Case study – managing coastlines

Holderness coastline
Key details	Location: north-east England Erosion rate: retreats at 1–2 metres per year, one of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe
Reasons for management	Geology: the cliffs are made of soft clay, which erodes quickly, especially when saturated by rain. Longshore drift: strong prevailing winds move material southwards, reducing beach size and exposing cliffs.
Management strategies	Groynes: two groynes were built to trap sediment and create a wider beach, protecting the cliffs from waves. Rock armour: large boulders were placed at the base of the cliffs to absorb wave energy and reduce erosion.
Effects and conflcits	Tourism: increased litter, hazards, and demand for facilities, increasing pressure on local infrastructure. Sustainability: rising sea levels mean future defences must consider long-term sustainability (groynes causing increased erosion down the coast at Mappleton)

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