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Shocking photos show disappearing Norfolk coast

Photos from pilot Mike Page show Hemsby's coast in March this year above and May below. Photo: Mike Page Archant

These photos show how the coast has been disappearing before one pilot’s eyes.

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Mike Page has been flying along the Norfolk coast for 30 years and has tracked the changes with his camera.

The erosion has been particularly dramatic at Hemsby and Happisburgh.

“It is devastating to see,” he said. “There is little protection or repair of the sea defences that would have stopped it, especially at Happisburgh.”

Hemsby was the worst affected place on the east coast by the Beast from the East in March, losing 13 homes from an area of the seafront called The Marrams.

Meanwhile, at Scratby sea defences which were put in two years ago to last 25 years are already in ruins and being repaired.

From the air, the erosion is particularly noticeable at Happisburgh.

Experts are predicting 50 meters of land to be lost by 2035 in the village.

A shoreline management plan for the coast argues that protecting many areas, including Happisburgh, is not sustainable.

Winterton beach in 1996. Photo: Mike Page Winterton beach in 1996. Photo: Mike Page

Protecting one area of the coast can also lead to less sediment being washed down to areas further south and replenishing beaches.

•Don’t miss the EDP on Monday and Tuesday for our special reports on how communities on the edge are coping and what is being done to battle erosion.

The beach at Winterton in 2018 has retreated but is being protected by the cafe owner. Photo: Mike Page The beach at Winterton in 2018 has retreated but is being protected by the cafe owner. Photo: Mike Page

The Hemsby coast in March 2018. Photo: Mike Page The Hemsby coast in March 2018. Photo: Mike Page

The Hemsby coast on May 1 2018 looking down on the Marrams. Photo: Mike Page The Hemsby coast on May 1 2018 looking down on the Marrams. Photo: Mike Page

The Hemsby coast on May 7 2018 looking at the Marrams. Photo: Mike Page The Hemsby coast on May 7 2018 looking at the Marrams. Photo: Mike Page

Happisburgh coast in 2001. Photo: Mike Page Happisburgh coast in 2001. Photo: Mike Page

Happisburgh coast in 2010. Photo: Mike Page Happisburgh coast in 2010. Photo: Mike Page

The Happisburgh coast in 2014. Photo: Mike Page The Happisburgh coast in 2014. Photo: Mike Page

The Happisburgh coast pictured earlier in 2018 where the ramp is in danger from erosion. Photo: Mike Page The Happisburgh coast pictured earlier in 2018 where the ramp is in danger from erosion. Photo: Mike Page