medmerry coastal management case study

The Medmerry project for intertidal habitat restoration with managed coastal realignment

The largest managed realignment project in open coastal Europe has regenerated 184 hectares of intertidal habitat, restoring wildlife functioning and protecting communities from flooding and coastal erosion.

Nature-based Intervention:

Managed realignment is the practice of building a structural sea defence inland from the coast and allowing the exposure of an intertidal area between the defence and the ocean. The Medmerry project constructed seven kilometres of flood bank inland, creating 184 hectares of saltmarsh and mudflat habitat and 263 hectares of other priority habitats. The flood bank itself was built using several hundreds of thousands of cubic metres of clay extracted from the site which also led to the formation of freshwater ponds and reedbeds that have attracted wildlife back to the area. In partnership with local farmers, the saltmarsh is grazed by sheep and cattle at low density and cereals and special wild bird seed mixes are grown on land surrounding the habitat to attract and benefit wildlife. A system of collective ditch management has also created adjacent freshwater habitats for water voles, amphibians, and dragonflies, likely countering the area’s recent biodiversity losses. The project has also provided a water treatment facility and a road serving 5,000 residents.

Overview of context and outcomes:

Many parts of England’s coastlines are facing a loss of intertidal habitats to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Intertidal habitats such as salt marshes, mudflats, sand dunes, and shingle provide important coastal protection from strong waves, high tides, erosion, and storm surges. They also serve as habitat for important wildlife species like wetland and shore-birds. Thus, built on years of research, the Medmerry project is practicing managed realignment to help restore the lost and weakened intertidal habitat that is crucial to the well-being of both humans and wildlife. Medmerry is one of the largest managed realignment projects on the open coast of Europe and serves an older, lower income population that frequently faces pressures from coastal inundation. Today, the project is taught in school curriculum nation-wide and has received over 16 major national and international awards.

Case effectiveness on

Climate change.

Although mitigation impacts of the Medmerry project have not been reported, it is likely that the created intertidal habitat will increase the carbon sequestration and storage potential of the area. Studies of similar systems within the United Kingdom have shown that coastal habitats play a key role in carbon sequestration and storage (1).

The intertidal habitat is predicted to provide protection from coastal pressures such as erosion, sea level rise, and storm surges. Thus far, the project has been estimated to provide flood protection to 348 properties, many of which belong to older and low-income people (2). The annual risk of flooding was reportedly reduced from 100% to 0.1% and is predicted to save an estimated 78 million GBP over the coming 100 years (2).

Ecosystem health

Intertidal habitat restoration combined with additional efforts to attract wildlife, including agricultural practices that protect nature such as low density grazing, have led to an observed increase in the size and number of bird populations in the area, as reported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) (3). This has created key positive increases in the ecosystem health metrics of habitat quality and species diversity. Due to these efforts shoveler, shelduck, teal, avocet, lapwing, and oystercatcher populations were observed to have significantly grown in size by 2019 (2).

Socioeconomic outcomes

The estimated benefits to local communities is now estimated at a value of up to 90 million GBP (2). A large proportion of the economic gain is the improved level of flood defence as compared to the shingle bank that formerly served as coastal protection and was associated with a 300,000 GBP annual maintenance cost and breached almost annually. The Medmerry project also provides an accessible recreation site with a large network of footpaths, cycle paths, and car parks providing well-being benefits to the local community as well as attracting green tourism (3).

The UK Environment Agency worked in collaboration with the RSPB to establish the Medmerry site as a mechanism of both coastal infrastructure and biodiversity importance. While the Environment Agency has transferred site management to the RSPB (4), the Medmerry Stakeholder Advisory Group (MStAG) was created in 2009 to allow for local community participation in the governance process (5).

The main sources of finance in this scheme mirror the governance structures with the UK Environment Agency and the RSPB being central to the financing of the project. The environment agency is supported by the government of the UK through the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs which supports the medmerry project. Early strategic land purchases which made the project possible were financed by the Sussex Ornithological Society and the Peacock Trust (3).

