Soft Engineering Coastal Management Techniques

Soft engineering techniques utilize natural elements, such as beaches and sand dunes, to absorb wave energy and reduce erosion. These methods are more sustainable as they work with natural coastal processes, using knowledge of the sea to mitigate erosion.

Definition: Soft engineering techniques are coastal management methods that work with natural processes to reduce erosion and flooding.

Types of Soft Engineering Techniques

1. Beach Nourishment and Re-profiling: Sand and shingle from elsewhere (e.g., the seabed) or from lower down the beach are added to the upper part of the beach.

Example: Beach nourishment can cost up to £500,000 per 100m.

2. Dune Regeneration: Sand dunes are effective buffers against the sea but can be easily destroyed by trampling. Marram grass planting and nourishment can be used to stabilize dunes and help them develop.

Vocabulary: Marram grass is a type of grass commonly used in dune stabilization due to its deep root system and ability to thrive in sandy, salty environments.

3. Managed Retreat: A deliberate policy of allowing the sea to flood or erode an area of relatively low-value land. This involves removing current defenses over time, allowing the area to become marshland.

Highlight: Managed retreat is becoming increasingly popular as sea levels rise, offering a more sustainable approach to coastal management.

Advantages of Soft Engineering Techniques

• Creates wider beaches, slowing waves and providing greater protection from erosion
• Relatively cheap and easy to maintain
• Blends in with the existing beach and maintains a natural coastal environment
• Increases tourist potential by creating bigger beaches
• Dune stabilization is cost-effective
• Marshland created by managed retreat protects land behind it from erosion and creates new habitats for plants and animals

Disadvantages of Soft Engineering Techniques

• Beach nourishment needs constant maintenance unless structures are built to retain the beach
• Taking materials from the seabed can harm marine organisms
• Dune regeneration can be time-consuming and may restrict public access to certain areas
• Managed retreat may require compensation for people affected by erosion

Quote: "As sea levels rise, managed retreat will increase in popularity."

Costs of Soft Engineering Techniques

• Beach nourishment: Up to £500,000 per 100m
• Dune regeneration: £200-£2,000 per 100m
• Managed retreat: Costs depend on the amount of compensation needed for affected people

In conclusion, both hard and soft engineering techniques offer unique approaches to coastal management. While hard engineering provides immediate and visible results, soft engineering techniques are often more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The choice between these methods depends on various factors, including the specific coastal environment, available budget, and long-term management goals.

Project Benefits and Environmental Impact

This section details the positive outcomes of the Lincolnshire coastal management scheme.

Highlight: The project protects 30,000 properties and 35,000 hectares of ecologically valuable land.

Example: The scheme has enhanced tourism while maintaining environmental considerations through low-carbon equipment usage.