Coastal flood risk management strategy, Pegwell Bay to Kingsdown

the Pegwell Bay toKingsdown coastlineThe frontage of the Pegwell Bayto Kingsdown coastline has twodistinct characters. To thenorth of Sandwich Bay Estatethe coast is characterised by anextensive dune system behinda sand and shingle beach. Thedunes narrow towards Dealwith low-lying agricultural landbehind. Most of the dunes areincorporated into three golfcourses, which attract a largenumber of visitors to the area.The residential area of northDeal is also low-lying.To the south of Deal the landbegins to rise to meet the cliffsat the southern end of thestrategy frontage. This stretch ischaracterised by residentialareas, with agricultural landfurther back. The shinglebeach is reinforced with formaldefences towards the south.The area’s close proximity tothe Continent has led to a richhistory in trade. Its historicbuildings and the Cinque Portof Sandwich has resulted in thearea becoming a populardestination for visitors, withnumerous facilities andrecreational activities both landand water based.The River Stour is tidal up toFordwich, approximately 17miles upstream. With itstributaries it drains aconsiderable part of the Kentcountryside, flowing throughthe urban areas of Canterburyand Sandwich.The area supports large areasof coastal habitats designatedwithin the Natura 2000network. These include sitesdesignated as SpecialProtection Areas (SPA), SpecialAreas of Conservation (SAC),Sites of Special ScientificInterest (SSSI) and NationalNature Reserves (NNR).4 Environment Agency Pegwell Bay to Kingsdown coastal strategy