Background on coastal issues on the Manhood Peninsula Rachel Carless Coastal Literacy Officer, Coastnet

History Historically the Manhood Peninsula has experienced considerable coastal change, including permanent inundation, land reclamation, erosion and coastal flooding. One of the earliest records is the loss of over 1000Ha of land to the sea in 1340 in the Pagham Harbour area (making Selsey an island linked to the rest of the Peninsula by a fording point). Since then, records show the situation has been dynamic across the whole coastal zone, characterised by widespread erosion, repeated coastal flooding, overtopping, and movement of shingle features.

Major coastal events The reconnection of Selsey to the mainland by a causeway (c 1810) Flooding of 2000Ha in the Pagham Harbour area (1910) Overtopping flooding in 1950/51 The construction of groynes and sea walls across many frontages (1950s to 1970s), and shingle recharges (416,000 tonnes between ). The construction of sea defences stimulated significant residential development in areas previously considered unsuitable for habitation.

Next 20 – 25 years Over the next 20–25 years the Manhood Peninsula is increasingly likely to suffer from flooding from the sea, river and rifes and from groundwater flooding due to a rising water table. Flooding and erosion are real risks facing people and their property on the coastline between Pagham and East Head. If there were no sea defences today, more than 300 houses and businesses in low lying areas could flood each year. With rising sea levels, this number could rise to more than 2,200 in the next 100 years. If the existing defences were not maintained, erosion could cause almost 1,500 properties to be lost to the sea over the next 100 years.

Coastal groups on Peninsula – 1. The Manhood Peninsula Partnership (MPP) Comprises the local and regional agencies responsible for this area including District, County and Parish Councils, Environment Agency, National Trust, RSPB, Natural England, Chichester Harbour Conservancy and other community representatives. Formed in 2001 in direct response to residents’ concerns over planning and inter-agency co-operation; and remains a lively and pro-active group with a European profile but a strong local network. Organised international conference in 2001 w/ Dutch and British experts whose brief was to look at a holistic way of managing the peninsula. “Going Dutch on the Manhood Peninsula” produced. Subsequently became part of a wider European project on climate change (ESPACE) and published a comprehensive Adaptation Action Plan for the Peninsula, commissioned a number of technical studies and supported several practical projects 2008 – Going Dutch II – reviewed the PEHCDS

2. Save Our Selsey (SOS) Over 1500 members. Set up as an immediate and spontaneous reaction to the proposals contained within the PEHCDS (2007). Raised awareness through community events, TV and radio interviews SOS has links with other coastal campaign groups around the UK and takes part in the Coastal and Marine All Party Parliamentary Group and recently formed National Voice for Coastal Communities Forum

3. Manhood Peninsula Steering Group (MPSG) Formed at the suggestion of local MP, Andrew Tyrie, who is Hon President Brings together a wide audience from across the Peninsula to raise awareness about coastal change and flood risk management issues. It is particularly concerned about the socio-economic sustainability of the Peninsula in the light of coastal change & policy. Includes businesses, resident groups (West Wittering, Ham, Medmerry & Selsey), various Parishes. Strong representation from Selsey, including businesses (Bunn Leisure, Nature’s Way Foods, the Small Business Partnership) & Councillors (Town & District). Seeks to influence local & national policy by engaging with government, statutory agencies & other coastal groups, and responding to all related consultations.

DEFRA Pathfinder project 2010/11 The Government awarded £11 million in grants to local authorities who demonstrated the best and most innovative ideas for dealing with and adapting to coastal change. (Announced Dec 09) 15 local authorities were successful, each of which came up with their own schemes for working with communities that face the threat of coastal erosion. Chichester District Council was one of the successful 15 and awarded £450,000.

Pathfinder – deliverables Creation of an ICZM Partnership which will link directly into the LSP. Coastal Literacy Programme led by Coastnet, to produce web based learning, information materials and other tools to equip local people with the knowledge and understanding needed to participate in adaptation decision making Funding to investigate the formation of a community owned Coastal Trust for Selsey, including comprehensive feasibility studies, with a view to this trust potentially overseeing a series of coastal regeneration projects, owned by the community. Monies for capital projects that would enhance the area and reduce climate change impacts such as the replacement of the Fisherman’s Ramp at East Beach in Selsey. A small coastal grants fund for match funding community adaptation projects, administered by the MPP.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a process for the management of the coast using an integrated approach, regarding all aspects of the coastal zone, including geographical and political boundaries, in an attempt to achieve sustainability. This concept was born in 1992 during the Earth Summit of Rio de Janeiro.

Summary Many different stakeholders Lively and engaged local community groups Challenging and ever changing policy arena Many different social, environmental and economic challenges to be integrated along with coastal management needs Better communication between groups and sectors is clearly needed New and innovative ways of communicating with as yet unengaged groups