1. Making decisions about the Holderness coast
Michelle Minton
Learning objective: To investigate the impacts of erosion along the Holderness coast and how this coastline should be managed
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2. Starter: Geographical questions
Look at a map or photograph of an eroded coastline.
Create a caption which describes what the image shows.
Ask yourself why has this happened.
Display on the smartboard and ask students to come up with an appropriate caption which describes what the map shows. Encourage students to read the key and any text on the map as this is a useful habit to get into in preparation for exam questions with resources. As a challenge, students should attempt to explain why this has happened on the Holderness coast, linking to their understanding of coastal retreat and erosional processes.
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3. Making decisions about the Holderness coast
Task 1 Read the article ‘A fresh look at the Holderness Coast’. Complete the case study table below in your books.
Ulrome
Hornsea
Location and current rate of erosion
Population size
Economic value (e.g. businesses)
Coastal management to date
Students should read the article and record key information about Ulrome and Horsea in the case study table above. You could extend this activity by asking students to research more information about each location, for example their environmental value. To incorporate a ‘skill’ element you could use Google Earth and ask students to interpret an aerial photograph of each location.
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4. Making decisions about the Holderness coast
Task 2 As the article explains, in 2105 local authorities will have to decide again how to protect the Holderness coast. In pairs, critically evaluate the current management strategies in Hornsea or Ulrome and make suggestions for coastal management of these locations in the future. Read the information about the location you are focusing on carefully and complete a cost– benefit analysis of the current management strategy used in this area.
Costs
(social, economic and environmental)
Benefits
Hornsea (Hold the line)
Ulrome – No active intervention
Organise students into pairs and give each pair an information sheet about Ulrome or Hornsea. Ulrome is more challenging so use this for higher-ability learners. Students should use the information to complete a cost–benefit analysis. Encourage students to consider social, economic and environmental costs and benefits.
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5. Hornsea
The management strategy currently applied here is hold the line. Investment has been made to protect Hornsea from erosion and flooding.
Wooden groynes trap sediment being transported by longshore drift. This widens the beach, absorbing wave energy and protecting the land behind. They are inexpensive, but need regular repairs. Groynes also restrict beach access and can increase erosion further down the coastline.
Hornsea’s sea wall offers protection against flooding and erosion. It is a large concrete structure which is expensive and energy consumptive to build. However, it does create a promenade for local people and tourists to enjoy.
Rock armour comprises large granite boulders which are usually imported from abroad, making them more expensive than groynes. When placed in front of a sea wall they absorb wave energy helping to protect the wall behind. The natural materials used reduce visual pollution.
Hornsea information sheet
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6. Ulrome
The management strategy currently applied here is no active intervention (do nothing). The local authority has decided not to protect Ulrome.
The installation of groynes in Hornsea has accelerated erosion in Ulrome. Groynes in Hornsea trap sediment which would naturally be transported by longshore drift and deposited at Ulrome, creating a wider beach. A wider beach absorbs wave energy, protecting the cliffs behind from erosion.
The homes of 200 residents in Ulrome are under threat. Without protection, boulder clay cliffs will continue to erode and the coastline will retreat. Local farmers and holiday-park owners in this area are also facing the loss of their businesses and livelihoods.
Demolition of property in this area has cost in excess of £100,000. As it stands local businesses and residents will have to relocate. However, this is less than the cost of strong and effective coastal-management strategies, saving the local authority money.
Ulrome information sheet
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7. Making decisions about the Holderness coast
Task 2 (continued)
Now join with a pair who have researched the other location. You should discuss each location’s cost–benefit analysis and, bearing in mind the two future predictions below, decide upon how Hornsea and Ulrome should be managed in the future.
Future predictions
Sea-level rise of at least 2 metres
Increased risk of storm surges
Options for future management
No active intervention
Hold the line
Managed realignment
Advance the line
Tip: Consider a variety of stakeholders in your decision
Pairs should now link with another pair who studied the other location. Encourage students to discuss their cost–benefit analyses and if pairs have opposing decisions invite students to consider why that might be the case. It is likely in the future sea levels will rise at least 2 metres and there will be an increased risk of storm surges on this coastline. Based on this information, students should decide what management strategy they would like to apply and explain why in their books.
Literacy support
Point: What strategy have you chosen?
Evidence: What facts/figures support your choice?
Analyse: Why have you made this decision?
Link: Link this decision with the other case study location’s decision. Why do they differ?
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8. Plenary Social Environmental Economic
When deciding on how to manage a coastline social, economic and environmental implications have to be taken into account. Imagine a large triangle in your classroom and stand to show how much each factor should be taken into account. Be prepared to explain your opinion.
Social
Ideally, this final activity could be completed outside with a chalk triangle on the playground. Students should consider which factor they believe should be prioritised when making decisions about coastal management. Use questioning to encourage students to link their opinions to the case study they have learnt about in this lesson.
Economic
Environmental
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