Monitoring and evaluation

The RSPB partakes in monitoring of species populations at the site. Monitoring of Birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, and reptiles are all undertaken by the RSPB. The RSPB also works in collaboration with the Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority to monitor local fish stocks (3). This is a combined effort by the RSPB to monitor the ecological progression of the site since its restoration.

Trade-offs and limitations

In the face of rising sea levels further research is needed to evaluate the continued effectiveness of managed realignment projects in relation to storm defense which is a core objective of the Medmerry project (5).

• Beaumont, N.J., Jones, L., Garbutt, A., Hansom, J.D. and Toberman, M., 2014. The value of carbon sequestration and storage in coastal habitats. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 137, pp.32-40.
• Hou-Jones, X, Roe, D and Holland, E., 2021. Nature-based Solutions in Action: \Lessons from the Frontline. London. Bond
• RSPB. 2013. “Medmerry Nature Reserve, West Sussex – the RSPB.” The RSPB. 2013.
• Krawiec, K., 2017. Medmerry, West Sussex, UK: Coastal evolution from the Neolithic to the medieval period and community resilience to environmental change. The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 8(2), pp.101-112.
• Environment Agency. 2016. “Medmerry Coastal Flood Defence Scheme.” GOV.UK.

Intervention type

• Restoration

Ecosystem type

• Ponds & lakes
• Terrestrial production

Climate change impacts addressed

• Coastal erosion
• Coastal inundation
• Storm surge

Instigators

• National environment and development organization
• National government/agency

Societal challenges

• Biodiversity conservation
• Climate change adaptation
• Climate change mitigation
• Disaster risk reduction
• Economic and Social development
• Food security: Not reported
• Water security: Not reported
• Health: Positive
• Local economics: Positive
• Livelihoods/goods/basic needs: Positive
• Energy security: Not reported
• Disaster risk reduction: Positive
• Rights/empowerment/equality: Not reported
• Conflict and security: Not reported
• No. developmental outcomes reported: 6

Literature info

• Grey literature

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Medmerry Managed Coastal Realignment

In response to increased coastal flood events and resulting damages, the Environment Agency of the United Kingdom delivered a GBP 27 million project to realign the defences inland, providing significantly improved flood defences to allow for managed flooding. With the help of IUCN, a full assessment against the criteria and indicators of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutionsᵀᴹ was conducted. The Medmerry managed coastal realignment is considered a strong Nature-based Solution. The building blocks of this solution highlight insights from some of the assessed criteria.

Photo and video gallery

Challenges addressed

Medmerry was historically protected by a narrow shingle embankment, holding back only the very smallest coastal storms. An increase in the number of coastal flooding events, exacerbated by sea level rise and climate change, established that the existing shingle bank was insufficient to protect against floods. This posed significant actual and potential risks to life and caused damage to property and infrastructure. Additionally, coastal squeeze caused losses of coastal habitat. The most serious recent flood event before the start of the project occurred in 2008 and caused over GBP 5 million in economic damage and required evacuation due to risk of life. Therefore, the main societal challenge addressed by the Nature-based Solution was disaster risk reduction.

Summary of the process

The building blocks highlight a number of key insights that emerged from the assessment of the Medmerry managed coastal realignment intervention against the criteria and indicators of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutionsᵀᴹ. While they do not give a full picture of what can be considered a Nature-based Solution as all criteria in the Global Standard are of equal importance, they illustrate some of the factors that made the Medmerry project particularly successful. In particular, recognising the need for an adaptive approach to stakeholder engagement throughout the various phases of the intervention became a key strength. The local community also turned out to be a connecting factor between the various building blocks contributing to the success of the solution. Most importantly, the assessment against the criteria and indicators of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutionsᵀᴹ supported the UK Environment Agency to reflect on the process and results of the intervention. The building blocks provide insights into some of the lessons learned. These learnings from working with the Standard are now shaping the design of similar interventions elsewhere in the UK.

