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Happisburgh's Accelerating Coastal Erosion Threatens Its Future

Experts warn that the Norfolk village could vanish by 2050 as erosion outpaces defences, forcing residents to leave while tourists flock to experience its beauty and history.

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Overview

  • Happisburgh has lost over 250 meters of coastline since the 1990s, with erosion rates exceeding four meters per year in some areas of Norfolk.
  • Dr. Ian Richards states that the erosion process is advancing faster than expected, leading to collapsing homes, disappearing roads, and increasing resident displacement.
  • The village's boulder clay cliffs, prone to slumping when wet, are a key factor driving the rapid erosion along the Norfolk coast.
  • Existing sea defences, installed decades ago and bolstered by a £3 million project in 2012, are proving insufficient against current climate pressures.
  • Despite the risks, Happisburgh remains a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors to its scenic views, historic lighthouse, and archaeological significance before it potentially disappears.