Adapting to coastal change at Wembury Beach
The coast is a dynamic environment, which is constantly being reshaped by the action of the waves, wind and tides. Climate change is contributing to rising sea-levels and more severe storms, increasing the rate of change around our coast. This is why it is more important than ever that we understand how our coastline might change, and how we can best adapt. We must work with these natural changes to plan for our future in this everchanging landscape, and find out how you too can lend a helping hand.
Helping the South Devon coast
Understanding how our coastline is changing takes the support of dedicated volunteers and local communities. Across South Devon, people are helping to collect valuable data about wildlife, habitats and coastal change, building the evidence we need to care for these special places and plan for the future. Learn more about our work adapting to coastal change at Wembury Beach below or email us at southdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk if you'd like to get involved in Shoresearch surveys.
Our dynamic coast
By 2100, global sea-levels could be up to 98cm higher than they are today. This, combined with more frequent storms, heavier rain and more prolonged heatwaves will increase the rate of coastal change that we experience.
Powerful winter storms can dramatically change the coastal places we love overnight. In 2013 and 2014 our coastline was battered by a series of storms and high tides, which resulted in several years' worth of erosion over a few days. The damage from the February 2014 storms at Wembury Beach was particularly severe and had a major impact on the appearance of the beach and the local community.
The National Trust's 'Shifting Shores' policy
Our national ‘Shifting Shores’ policy was launched in 2005 and aimed to encourage coastal National Trust properties to develop long-term plans for their coast by identifying and putting in place ways to adapt to the increasing pressures of climate change. At Wembury, we have been using this policy, alongside the local Shoreline Management Plan to ensure we manage coastal change effectively.
A key part of this approach is to work with nature wherever possible to create a more natural environment that can be enjoyed by everyone, for years to come. We want to be working closely with our communities and partners to create a joined up and sustainable plan for our coastline.
Adapting to coastal change at Wembury Beach
Our vision for the Wembury Peninsula is for it to be a naturally functioning coastline. This means we will work with natural processes wherever possible, rather than against them. This is also in line with the guidance written in our local Shoreline Management Plan (SMP16). By doing this, the peninsula will be far more resilient to the pressures of sea-level rise and more regular storms in the future.
Allowing nature to take its course does not mean that we simply do nothing. We are actively managing Wembury and looking to find sustainable ways to maintain both a healthy coastline and facilities that enable visitors and the local community to enjoy being on the coast.
We are also working with partners including South West Coastal Monitoring who have been regularly collecting coastal monitoring data for the South West coast since 2007. You can help us better understand the dynamic nature of our coastline by visiting the Wembury CoastSnap photo point which is on the South West Coast Path just above the beach. By taking part in this ongoing citizen science project, you can help document a valuable snapshot of our continually changing coastline.
Working with such a delicate and changing coastline like Wembury is a challenge and it takes time to plan. This is to ensure anything we do helps to protect this precious landscape for future generations.
What is a Shoresearch survey?
Shoresearch is The Wildlife Trusts' national citizen science survey of the intertidal shore, the exciting world of extremes where the sea meets the land. You will be trained to identify and record the marine life found on our local shores. The data collected by this project helps The Wildlife Trusts to monitor our fragile sea life and better understand the effects of pollution, climate change and invasive alien species.
Shoresearch surveys take place across the beaches we care for in South Devon, so if you'd like to know more and join as a volunteer, please email southdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk
Learn about coastal erosion
Wembury Beach is a popular place for school and university students studying geography and the natural environment. Alongside our partners the Devon Wildlife Trust at Wembury Marine Centre and the South West Coastal Monitoring, we have a range of resources to help support your learning. If you are interested or have any questions about coastal change in Wembury, please contact wembury@nationaltrust.org.uk.
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