Coastal Change Pathfinders: the national picture Claire Wilding Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme Defra

Aims of the pathfinder programme Pathfinder programme designed to help plug the coastal adaptation evidence gap. Provide an evidence base which can inform future policy decision making. 15 pathfinder local authorities, working in partnership with their communities, are exploring different approaches to planning for, and adapting to, coastal change. Programme completing in spring.

Geographical representation of pathfinder projects © Pictures of England.com Sefton Hastings BC Lincolnshire CC Somerset CC Scarborough – (Knipe Point) Hampshire (Lepe Country Park) Waveney East Sussex Cuckmere - East Riding Great Yarmouth BC Dorset South Hams – Slapton Line Partnership North Norfolk DC Chichester Tendring

Progress to date 15 schemes now reaching completion Innovative approaches including: - Engaging and educating communities - Adaptation planning - Rollback (homes and assets) - Buy and lease back

Examples Coastal Literacy (Chichester) An 18 month Coastal Literacy Programme led by CoastNet, to produce web based learning, information materials and other tools to equip local people with the knowledge and understanding needed to participate in adaptation decision making. Research (Hastings) Changing coastline and impact on fishing fleet and identification of short, medium and long term solutions.

Examples 2 Producing an adaptation plan (Scarborough) Produce a communication plan and action plan for ground movement events that may trigger the implementation of the adaption approach.

Next phase: evaluating and sharing learning Local authority-led dissemination activities Defra evaluation – by autumn Defra national event – 15 June

Defra evaluation Key questions to be considered: What worked and what didn’t? Why? What barriers did Pathfinders come across? What benefits were delivered? Was good value for money achieved? How could schemes be replicated/extended – including possible future funding sources? Are there promising ideas that need further testing?

Next steps Future funding consultation Encourage LAs and other partners to continue active engagement in Defra-led evaluation and other activities to share learning Consider next steps in light of results of pathfinder scheme.