Will the Kent coast always look like it does now? Unlikely. By 2100 is estimated that sea level changes wrought by climate change will have altered the map and we could find ourselves with a county that looks very different to the one we know and love today

Whether an act of humility or egotistical mania, King Canute’s tidal antics in the 11th century confirmed that the sea does what it wants. We’ve come a long way since, developing more sophisticated ways of thwarting the sea other than a pair of kingly ankles.

Around the county, coastal communities enjoy protection via a network of flood defences. They ensure that, even when the sea is at its bolshiest, those at risk from flooding (10 per cent of Kent’s population), can sleep safe in the knowledge that they won’t end up sharing more in common with Atlantis than Ashford. (more…)

The Environment Agency will be talking about its plans for managing flood risk in the Rye area at a meeting at Winchelsea Beach Community Hall on Saturday.

Ian Nunn, from the Environment Agency, will be talking and answering questions at the meeting, which has been organised by the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. (more…)

Rising sea levels will have a major impact on the South East’s coastline over the decades to come. It could result in the map of the region being completely redrawn. Even those miles from the sea could end up living under water. (more…)

There are concerns that the Government’s Shoreline Management Plan could increase flooding in the Rye area. It has led to the forming of a new pressure group The Defend Our Coast Asssociation (DOC).

Brigitte Bass, from the Association, said: “This has been set up by local people as a direct result of their dissatisfaction from the lack of local involvement and consultation by various Government bodies during the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans for our area, from Dungeness to Cliff End at Pett Level. (more…)