Coastwise is a project in North Norfolk aimed at helping prepare communities between Weybourne and Happisburgh, where the coast is experiencing erosion.
The Coastwise team works with communities, businesses, infrastructure owners, policymakers and a whole host of people with an interest in the future of North Norfolk’s eroding coast. Together, we are exploring how coastal places can plan and deliver practical projects to prepare for coastal change.
Coastwise is generating transferable learning to shape future government approaches to managing coastal erosion.
Use this interactive map to explore the practical work that Coastwise is doing in coastal communities. Select the projects on the left-hand side or the orange map markers to learn more about each project.
Coastwise is informing and influencing national and local policy, strategies, plans and processes for coastal management.
The project learning from North Norfolk is being captured to support other local authorities with an eroding coast, allowing them to be better resourced and prepared.
This project is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
Preparing North Norfolk for coastal erosion transition.
Coastal erosion will impact whole communities. Over the next 100 years, it is predicted that up to 2550 homes could be lost to erosion in North Norfolk, depending on the severity of climate change.
Also at risk are businesses such as holiday parks, roads, footpaths, utilities including sewage, water and power, access to beaches, visitor infrastructure, churches, graveyards, and much more.
The consequences of coastal erosion for some places are, and will be profound. Planning is required to become better prepared and more resilient to coastal change.
The team brings together a range of skills and backgrounds, including community engagement, placemaking, communications, law, research, project management, funding and finance, coastal management, and policy.
Developing strategic and community transition plans.
Identifying practical projects and actions to support North Norfolk communities to become better prepared for coastal erosion.
Providing evidence, examples, and opportunities for the government to adopt approaches or adjust policies to support coastal transition.
Creating accessible information to help everyone have a better understanding of coastal erosion and its impacts on communities.
Informing communities to allow them to investigate their adaptation options.
Working with young people to think about future needs on the coast.
Providing guidance and learning for other coastal communities and those who manage the coast.
Enabling information to fully inform property purchases.
Looking at national funding options where coastal defences are not possible.
Investigating national opportunities for alternative types of funding.
Identifying local and national long-term financing for coastal adaptation.
Investigating the possibility of coastal erosion insurance.
Incorporating nature-based approaches into transition plans.