIVED - August 2008
The erosion occurred over several days which had a dangerous combination of events:
- a spring tide
- low pressure system centred over the North Sea
- a Northerly wind
- heavy rain on already sodden ground
The above image was taken in the middle of October, just prior to the second bout of spring tides. It shows the re-built shingle ridge at the back of Snettisham beach. The picture is taken looking towards Heacham. Bulldozer tracks were still visible. The beach was noticeably steeper than before, and the lines of wooden 'breakwaters' were more exposed and higher than before. The carrstone blocks at the back were among the few not to have been buried by shingle. Picture taken by Mister P. Click on the image to enlarge to full size.
The erosion was reported in several local news sites.
The 'Lynn News' of 26/10/01 reported that £10 million of money was going to be spent on protecting the area.
In February 2002, a public exhibition of the planned defence works was held in Snettisham, and I went along to take a look at the displays of proposed defences.
The background to the work was explained in the Parish newsletter. In the late 1990's, the Environment Agency drew up plans which showed weak spots along the coast, and tried to get funding from MAFF (now DEFRA) for works. Annual re-cycling of beach material was carried out: sand from Snettisham Scalp was taken back to Heacham. This involved lorries and diggers working in the area. In 2001, the high tides pushed these weak areas to their limits. Water found its way into the Coastal Park, beach car park and shingle fields, and residents along the coast were evacuated to Smithdon High School, Hunstanton for safety reasons. Money was also found to get the Hunstanton, Heacham, Snettisham scheme off the ground. At the moment, concrete mats are being laid at 2 points, and over the next few years there will be improved protection put in place, following the cost benefit analysis.
Below are pictures of some of the defences further round the coast at West Runton, near Cromer. They include groynes, sea walls, gabion mattresses and revetments.
Click the small image to enlarge.