Lymington, 17 June 2025 - As part of the UK’s wider response to the impacts of climate change, the Environment Agency is advancing a long-term coastal resilience strategy along the Hampshire coast. On 16 June 2025, Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell visited the 15km stretch between Hurst Spit and Lymington to review early proposals aimed at protecting the area from rising sea levels, erosion and future flood risk.

This site visit highlights the kind of regional leadership, evidence-based planning, and environmental innovation needed to deliver scalable, sustainable responses to the climate crisis.

Lovell walked along Hurst Spit, a naturally occurring barrier, to better understand how the landscape is expected to evolve and how nature-based solutions can be integrated into long-term coastal defence. He also reviewed options for developed zones such as Bath Road and explored a coastal lagoon to assess environmental sensitivities as part of the Environment Agency’s Plan for Change, which emphasises adaptive, sustainable infrastructure.

Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:
“Seeing this coastline first-hand brings alive the challenges we face in protecting it. The Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy represents our commitment to developing solutions that work with natural processes while safeguarding homes, businesses and the environment that makes this area so special.”

The visit also included discussions with members of the Save Lymington and Keyhaven group (SLAK), who raised concerns about the strategy’s potential impact on the Lymington River, which is vital to the local marine sector.

Claire Francis, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Alan Lovell’s visit highlights the importance of this strategy to the Environment Agency. Having his expertise and perspective on the ground will be invaluable as we continue developing options that balance protection of properties with environmental considerations.”

The Environment Agency is working in partnership with New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Natural England and local stakeholders to co-develop the strategy. It is a strong example of collaboration between national agencies and communities in addressing climate resilience.

Professor Martin Hurst of the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee said:
“Alan Lovell’s visit gave us a valuable opportunity to see the detailed work happening with local communities to develop this strategy. The strategy is taking a careful, evidence-based approach that recognises both the environmental sensitivity of this coastline and its importance to local people’s lives and livelihoods.”

More than 60 residents have already participated in community drop-in sessions, with more events scheduled throughout the summer. These sessions are designed to offer opportunities for the public to ask questions and gain clarity on the long-term plans for the coastline.