Severe weather events and coastal erosion impact the South West Coast Path, a 630-mile route from Poole to Minehead in the UK. The effects of climate change directly impact Devon’s coastlines, creating significant challenges for those responsible for their management.

Since last March, eleven cliff landslips and five wildfires have been reported, prompting the path’s managers to consider adaptations. The maintenance cost is approximately £1,500 per mile per year, but erosion and weather have led to additional challenges. The path’s managers are exploring ways to future-proof it through measures such as moving and diverting sections of the path and considering surfacing and drainage. But they acknowledge the need for fundraising to cover improvements, which may cost tens of thousands of pounds.

Just last month, a landslip closed a section of the coastal path between Axmouth and Lyme Regis. 
Find out more about the effects of climate change on the South West Coast Path.