Useful links, documents and information

Technical Reports

Charmouth Environmental Constraints Table

This review provides a consolidated assessment of all relevant environmental designations and sensitivities, aligning them directly with the proposed adaptation options. It sets out the practical implications of each option and clearly identifies the consultees and permissions required to support timely, compliant decision‑making. This review guides those delivering adaptation to navigate the regulatory environment and ensure projects seek the appropriate approvals.

Beach Access (Charmouth Report)

This report investigates the feasibility of various alternative beach access options. This report supports the development of beach access designs and can be used by the project team to support the delivery of new beach access. 

Charmouth Geomorphological Baseline Assessment 

This report provides an in‑depth geomorphological assessment and examination of coastal processes, producing a robust scientific evidence base to inform which adaptation options are most appropriate and where they should be implemented, based on the geomorphology.

Review of Existing Beach Access Planning Application

This report assesses the feasibility of the design submitted within the existing planning application for new beach access at Charmouth (P/FUL/2024/01277). Alongside early contractor engagement and internal technical review, this assessment informed the conclusion that delivering the project as designed within the planning application is not feasible. Based on information provided by contractors, consultants, and engineers, the project team determined that the proposed scheme could not be delivered due to the significant projected costs and the programme duration required (this would exceed March 2027).

Citizen Science Recommendations

This report explored citizen science projects to be implemented by communities, to collect and contribute meaningful data to support better understanding of coastal change. Citizen science project activities such as ‘CoastSnap’ and ‘Coast Click’ have since been implemented. In Charmouth, the data from CoastSnap is being used within a postgraduate research project to build a better understanding of coastal change scenarios. 

Future Coast Dorset Cliff Drainage Investigations 

This report provides an assessment of how surface water and groundwater behaviour drives cliff instability at Swanage and Charmouth and outlines feasible drainage options to reduce landslide risk. This research is being used by the project team to develop drainage schemes in Charmouth and North Swanage.

Use of Trees and Vegetation to Stabilise Cliffs and Shallow Landslides 

This report provides a practical framework for applying vegetation as a nature‑based solution (NBS) on coastal cliffs and shallow landslides. It translates technical understanding of vegetation-slope interactions into clear implementation guidance, covering how to identify suitable planting areas, select appropriate native tree, shrub and ground‑cover species, and choose safe and effective installation methods. 

Charmouth Specific Information

Pathfinder Project: Charmouth Scenario Planning Report

Charmouth Foreshore Management Plan (2016)

CTAP Information

Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP)

National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England

Coastsnap - Southwest Coastal Monitoring

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