Coasts in Mind initiative delves into a century of coastal changes using community archives and mapping, funded by a major lottery grant.
The National Lottery gave them £2,334,235. This grant made the project possible. Oliver Hutchinson is the project officer. He says coastal change is unique everywhere.
Poole Harbour data shows rising tides. They have steadily risen since the 1920s. More coastline becomes vulnerable yearly. Flooding and erosion are increasing risks.
The project helps preserve local knowledge. People will create a community archive together. HUMAP made a new online mapping platform. It will host this archive. People share evidence of coastal changes.
They provide insights from the 1920s to today. They can map photos and documents held locally. Postcards also show changes. The archive is a resource for many people.
Community groups can use it. Researchers also find it helpful, and so do policymakers. It informs coastal management plans. The archive raises awareness about coastal changes.
Coasts in Mind had a trial run in 2023. The project now includes more groups. It connects people in four regions. These regions are Merseyside, East Dorset, North Kent, and North Devon.
This phase of the project lasts three years. They hope to expand the archive later. They want to include other UK coastal areas. These areas face similar issues.
Mr. Hutchinson enjoys hearing local stories. People who live there have vital knowledge. The funding helps give communities a voice. They can respond to future changes. This voice helps them mitigate coastal change impacts.