COASTAL
PATH EROSION
 |
| The path traverses a stunning coastline |
The
SW Coast Path celebrates its Jubilee this year, but this popular
beauty spot is under threat from natural erosion and the trampling
of boots. So what can be done to halts its decay?
2003 is the
silver jubilee of the completion of the South West Coast Path.
With its unique history and beauty, the path attracts millions of local,
national and international walkers to the South West region every year.
But erosion is spoiling the party. Some parts of the path have been moved,
but it is not always possible to move the route 15/30 metres inland.
 |
| Wave
power erodes the coastline |
Natural erosion
is not the only issue which is creating problems for the future of the
Coast Path.
Sue Rodway
Dyer from Exeter University is just completing research on the effect
of human erosion on the path.
The wonderful
coast line has been shaping itself for thousands of years and erosion
is the paradox of the path as it can both create and destroy the incredible
landscape.
The path
was finally completed in 1978 when the Somerset and North Devon section
was opened.
The longest walk
It is Britain's longest National trail running from Minehead in Somerset
to South Haven Point near Poole, Dorset.
With it's 302 bridges, the path is 630 miles long.
 |
| West
Coast Path is based on a working footpath |
If you were to walk 10 miles a day it would take you over 2 months to
walk the path.
The South
West Coast Path is unique because it is based on a working footpath which
was in use until comparatively modern times.
Coastguards
used to patrol the whole coast of the South West Peninsula on foot, every
day, in the course of their duties in pursuit of Revenue protection against
smuggling.
This lasted until 1856 and the Admiralty carried on the work until 1913.
Path diverted
The authorities are trying to divert the path or amend it but it's not
always possible to find an alternative on the coast.
 |
| Coast
Path closed due to erosion |
There is
also a financial constraint as with an annual budget of 拢600,000
projects have to be prioritised.
So natural
erosion is one of the main problem with diverting the path.
One place
where the path has been diverted is in Torbay.
The cliffs are in great danger of falling down and it is to protect the
public that the path has been pushed inland.
Natural erosion
is a problem but it is not the only erosion that can be a problem for
the South West Coast path.
| COAST PATH FACTS |
|
 The
path is 630 miles (1014km) long, 17 miles longer than the previous
best estimate
There
are 2,473 signs and waymark posts
walking
the complete path requires encountering 921 stiles and 26,719 steps
there
are 302 bridges, the longest of which is at Thurlestone in South Devon
and is 80 yards (73m) long
a
total of 19 miles (30km) of coast is at risk to regular coastal slippage.
|
It is great
that the path attracts hundreds of thousands of walkers every year, but
this could also lead to its destruction.
Extensive
use of the path can start human erosion.
An unpublished study describes the effect of human use of the path.
Sue Rodway-Dyer
is completing a study of paths in the South West for her PhD at Exeter
University.
She explains
that people not following the path create human erosion.
The lost vegetation on the side of the path will accelerate erosion as
there is nothing 'keeping it' together.
Which is why it is important to keep to the path.
|
