When Henry VIII built (ie got a bunch of other people to build) Hurst Castle on the Hampshire coast in the 1540s, it probably never crossed his mind that almost 500 years later it could become an island in itself. That’s what some experts fear could happen if new rewilding plans for the area go ahead.
The Environment Agency has drawn up proposals to protect Hurst Spit, the mile of shingle beach that the fortress sits on, against the effects of climate change. But critics worry that the rewilding will result in Hurst Castle becoming completely cut off from the mainland.
The plan involves realigning the landform around the fortress and creating new embankments to allow the land to flood and transition into salt marsh over time to create important habitats for birds to breed and migrate. Opponents to the plan argue that the site is being abandoned in favour of wildlife.
Dominic May, who’s part of campaign group called Save Lymington and Keyhaven, told the Telegraph: ‘Keyhaven river will be changed beyond all recognition.
‘There will not be any place to shelter under Hurst as the swell and waves will pass over Hurst shingle bank, and Lymington Harbour as a whole will be at risk.’
Rupert Wagstaff, the chairman of the Lymington Harbour Advisory Committee, added: ‘The only benefit of this plan is to create more salt marshes for the birds, but it would seem, at the detriment to everything and everyone else.’
Plans are still under consultation and nothing has been confirmed yet. An Environment Agency spokesperson said there are no plans to cut off the castle. They added: ‘Over the next 100 years, flood-risk and coastal erosion will also affect important habitats and heritage sites, including Hurst Castle.
‘We’re already talking to local people and had really good feedback, and plan a full consultation later this year, where anyone can submit thoughts and views on our proposals. We always welcome views on the work we do.
‘We’ve lost almost half of our salt marsh habitats in Hampshire since the 1970s. If we do nothing, they could all be gone inside 20 years.’
Did you see that one of the UK’s ‘most beautiful’ beaches is disappearing?
Plus: This English beach town is getting a ‘once in a generation’ £14 million glow-up.
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