Building Blocks

In 2009, a vision exercise that involved local communities, government representatives and statutory organisations highlighted disaster risk reduction, especially flooding, as a major challenge. Coastal flood events have been increasing in frequency in the area and caused significant damage to public and private property. The vision exercise enabled discussions around two key questions: (1) Imagining that it is 2019, what is it about the recreational aspects and management of the site that you are proudest of?, and (2) What were the big dilemmas that you had to think about? The results of this exercise and the subsequent inclusive and participatory processes, informed design decisions and the exploration of multiple benefits. Environmental assessment data of flood events, flood risk mapping and modelling confirmed flooding as the main societal challenge. Impacts of climate change were found to be an exacerbating factor. The mapping and modelling was done in line with Government best practice and enabled assessment of the flood risk to nearby communities.

Enabling factors

The consultation and participation of beneficiaries and affected individuals was a key ingredient for understanding the drivers and possible responses to the societal challenge that are most appropriate in the given context.

Lesson learned

Inclusive governance and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders ensured effective assessment of societal challenges and priorities in the given context, increased understanding and acceptability of the proposed solution and enabled effective planning, implementation and maintenance/management of the Nature-based Solution intervention, with a possibility for creative problem-solving. Key lessons from the Medmerry experience relate to the need for flexibility of the approach when engaging with stakeholders, the need for active, inclusive and participatory processes at all stages of the intervention and awareness raising of the most important issues as well as clear communication of objectives.

The project placed particular emphasis on stakeholder engagement and participation of local communities in all phases of the project. This included proactively providing information about the benefits of the coastal realignment, gaining widespread support for the intervention and seeking community views and inputs. A comprehensive stakeholder analysis allowed a mapping of how to best engage with the different stakeholders. This was documented in a stakeholder engagement plan. To facilitate regular engagement, representatives from stakeholders and community groups were nominated by their community to become members of a Medmerry Stakeholder Advisory Group.

A Medmerry Stakeholder Advisory Group was established, made up of key individuals of the local community, including Parish Councils, local businesses and residents most affected by the coastal realignment. The Advisory Group helped shape the design of the project and met regularly to discuss any issues and concerns. The group also shaped many of the design aspects of the intervention.

The active and intentional involvement of the local community and subsequent support generated, contributed significantly to the success of the Nature-based Solution. This transparent and structured engagement throughout the project and in decision-making processes – starting with the design stage – helped to address concerns, to build trust and to create ownership. Balancing the needs and wants of a diverse range of stakeholders is not easy. We worked hard to make clear what is within scope for discussion and what limits are in place, i.e. price or significant impacts to time. Setting a boundary allowed targeted and realistic solutions to become a greater focus of the conversation.

The expected impacts on the ecosystems in the intervention areas were captured in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This included a mapping of any risks to biodiversity during construction and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. For instance, water voles were translocated prior to the start of the works. A focus on biodiversity protection resulted in the creation of around 300 hectares of coastal habitat and a network of freshwater habitats as well as the enhancement of regulatory services, including for climate, water, natural hazards and erosion regulation as well as water purification and waste treatment. Further, the intervention contributed to an increase of saltmarsh plants, breeding bird populations, invertebrate abundance, marine mollusc species, water voles, reptiles and fish diversity.

Baseline data on biodiversity (through ecological surveys) was gathered as well as biodiversity outcomes benchmarked and identified during the 5-year monitoring period now continued by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSBP), who manages most of the project area since 2013 as a nature reserve as part of a 99 year lease. Monitoring methods included bird surveys, vegetation and habitat mapping exercises (including by using satellites), an invertebrate survey and sampling, surveys of reptiles, fish surveys, etc.

