The coast of West Dorset is a fine example of an exposed and rapidly eroding coastline. Not surprisingly it presents a huge challenge to the authorities to protect West Bay from flooding and coastal erosion. The response has been to construct the West Bay Coastal Defence and Harbour Improvements Scheme, started in 2002 with completion in September 2004 at a cost of £15 million.

This case study examines the background to the scheme in terms of geology and erosion processes, physical and human geography. It goes on to look at the environmental considerations and the impact on sediment movements. A section on "Assessing the risk" studies the likelihood of extreme wave conditions, the areas at risk and sea level rises. Finally the study looks at alternative coastal defence options, which were also considered. Details of the chosen scheme are already available on West Dorset District Council's website. There is also a list of suggested enquiry based topics for students.

West Bay

West Bay, a small coastal settlement situated 2 miles south of Bridport in West Dorset, is practically central to the World Heritage Coast. It is surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the cliffs on either side of West Bay are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), as are the meadows just behind the harbour.

West Bay has a caravan holiday park, several small hotels and pubs, a few shops and other businesses. There are two main residential areas of houses and bungalows, behind the West Cliff and along West Bay Road, as well as a few blocks of flats, old people's homes and old fishermen's cottages. The heart of the village is a conservation area. It is an area which has been targeted for regeneration and improvement schemes to enhance its character. Tourism is a major source of income.

The River Brit enters the sea here, through a harbour and two ancient piers.

West Bay is a base for inshore fishing, with a small fleet limited by the difficulties of negotiating the narrow harbour entrance, which only allows fishing to take place on about 200 days in the year. Leisure craft, divers and dinghy sailing are also limited by the hazards of entering the harbour from the open sea.