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Subsection

Lower Sharp Nose Point to Hartland Point PDZ17

The Lower Sharp Nose Point to Hartland Point Subsection is split into 2 areas. Their boundaries have been set based on analysis of coastal processes and the character of the shoreline. Select an area to find out more information about it.

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General actions for this subsection

There are no actions generic to the whole of this subsection. For actions relating to specific locations, select an area on the map above or use the postcode/location search and click on the Action Plan tab.

All actions are subject to funding and approval, often by other parties than the Lead Organisation shown.

Download SMP documents

The information on this website represents the current SMP management approaches adopted by the local authorities within its area, and current actions needed to deliver them. These management approaches have been approved by the Environment Agency under its Strategic Overview for coastal flood and erosion risk management and are considered to be local policy.

The documents below provide the full SMP adopted locally and approved by the Environment Agency at the time of publication. Some of the information has changed in response to new government policy, new evidence or new work identified.

Data on this page

Main report

Appendices

Summaries

Supporting documents

About this subsection

This sub-section of the SMP comprises around 20km of open coast of the far north coast of Cornwall, together with a short section of the north Devon Coast. It is split into 2 smaller local shoreline management units.

This is the final sub-section on the north coast of the mainland, extending from just north of Duckpool, to Hartland Point.

This is an area of steep and rocky coastline which is very rural in nature, almost entirely unpopulated. There is very little development, which is a reflection of the wild and exposed nature of this coastline, dominated by the energetic westerly Atlantic wave climate. Access to the shoreline by road is very limited as the scattered settlements are set back from the immediate frontage, with Welcombe Mouth and Hartland Quay the two main access points.

Sections of cliff along this frontage experience erosion due to a number of factors, mirroring the situation to the south. Indeed, it is this actively eroding nature of the frontage that dictates it is so highly valued for its natural landscape and geology, and the coastline and its ecology are legally protected for their international importance throughout. The almost entire absence of development means that there is very little at risk, other than certain sections of the South West coast path, which may require realignment periodically as cliff edges retreat.

The key driver of management in this area is the extremely remote and unspoilt nature of the coast, and therefore the overarching objective is to allow the natural evolution of the coast. The National Heritage Coast objectives are felt to appropriately define the key values and management principles. In summary these are to conserve the natural environment, facilitate the public’s enjoyment and appreciation of the area, maintain the health of the inshore waters and beaches, and to take account of the needs of agriculture and fishing, and of the economic and social needs of the small communities.