Evidence-based assessments of the state of the ecosystem prior to the start of the intervention enabled the identification of clear and measurable biodiversity outcomes and benchmarks. They also supported periodic monitoring and assessments to avoid adverse impacts and take appropriate measures in response to enhance ecosystems, species and ecological processes.

A cost effectiveness assessment of the planned intervention and an options appraisal was undertaken during the planning phase. The proposed options were assessed on their costs and benefits, technical viability and environmental outcomes. This allowed for comparison of alternatives and selection of the solution that would provide the greatest environmental, social and economic benefits. Economic benefits derived from the Nature-based Solution, include around GBP 91.7 in economic benefits (including GBP 13.5 million in environmental benefits). The coastal realignment contributed to the protection of more than 300 residential and commercial properties as well as infrastructure. An estimated 22,000 people visit the area annually supporting the local economy.

The availability of baseline data, time for thorough planning and gaining the support from the local community affected by the intervention for the chosen option were all essential. Local community support was particularly critical to ensure acceptance of the proposed solution as well as to ensure its long-term success.

Understanding the options available to make an informed and evidence-based decision on the most viable option was a key success factor. While not considered at the start of the intervention, local businesses turned out to benefit substantially from the increased attractiveness of the area for recreational and touristic purposes. Thus, highlighting the socio-economic benefits for the local community can further generate support for a Nature-based Solution project.

The expected benefits of the coastal realignment were documented in the planning phase and baselines established. These informed the ongoing monitoring of impacts. Immediately after project completion, a 5-year monitoring programme was implemented. Annual reports summarised findings and lessons learned, which were shared and discussed with local stakeholders, external consultants, academia and risk management authorities in south England. Approaches to project planning and implementation were adjusted as needed. For instance, the approach applied to engaging the local community was adapted based on early experiences and analysis of challenges and barriers.

The involvement of specialist groups and experts to address specific challenges, such as habitat conservation, the preservation of archaeological findings, etc. proved essential to monitor results, minimise impacts on project implementation timelines and to resolve stakeholder concerns.

Continuous and regular monitoring was essential and the use of novel techniques (e.g. satellite imagery) and various approaches offered valuable insights on the complexity of processes in the intervention site. A clear monitoring plan that linked findings to project objectives and measures of success provided data on the impact of the intervention.

The main positive impacts of the Medmerry managed coastal realignment include improved flood risk management, creation of  300 hectares of wildlife habitats, enhanced landscape quality and provision of recreational facilities. Flood risk has been reduced from an annual overtopping of the defences to a likelihood of less than 0.5% in any given year, which not only benefits over 300 houses but also a waste water treatment works serving the local area. In 2014 we saw a storm which would have previously caused some £6 million of damage to the wider economy, but with the new defences in place, passed without incident. Internationally designated habitat which is being lost elsewhere has been given space to grow, with dramatic uptake by wildlife, including fish, birds and even sharks. Similarly, following comprehensive community engagement, the site is now one the local residents are proud of, with visitor numbers in the region of 20,000 plus per year.

The strength of the Medmerry managed coastal realignment is supported by its strong adherence with the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutionsᵀᴹ. The lessons learned from conducting the assessment are already influencing the design and planning of similar new projects across the UK and the criteria and indicators of the Standard are applied to guide the process.

Beneficiaries

Local community on the Selsey Peninsula affected by coastal flooding (towns of Selsey, East Wittering; Bracklesham, Church Norton and other smaller villages); Sussex Beach Holiday Village, farmers, caravan park inhabitants, local business owners

Sustainable Development Goals

Medmerry was one of the first large scale managed realignment projects in the United Kingdom. Re-imaging a change to the landscape at this scale was scary and not welcomed by the community. Moving the sea closer to my home, or losing more of the English countryside were fears we frequently heard. To overcome these challenges, we adapted our approach and worked more closely with the community and local businesses to create a space which is more than a flood defence.

