At the beginning of January we published an article about a new a campaign group called 'Save Lymington and Keyhaven' (SLAK) who were formed to fight the proposals for the planned long-term abandonment of Hurst Spit, and the potential effect on the Danes Stream, Keyhaven and Lymington River.
Since then, the RNLI have commented that the Hurst Spit Plan is “misguided” and “ridiculous”.
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| Hurst Spit: February 2025 Photo taken by Chris Runeckles It is worth noting that the Hurst Spit has been storm damaged like this several times in the past and with a little help, has mainly naturally regenerated. |
Recently, SLAK met with the Environment Agency, to which they responded ‘We are listening. It remains to be seen if any of the plans change.
As the Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy currently stands, the draft plan is to maintain the existing shape of Hurst Spit for the next 10 to 20 years. After which, active management would be reduced, eventually allowing the shingle formation to return to a more natural form.
In other words, changing from a 'Hold the Line' strategy to a 'Managed Retreat'.
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| Hurst Spit |
However, a plan to ‘roll back’ the sea wall along sections of the coast has been heavily criticised by local sailing clubs and marine organisations, which say it could cause Lymington River to become unnavigable, and severely affect local marine businesses, and ultimately be a threat to Lymington itself.
With Hurst Spit breached, Hurst Castle would potentially no longer have any access from the land.
Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy. To find out more, please visit
Save Lymington and Keyhaven - SLAK
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