‘Hengistbury Head could disappear over next century’ (From Bournemouth Echo)

‘Hengistbury Head could disappear over next century’

7:00am Thursday 13th August 2009

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BOURNEMOUTH’S Hengistbury Head heritage site will continue to erode and eventually disappear if nothing is done to protect it, a report has predicted.

Part, if not all, of the Site of Scientific Interest could be lost over the next 100 to 200 years as nature takes its toll on the coastline.

The report commissioned by Bournemouth Borough Council is part of their Shoreline Management Plan and looks at whether they should be protecting the coastline in the short term.

The study considers the implications and likelihood of a breach at Double Dykes near Hengistbury Head.

It highlights the uncertainty of such an event and says much of this is down to climate change.

“The majority of previous studies believe that a critical event leading to a breach is low risk during the short or medium term.”

But looking to the future the report states: “Without defences and with no further intervention of any kind, Hengistbury Head would continue to erode.

“Within 200 years or so one bay would eventually form from the existing two. Hengistbury Head would eventually disappear, as would Christchurch harbour in its current form.”

The report suggests that it would take an extremely severe storm in the one in 200 year probability to cause a breach through the Double Dykes area – turning Hengistbury Head into an island.

In conclusion, the report states consideration should be given to what type of management should be put in place if a breach were to happen over the next 100 years.

“Defence and management approaches at Hengistbury Head cliffs and Mudeford Spit need to be considered, under the scenario of a permanent breach.”

Mike Hodges, representing Highcliffe Residents Association, feels preventative action needs to be taken now.

He said: “Why wait for disaster? Why not spend some sensible money now even if it’s a few million – a bit less than the tens of millions of pounds that will be needed in the long-term?”

Geoff Turnbull, major engineering developments manager, said: “The ongoing review of the Poole and Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Plan has found that there is no significant risk to Hengistbury Head in the next 100 years.

“We will be continuing to monitor the area on a regular basis in order to inform our coast protection policies and any intervention required for the future.”

Other parts of the Dorset coast are also at risk.

Last summer, the National Trust said that it would have to relocate tourist facilities at Studland Beach before they fell into the sea, with the beach being eroded at a rate of two to three metres a year.

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