Dramatic photographs have revealed the rapidly eroding coastline at one of the country’s most popular tourist hotspots.
The iconic coastline at Birling Gap in East Sussex was struck by several cliff falls over the summer – including three in just 48 hours – sending 50,000 tons of chalk cascading into the sea below.
In June a giant crack tore into an 80ft chalk-face leading to another collapse and claiming the life of a 23-year-old student, who fell to her death as she peered over the edge.
Now the steps leading down from the cliff edge to the beach are set to be moved amid fears they pose a danger to the public – some 350,000 of whom visit the unstable beauty spot each year.
The steps leading to the beach at Birling Gap are being moved due to the effects of coastal erosion over the past four years
These images show how the cliff face has gradually eroded – so the council wants to move the steps closer amid fears for public safety
A mixture of violent storms and high seas has seen several metres of the chalk face cliffs disappear beneath the waves
Completed just four years ago, it was hoped the steps leading down to the beach at Birling Gap, near the iconic Seven Sisters, would provide access for the visitors for decades to come.
But a mixture of violent storms and high seas has seen tons of chalk and the cliff face disappear beneath the waves.
During the winter storms throughout 2013 and 2014, seven years of erosion was said to have taken place in just three months.
Now the steps have been closed to the public so they can be moved to a ‘safer anchorage’.
Councillor Claire Dowling, Wealden District Council Cabinet member with responsibility for Coastal Protection, said: ‘The steps and bridge are designed to be periodically moved to allow for ongoing erosion, but unfortunately the council and the National Trust are having to take this action a number of years earlier than we had hoped.
‘We regret the inconvenience this may cause people wishing to access the beach but it is important that we complete the work before the coming winter storms.’
‘The present staircase was installed in 1996, to replace a damaged earlier structure. It was moved back to the cliff line in 2002 and the access bridge – which dated from the earlier structure – was replaced and lengthened in 2013.’
The cliffs at Birling Gap have experienced among the worst coastal erosion in the UK. In 2005 it was noted they had retreated 90 metres from where they had stood in 1873.
Over the years several cottages have disappeared as the cliffs have gradually been eroded.
The cliffs at Birling Gap have experienced possibly the worst coastal erosion in the UK. In 2005 it was noted they had retreated 90 metres from where they had stood in 1873
The unstable beauty spot has seen a number of cliff falls in recent months, prompting the Coastguard to advise people to avoid the area
Cllr Dowling added: ‘It is another stark reminder of the relentless erosion taking place and why it is so important not to go near the cliff edge. We never know when or where the next fall will take place.’
It is hoped that once in their new position, the steps should not have to be replaced for up to ten more years.
Adrian Harrison, National Trust Lead Ranger said: ‘Here at Birling Gap we are face to face with the realities of coastal change.
‘We are glad to have the support of Wealden District Council with this essential work on the steps, which will help to enable long term access to the beach.’
The National Trust looks after 775 miles of coastline around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
More than 350,000 people visit the cliffs at Birling Gap and Seven Sisters cliffs each year.