Orfordness: Geomorphological Conservation Perspectives

Abstract

This paper considers the issue of geomorphological conservation. General concepts are illustrated by reference to a survey of the scientific importance of geomorphological features within the Nature Conservancy Council's Geological Conservation Review Orfordness/Havergate site. The effects of coastal defence works on geomorphological processes are discussed, and the relationship between coastal defence and conservation policy is reviewed. The scientific importance of Orfordness is assessed by means of a multiple criterion decision making technique, which evaluates the current state of preservation of this shingle system, maps different morphological types, and examines the extent to which evidence is preserved of successive stages of development of the feature. This work was commissioned by the Nature Conservancy Council, UK, as part of its programme of research into Earth Science conservation.