This web page will take you to a treasure trove of resources related to the shoreline management plans for the UK. Some SMPs have useful summary leaflets, such as this one for the North Devon and Somerset coast. Most include detailed documents with maps, information about short, medium and long-term plans and more, such as this example for the rapidly eroding Yorkshire Coastline. The resources will fascinate teachers and students interested in how our coastlines are managed. 

The coastline of Yorkshire between Flamborough Head and Spurn Head is well known for its rapid coastal erosion, but only the town of Hornsea is defended by hard engineering structures. This very readable article explains why the coastline is eroding so rapidly, how and why Hornsea is defended and how people living elsewhere along this coastline adapt to the retreat of the cliffs. The article is full of hope, describing how Hornsea intends to continue to develop, despite the threat of the sea. Teachers could use this article in conjunction with the SMP from the resource above to support students in developing a deep understanding of this example. 

As with all Geography Education Online resources, this is designed for students to investigate the topic independently, with key information about the management of the River Severn, useful links and activities to complete. The PowerPoint resource includes information about flood defences in Newtown and Shrewsbury, considering both hard and soft approaches. There is also an interesting activity using a flood GIS to get students thinking. 

These videos explore river management schemes in the context of the rivers Severn (Hafren), Ystwyth and Rheidol. The first focuses on hard engineering solutions and the second evaluates them, suggesting problems and how softer alternatives may prove more effective. As always, these Time for Geography resources use experts to explain what is happening in places that are familiar to them, making them particularly informative. These videos compliment the River Management resource which also focuses on the River Severn.

You can watch the second video here.