Project Overview

Introduction to the BCP Cliff Management Guide

South West Flood and Coastal is in the process of developing a new approach to Sea Cliff Management for BCP Council. Its aim is to provide a single, consistent and integrated approach to managing each section of the 20+ kilometres of sea cliffs across the BCP coastline. Part of this involves creating a Cliff Management Guide for the community.

The BCP Cliff Management Guide will be a critical resource designed to inform and assist landowners, homeowners, businesses and residents living near cliffs in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) area. This guide will provide essential information on managing cliff environments, ensuring safety, and understanding the responsibilities involved in maintaining these unique landscapes.

Cliff management refers to the strategies and practices employed to prevent erosion, landslides, and other geological hazards that can affect properties and public safety. The guide will outline the natural processes that influence cliff stability and offers practical advice on how to mitigate potential risks.

Key Components of the Guide

1. How and why do cliff falls occur on the BCP Coast? 

The guide will inform on the local geology, failure mechanisms and the differences between instability and coastal erosion. It will also detail some local examples of falls along the BCP coast.

2. How to spot the signs of cliff instability and erosion? What should I do if I see any of these signs?

The guide will inform readers on the signs of cliff instability and erosion. This will be things to look out for on and around the cliffs on both public and private land.

The guide emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments for properties located near cliffs. It provides detailed steps on how to evaluate the potential dangers, including signs of erosion, subsidence, and other geological changes.

In the event of a cliff-related emergency, it is intended the guide will provide instructions on creating an emergency plan. This includes knowing who to contact, understanding evacuation routes, and preparing a safety kit. The guide will stress the importance of being proactive and ready for any unforeseen events.

3. Who manages the cliffs and why? 

The cliffs are managed in many ways locally, and techniques used include hard engineering, drainage, environmental management, planting and much more. This section will detail efforts made by the local authority and individuals to manage the cliffs.

4. Where the responsibilities lie?

The BCP Cliff Management Guide outlines the legal obligations of  businesses, home and landowners, including compliance with local regulations and environmental preservation laws. It highlights the importance of working with local authorities and experts to ensure that any interventions are both legal and environmentally sound.

The guide will set out where you can find out your responsibilities as a home/landowner and how this can be shared in the community.

5. What can the community do to maintain and preserve the cliffs?

Home and landowners near or on the cliffs are encouraged to engage in regular maintenance practices to help preserve cliff integrity. This includes managing vegetation, ensuring proper drainage, and avoiding activities that could exacerbate erosion. The guide offers actionable tips and best practices to maintain safety.

Owning property near cliffs comes with its unique set of challenges and responsibilities. The BCP Cliff Management Guide serves as a comprehensive resource to help residents navigate these challenges with informed confidence. By following the guidelines and recommendations provided, everyone can contribute to the safety and preservation of their cliffside communities.

What’s happening? 

Dorset Coast Forum want to know how well people understand cliff instability and erosion across the BCP Council area. We want to know how well you understand your responsibilities as a citizen in checking for risks, helping with mitigation efforts and building some knowledge and resilience in the community near the cliffs.

Come along to one of our engagement events and find out more about the guide and how you can help contribute to what’s included.

The BCP Coastline area stretches from Chewton Bunny in the east to Hamworthy in the west. This householder guide will include information for all the sections of the BCP coastline which have a cliff, listed below:

Cliffs are dynamic landforms of erosion commonly found along the coastline. The cliff itself usually has a sheer edge which is constantly changing The cliffs along the BCP coast vary in height and steepness and this is because of the rock types they are formed from. Generally softer rocks create a more sloping cliff, harder rocks are steeper.  

Across the BCP Coastline cliffs are formed from soft sandstone and mudstone making them at risk from erosion. Interaction with groundwater also has an impact and so any management has to take in all the contributing natural factors as well as the built environment on or around the cliffs. 

Recent Cliff Falls

2016: East Cliff

East Cliff Lift after landslip 2016 - Credit BGS

East Cliff Slip 2024 - Credit Bournemouth Echo

2017 Canford Cliffs 

Stabilisation works took place after this fall. You find out more here. 

2024 West Cliff

These images show some of the large scale events. However Landslips are not unique to BCP and take place all over the coast. A few examples are shown below:

 

West Bay Cliff Fall - January 2023. Credit James Loveridge

 

Unstable Cliffs at Barton On Sea in the New Forest

 

Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight (Credit Kyle Tremlett, Isle of Wight Press)

In Scarborough, extensive works have taken place to stabilise the cliffs. You can find out more here.

 

To get involved with the creation of the householder guide you can do the following:

• Come along to one of our engagement events and talk to us about your knowledge and experiences with the cliffs across the BCP area. 
• Take part in our online survey.
• Pick up a paper survey and return to a local library. 
• Tell your friends and neighbours about this work and get them involved too.
• In the survey, leave us your contact details and tell us how you would like us to stay in touch.