Changing Coast at Salthouse

The North Norfolk coast between Weybourne and Morston (fig 1) has seen considerable change in past centuries as a result of natural coastal processes and human intervention, most particularly large reclamations of saltmarsh. This coast is dominated by a 10km long barrier beach known as the Blakeney Ridge which shelters the villages of Morston, Blakeney, Wiveton, Cley and Salthouse from the worst ravages of the North Sea.

The outfall of the River Glaven runs northwards between Cley and Blakeney before being diverted westwards by the Blakeney Ridge. To both sides of the river channel there are freshwater marshes of high environmental and ecological value. Landward of these marshes the A149 main coast road and significant numbers of properties are within the area at risk from coastal flooding. Behind these, the land rises steeply into chalk escarpment.