Our work: coastal change at South Milton Sands

View from the top of the beach at South Milton Sands, South Devon — View from the top of the beach at South Milton Sands | © National Trust Images/Eric McDonald

South Milton Sands is a much-loved beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South Devon. However, it has also experienced the effects of coastal change significantly over the past few decades. Find out how the National Trust has been tackling this ongoing process, from wooden piling sea defences to regenerating a dune system, all with the help of hundreds of volunteers.

Tackling coastal change at South Milton Sands

The National Trust acquired the land at South Milton Sands in 1980.

In 1990 a wooden piling sea defence was built to protect the land behind from erosion.

By 2002 this was reaching the end of its natural lifespan so we consulted with the local community and a wide range of stakeholders to find a more sustainable solution to deal with the coastal change.

A more natural approach

We decided to switch from hard coastal defences (which have a limited life and effectiveness) and adopted a more natural process-based approach.

In 2008 we regenerated an existing dune system which we hoped would flex and adjust with rising sea levels and coastal change. Rotten timber piling and many tons of rubble and waste were removed, and new parking and access created.

Looking towards the steep sides of the sand dunes at South Milton Sands, South Devon — Looking towards the steep sides of the sand dunes at South Milton Sands | © National Trust Images/Eric McDonald

The work was supported locally with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant marram grass to establish the dunes. The project was viewed as a great success.

The storms of 2014

Six years later, a dramatic combination of storm-force winds and extreme high tides had significantly damaged the dune system and the access track that lies behind it.

Richard Snow, Countryside Manager, explained: 'We are committed to public access and protecting the beach for public enjoyment. However, we also need to recognise that coastal change is something we have to accept and adapt to.

‘We now need to work with local people to develop a plan for the area which properly reflects the future impacts of coastal change.’

If you would like to be involved in or kept informed of our ongoing efforts to tackle coastal change at South Milton Sands, please email us or call 01752 346585.