Northumberland 4Shores

Client - Environment Agency

The Northumberland 4shores project comprises the managed realignment of coastal defences to maximise the quantity and quality of coastal habitat and improve sustainable recreational opportunities, whilst meeting the needs of local landowners.

A prior study identified that 22km of sea defences were currently outflanked and in a poor condition. Land use comprised agricultural grassland, and proposals to abandon the defences were approved by the Regional Flood Defence Committee in July 2005. An Options Assessment Report produced as part of this project considered the possibilities for habitat creation and enhancement within the study areas of Alnmouth and Beal and a review of the options available for the breaching/modification of the existing defences taking into account environmental, engineering, cost and landowner/tenant constraints, in order to facilitate creation of preferred habitat conditions.