Placing greater emphasis on community engagement and understanding the concerns, fears and hopes of the people living around Medmerry was key in making the intervention a success. Through this, additional opportunities emerged that were not considered during the original planning, such as the role and benefits for local businesses. This space for engagement has paved the way for future iterations of realignment elsewhere and has become a focal point for the area, with businesses changing their name to mirror Medmerry and create new eco-tourism opportunities. Working with Nature to reduce flood risk has done more than any traditional approach could have.

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AQA GCSE Geography > 3.1.3.2 Coastal Landscapes in the UK - Medmerry Case Study - Coastal Management Strategies (Managed Retreat) > Flashcards

3.1.3.2 Coastal Landscapes in the UK - Medmerry Case Study - Coastal Management Strategies (Managed Retreat) Flashcards

Managed retreat:

form of soft engineering where low-lying and low value land is allowed to naturally flood so defences can be improved further inland

How is managed retreat a natural defence for the coastline?

• managed retreat allows floodwater to encroach on the land up to where the land is naturally higher
• this gives more space for wave energy to be absorbed
• as salt marsh and vegetation develops it provides natural defences against storms
• an earth bank is also built
• this is a natural looking feature that provides protecting in the even of a severe storm

How is managed retreat a sustainable option?

• in long-term, allowing managed retreat is more sustainable option than spending large sums of money trying to protect the coast with sea walls or groynes
• long-term option that recognises how the benefits of protecting low-lying land are outweighed by the costs
• salt marshes often develop from flooding associated with managed retreat
• this can become a natural form of coastal protection as mud is deposited and forms barriers against the waves
• it can also create new and valuable wildlife habitats
• as sea levels continue to rise, managed retreat seems likely to become an increasingly popular choice for managing the coastline

Why might managed retreat not be feasible for some parts of the coast?

• The value of the land e.g. high value agricultural land which is fertile and high yielding and contributes to food production is unlikely to be flooded - however, low-value grazing land could be
• Physical and human geographical features need to be considered
• Unique or high biodiversity or an important ecosystem would not be considered a feasible location to flood
• Topography – only low lying land would allow the sea to flood a large enough area

Aims of managed retreat:

• Improve coastal stability
• Protect areas of land further inland rather than those near to the coast
• Create natural defences to absorb and reduce the force of the waves e.g. salt marshes
• Shoreline Management Plans
• identify most sustainable approach to managing flood and coastal erosion risk in the short term (1-20yrs), medium term (50yrs) and long term (50-100yrs)

4 approaches to coastal management:

• no active intervention - sometimes known as ‘do nothing’, this is where there are no current plans to build defences
• hold the line - maintain current defences
• advance the line - increase coastal defences to extend the coastline out to sea
• managed retreat (realignment) - allow the coastline to achieve a new position further inland

What do SMP’s take into account?

take into account of the likely changes associated with climate change e.g. rising sea levels

What is coastal management being driven by?

• increasingly coastal management driven by costs and benefits, with only those areas of high-value lends protected by costly engineering schemes
• elsewhere, where he lands is relatively low value e.g. farmland or moorland, the ‘do nothing’ approach most likely to be adopted
• here it is more appropriate for people to adapt by relocating further inland
• this may involve moving mobile homes on a holiday park, relocating a coastal path or altering a golf course
• however, homes may be permanently lost in some locations

Where is Medmerry located?

stretch of coastline on the south coast of England near Chichester, West Sussex

How big is the realignment scheme in Medmerry?

Medmerry is largest managed coastal realignment scheme in Europe

What was the coast at Medmerry previously used for?

flat, low-lying coast use for farming and caravn parks

Why is the managed retreat scheme taking place at Medmerry?

• for many years, the land was protected by low sea wall, but now in need of repair - building a new sea wall to protect area against future sea level rise very expensive option so managed retreat scheme chosen
• given relatively low value of land, it was decided to allow Sea to breach the current sea defences and flood some of the farmland that was previously protected

How much does the Medmerry scheme cost?

costs £28mn

What will the Medmerry scheme do?

