Coastal Protection and Flood Defence

The areas of Pembrokeshire at risk from erosion and flooding are restricted to just a few. The coastline is predominantly rocky, with limestone and sandstone in the south, and resistant volcanic rock of Precambrian age in the west and north. The areas most at risk within the coastal zone are those on the lower reaches of the rivers where the channel capacity is restricted either naturally or through man-made development, and low-lying exposed areas of coast. Changes in weather patterns and onshore wind direction may be responsible in part for changes in flooding and erosion. A net loss of sand and sediment at many locations, including some important tourist beaches, may be attributed to these changes.
A few of the issues identified through topic group meetings on this subject were:

• Private properties in some high-risk areas, e.g. Amroth and Newgale, could become uninsurable.
• There is a lack of public awareness of the position regarding responsibilities over protection of private and public property.
• Potential impact of Japanese Knotweed and other alien species on biodiversity and flood defences.

This Topic Group was chaired by Emyr Williams from Pembrokeshire County Council. To download a full report on this subject in PDF format, including all the issues identified at the meetings, click here. If you would like the document in Welsh, please contact Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum on 01646 696174.

PLEASE NOTE THESE PAPERS WILL NEED REGULAR UPDATING TO REFLECT CHANGES TAKING PLACE AND THE EMERGENCE OF NEW INFORMATION SO ANY FEEDBACK ON THEIR CONTENT IS WELCOMED.



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