Coastal Erosion

Environment

Coastal erosion is one of the most visible environmental challenges facing the Isle of Wight. The island's coastline is constantly changing, with cliff falls, landslips and beach movement reshaping the shoreline. The south and south-west coasts are particularly affected.

The Military Road (A3055) along the south-west coast has been rerouted several times due to cliff erosion. Sections of the road have fallen into the sea, and further retreat is expected. The rate of erosion varies but can be dramatic after winter storms, with cliff falls of several metres occurring in a single event.

The Undercliff between Ventnor and Niton is the largest urban landslip complex in western Europe. This area of ancient landslides is inherently unstable, and movement continues to affect properties and roads. The Undercliff Drive road has been closed to vehicles since 2014 due to ongoing instability.

The chalk cliffs at Freshwater Bay and the Needles erode at a measurable rate. The stacks that form the Needles are remnants of a chalk ridge that once connected the island to the mainland. Fossil-bearing cliffs at Brook and Compton Bay are constantly revealing new specimens as they erode.

Coastal management on the island uses a mix of approaches: hard defences (sea walls, groynes) in some areas, managed retreat in others. The Shoreline Management Plan sets out the long-term strategy. Climate change and rising sea levels are expected to increase erosion rates. Some properties have been lost to the sea, and more are at risk over coming decades.