• create a large natural salt marsh to form a natural buffer to the sea
• help to protect the surrounding farmland and caravan parks from flooding
• establish a valuable wildlife habitat and encourage visitors to the area

What has been done so far at Medmerry?

• embankments have been constructed inland to give protection to farmland, roads and settlements
• alteration of the coastline is called coastal realignment

Advantages of Medmerry managed retreat scheme:

• It may help take the pressure off areas further along the coast and reduce their risk of flooding
• It is often cheaper in the long term to use managed realignment than to continue to maintain hard engineering defences
• Managed realignment is designed to conserve or enhance the natural environment
• It creates new intertidal habitats that compensate for those lost through coastal squeeze

Disadvantages of Medmerry managed retreat scheme:

• Relocation of people to new homes causes disruption and distress
• If the long-term plan for the realignment of 40 sq km of North Norfolk coast goes ahead, this will destroy 6 villages
• Short-term costs may be high. As relocation costs have to be paid
• The recent Medmerry realignment scheme, in West Sussex cost £28 million, when it only cost £0.2 million a year to realign the shingle beach
• Large areas of agricultural land are lost
• Habitats of coastal birds such as bitterns, cranes and marsh harriers would be affected, so bird numbers would initially decline
• It may take a long time for them to reach their previous numbers

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Medmerry, West Sussex coastal flooding

The study area is Medmerry coastline located in south east England. Coastal flooding has long been a problem at Medmerry and a serious risk to the nearby towns of Selsey and Pagham. The previously existing defence, a 3km shingle bank, was subject to regular breach. As well as offering a deficient level of protection, the shingle bank’s maintenance had become costly and unsustainable. An issue in the wider region of The Solent has been the loss of environmentally important coastal habitat, as a result of coastal squeeze. The impacts of development and flood defence infrastructure around the large, urbanised areas of Southampton and Portsmouth have caused local sea levels to rise and wetland and intertidal habitats to be lost to the sea.

• Sustainable flood risk management: It will provide a higher standard of protection to the area
• Creation of compensatory intertidal habitat: Delivering 183ha of intertidal habitat, including mudflat, saltmarsh and transitional grassland.
• Involvement of local communities: Creating new access routes and viewpoints

At first the strategy by UK Environment Agency (EA) to build new inland defences from the existing coastline was not received well from the local community. In response the EA worked with a large group of concerned local people to form the Medmerry Stakeholder

Advisory Group (MStAG), a group of self-elected representatives from among the wider group to represent local views, interact with the project team and report back to the community. In 2008, land was purchased for the realignment.

Construction began in October 2011 and was completed in late. To assist in decision making on biodiversity issues a Habitat Creation Working Group was created. A further partnership with the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) helped manage construction during breeding times, particularly for rare birds. Important Bronze Age settlements were also discovered in the site and were managed in collaboration with the Centre for Applied Archaeology at the University College London.

• Developing climate change adaptation; improving risk management and resilience
• Better protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems
• Reduce drought risk
• Restoring ecosystems and their functions
• Improve connectivity and functionality of green and blue infrastructures
• Increase achievements of biodiversity targets
• Increase Biodiversity
• Increase quality and quantity of green and blue infrastructures
• Increased cultural richness and biodiversity
• Enhancing sustainable urbanisation
• Increase awareness of NBS solution & their effectiveness and co benefits
• Sustainable development of coastal regions

Coastal squeeze remains an issue for other managed realignment schemes, which can be subject to the same erosion processes as natural coastal wetlands. The same methodology of creating water banks can be applied to areas that are in danger by floods. Managed realignment to address intertidal habitat loss or biodiversity still remains debated so it must be studied individually and extensively for every case.

