Medmerry Managed Retreat, West Sussex

£28m

Cost of scheme

2013

Controlled breach

2011

Scheme approved

Key facts — from Seaford 2025–27 case study notes

Background — why management was needed

Flat, low-lying coast near Chichester, West Sussex — mostly farmland and caravan parks
Previously protected by a low sea wall that needed expensive repair
Building a new sea wall would cost far more than the relatively low-value agricultural land was worth
Sea level rise makes long-term protection increasingly expensive

The managed retreat strategy

Coastal realignment — a deliberate policy of allowing the coastline to move naturally by breaching existing defences
Controlled breach of the old sea wall took place in November 2013
Cost £28 million
Sea was allowed to flood previously protected low-value land
New embankments built inland to protect farmland, roads and settlements

Benefits of the scheme

Creates a large natural saltmarsh acting as a natural buffer to the sea
Protects surrounding farmland and caravan parks from flooding
Establishes valuable wildlife habitats attracting visitors
More cost-effective than repairing/building hard engineering
Works with natural processes rather than against them

Exam questions — 2 questions · 9 marks

1 markCoastal realignment

What does "coastal realignment" mean?

A Building a new sea wall further inland to replace an existing one

B Deliberately allowing the coastline to move naturally by breaching defences, allowing sea to flood low-lying land

C Dredging the seabed to create a deeper channel and reduce wave energy

D Importing sand to replenish beaches and protect cliffs from erosion

6 marksEvaluate managed retreat

Evaluate the Medmerry managed retreat scheme as a coastal management strategy. Consider advantages and disadvantages. (6 marks)

Hint: Cover at least 3 advantages and 2 disadvantages. End with an overall evaluation. The scheme is widely considered successful — but explain why it cannot be used everywhere.

+60 XP

Medmerry Managed Retreat, West Sussex

Background — why management was needed

The managed retreat strategy

Benefits of the scheme

Case study complete! 🎉