Report raises concerns over coastal erosion

A new report published by Aggregate Industries, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of sustainable construction and building materials, has revealed which of the UK’s historic sites and landmarks are at the biggest risk of coastal erosion.

Data shows that sea levels are expected to rise by a further metre by 2100, a figure that puts more than a quarter of the UK’s flood defence structures at risk of failure.

And the Jurassic Coast is highlighted as being at serious risk.

Aggregate Industries’ report - titled The True Cost of Coastal Erosion to the UK - suggests that the cost of coastal erosion is more than the previously reported £12 billion.

Beyond the economic cost, the report highlights several key heritage sites and landmarks that face the biggest risk of flooding and disappearing entirely between now and 2100. 

Six historic castles are already being heavily impacted. These are: Tintagel Castle (Cornwall), Cornwall, Piel Castle (Cumbria), Bayard’s Cove Fort (Devon), Garrison Walls, (Scilly), Hurst Castle (Hampshire), and Calshot Castle (Hampshire). Combined, the castles require more than £275,000 in repairs and sea defence support in order to survive the growing crisis.

Beyond the castles, though, Aggregate’s report also highlights several other UK landmarks at risk of disappearing if urgent action isn’t taken.

Jurassic Coast, Brighton Pier, the White Cliffs of Dover, Royal Albert Dock, and Caernarfon Castle are among the UK landmarks at the biggest risk of being severely damaged or disappearing entirely before 2100.

Research for the report has shown that the following are at risk of flooding by 2100:

• 1.35 million properties 

• 1,600km of major roads

• 550 hectares of higher-quality agricultural land

• 650km of railway line

• 92 railway stations

• 55 historic landfill sites
  
  

Commenting in the report, Lee Sleight, Managing Director of Aggregates Division at Aggregates Industries, said: “In the face of the relentless and escalating threat of coastal erosion, we stand at a critical juncture where the silent force of the seas is reshaping the very fabric of our nation. 

“The disheartening reality is that land, present merely 50 years ago, has vanished, and the forecasted rise in sea levels by a metre over the next century paints a dire picture, with many of the UK’s most iconic landmarks at risk of not being around for future generations. 

“While the government's commendable commitment of £5.2 billion aims to protect vulnerable locations, the enormity of the challenge demands more. As we confront this unprecedented crisis, our collective responsibility is not merely to adapt but to innovate, fortify, and safeguard the resilience of our coastlines for generations to come. And we have the solutions to do so."

You can read the full True Cost of Coastal Erosion to the UK report online now.