• Collaboration. The success of this project depended on close collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders which allowed for innovative problem-solving
• Engaging with local residents early and often to answer questions and address concerns is critical to carrying out a successful project and creates an environment of trust
• Forming specialist groups to manage complex issues such as habitat management, and archaeological findings that may impact construction timelines are very important for the stakeholder concerns

UK Environmental agency

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency

Nick GRAY, UK Environment Agency, Worthing, England ( [email protected] )

• Case studies

Medmerry, West Sussex coastal flooding

The study area is Medmerry coastline located in south east England. Coastal flooding has long been a problem at Medmerry and a serious risk to the nearby towns of Selsey and Pagham. The previously existing defence, a 3km shingle bank, was subject to regular breach. As well as offering a deficient level of protection, the shingle bank’s maintenance had become costly and unsustainable. An issue in the wider region of The Solent has been the loss of environmentally important coastal habitat, as a result of coastal squeeze. The impacts of development and flood defence infrastructure around the large, urbanised areas of Southampton and Portsmouth have caused local sea levels to rise and wetland and intertidal habitats to be lost to the sea.

• Sustainable flood risk management: It will provide a higher standard of protection to the area
• Creation of compensatory intertidal habitat: Delivering 183ha of intertidal habitat, including mudflat, saltmarsh and transitional grassland.
• Involvement of local communities: Creating new access routes and viewpoints

At first the strategy by UK Environment Agency (EA) to build new inland defences from the existing coastline was not received well from the local community. In response the EA worked with a large group of concerned local people to form the Medmerry Stakeholder

Advisory Group (MStAG), a group of self-elected representatives from among the wider group to represent local views, interact with the project team and report back to the community. In 2008, land was purchased for the realignment.

Construction began in October 2011 and was completed in late. To assist in decision making on biodiversity issues a Habitat Creation Working Group was created. A further partnership with the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) helped manage construction during breeding times, particularly for rare birds. Important Bronze Age settlements were also discovered in the site and were managed in collaboration with the Centre for Applied Archaeology at the University College London.

• Developing climate change adaptation; improving risk management and resilience
• Better protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems
• Reduce drought risk
• Restoring ecosystems and their functions
• Improve connectivity and functionality of green and blue infrastructures
• Increase achievements of biodiversity targets
• Increase Biodiversity
• Increase quality and quantity of green and blue infrastructures
• Increased cultural richness and biodiversity
• Enhancing sustainable urbanisation
• Increase awareness of NBS solution & their effectiveness and co benefits
• Sustainable development of coastal regions

Coastal squeeze remains an issue for other managed realignment schemes, which can be subject to the same erosion processes as natural coastal wetlands. The same methodology of creating water banks can be applied to areas that are in danger by floods. Managed realignment to address intertidal habitat loss or biodiversity still remains debated so it must be studied individually and extensively for every case.

• Collaboration. The success of this project depended on close collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders which allowed for innovative problem-solving
• Engaging with local residents early and often to answer questions and address concerns is critical to carrying out a successful project and creates an environment of trust
• Forming specialist groups to manage complex issues such as habitat management, and archaeological findings that may impact construction timelines are very important for the stakeholder concerns

UK Environmental agency

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency

Nick GRAY, UK Environment Agency, Worthing, England ( [email protected] )

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Medmerry Case Study Coastal Realignment

Where is medmerry located, identify the type of coastal management at medmerry., what is coastal realignment also known as, identify the year the scheme started., identify the year the scheme was completed., why was the coastal realignment scheme needed at medmerry.

Please select 2 correct answers

What was the cost of damage due to the shingle beach being breached in 2008?

Which of the following are features of the medmerry coastal realignment scheme.

Please select 3 correct answers

Which of the following are social benefits of the scheme?

Which of the following are economic benefits of the scheme, which of the following are environmental benefits of the scheme, which of the following is a social issue of the scheme, which of the following is an economic issue of the scheme, which of the following is an environmental issue of the scheme.

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