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.