East Suffolk Council

Monitoring the Suffolk Coast

The Environment Agency carries out beach profile surveys twice a year. This involves using specialist equipment to record the beach or cliff levels at predetermined locations along the coast. By using the same coordinates for each survey, we are able to build up a historic record of the change in beach levels all the way along our coastline.

Analysing this data allows us to see how beaches respond to storm events and which areas of the coast are eroding or building at specific times. It enables us to calculate rates of erosion and beach material volume changes which could identify increased flood or erosion risk at certain locations. The information also allows us to gain a better understanding of our coastline which helps with the design of coastal defences and the management of other activities.

Monthly monitoring reports are completed at Pakefield and Thorpeness. If you would like to view previous reports and/or be added to the distribution list please contact our Coastal Management Team.