Author(s)

V. J. C. Holden, G. Lymbery, C. A. Booth, A. T. Worsley, S. Suggitt & P. Wisse

Abstract

This paper reports on a case study of the north Sefton coast where work is currently underway to provide high resolution analysis of contemporary coastal processes, occurring on the salt marsh, with an interrogation of a sizeable archive of data in various forms, also being undertaken to develop a picture of the historical development of the location. The collaboration brings together academic and practitioner sectors and is multidisciplinary in nature. The findings are to be utilized to inform stakeholders with regard to future strategic coastal management planning. This is particularly important in this location due to the influences of sea level change, changing sediment dynamics and anthropogenic factors. The location provides an important site in terms of its requirement for an integrated approach to its management, with the area having a number of demands placed upon it based on the resources that it offers. The collaboration is strengthened by the recognition of the Sefton Coast Partnership to improve understanding of coastal processes operating in the location. The process of the research is divided into the analysis of contemporary sediment samples, artificial marker horizons, historical data and sediment cores, and modelling. The research has the objective of informing long term strategic planning by using a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to coastal management. The benefits of this collaborative approach are outlined. Keywords: multidisciplinary coastal management, Ribble Estuary, salt marsh.

Keywords

multidisciplinary coastal management, Ribble Estuary, salt marsh.