Reappraising coastal squeeze: a case study from north-west England

Abstract

This paper clarifies the term ‘coastal squeeze’ and explains the other causes for coastal habitat loss in addition to sea level rise and the presence of sea defences. A case study from north-west England is then presented based on an analysis of historical Ordnance Survey maps. This high-level analysis shows that coastal narrowing has occurred on undefended as well as defended profiles. This is consistent with there being a number of other factors responsible for changes in the width of the coastal zone in addition to sea level rise and the presence of defences. In cell 11 other contributory factors such as changes in the positions of offshore banks and channels, the alongshore sediment supply and the wind–wave climate are likely to have resulted in greater losses of habitat than coastal squeeze. It is concluded that previous assessments of coastal squeeze are likely to have overestimated the extent of coastal squeeze and therefore the requirement for compensatory habitat.