Protecting Communties Biodiversity

Protecting Communities and Biodiversity

The Solent coastline is a diverse and unique place. Where businesses and homes are threatened by sea-level rise, the diversity of the coastline has given rise to some innovative methods protecting these communities.

Where some solutions have been successful for flood risk other areas have suffered. Habitat loss and coastal squeeze are impacts from certain Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) schemes. As a result, the Environment Agency (EA) has set up the Regional Habitat Compensation Programme (RHCP) to help deliver strategic habitat compensation.

Across England, depending on the size and geographical pressures, different areas have their own RHCP. In the Solent and South Downs area, we are working with the Environment Agency to deliver the programme, helping to ensure compliance with the nature conservation legislation and support a region rich in biodiversity whilst also delivering coastal schemes for local communities.

When environmentally designated sites are damaged, reduced or fragmented in some way as a result of FCERM projects, other suitable sites are required for compensatory habitat. The Solent and South Downs RHCP covers the area from Hurst Spit in the west to Beachy Head in the east and includes the north coast of the Isle of Wight. Within this area, several potential habitat creation sites have been identified for the programme to compensate for the effects of coastal squeeze and saline inundation resulting from rising sea levels. Through a structured approach to habitat provision, the RHCP allows FCERM schemes to efficiently progress, whilst ensuring compliance with legal requirements and helping to deliver the goals of the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. Adopting this approach will help contribute to more sustainable flood risk management in the future.

RHCP sites

Marker Point, Thorney Island

In partnership with the EA, the Ministry of Defence and Chichester Harbour Conservancy, the Thorney Island scheme aims to create intertidal habitat through managed realignment. A new set-back flood defence will be constructed, and the existing defence will be breached to allow new intertidal habitat to develop.

Hook Lake, Warsash

Hook Lake is a Local Nature Reserve situated at the mouth of the Hamble Estuary in Warsash, Hampshire. More information on page 28.

Hurst Spit to Lymington

The habitats and species of this area are of international importance and rich in biodiversity. The EA, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council and Natural England are working in partnership to explore a sustainable future for this popular coastline.