East Yorkshire coastal erosion

Pictures taken at Skipsea’s coastal community show changes in cliff position over a relatively short period of time.

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[L] The end of Mill Lane leading from the village of Skipsea, which lies a little further inland. Until recently, the road turned here to follow the cliffs northward (towards camera) as Southfield Lane, continuing to Ulrome. Green Lane branched in the opposite direction [4 May 2008].

[R] The kerb end serves as a reference point to mark cliff recession over four years [26 May 2012].

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[L] The same junction seen from the south [4 May 2008].

[R] A hedge provides reference [26 May 2012].

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[L] To the south, the road is lost not only to motorists but also to pedestrians, unless they trespass or fancy the leap [4 May 2008].

[R] This section of Green Lane is completely consumed, and the gardens have been shortened [26 May 2012].

The road north, once carrying visitor traffic, becomes convenient for line fishing...

 ...though even this use will soon be gone [4 May 2008].

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[L] Geology students will note an upper unit of the Skipsea Till, slightly lighter in colour [4 May 2008].

[R] The wire fence and cable pole are no longer available for reference ‒ nor is the roadway itself ‒ though the revetment at the foot of the promontory in the distance may act as a guide [26 May 2012].

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[L] Part of the now farmless Cliff Farm has been dismantled. The remaining structure was still occupied at the time of the photograph [4 May 2008].

[R] What little that is left of the cliff seaward of Southfield Lane as it enters Ulrome is cleared [26 May 2012].

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[L] Road reduced to status of foot path [4 May 2008].

[R] The road has gone but the bungalow remains as reference [26 May 2012].

The property has since been demolished.

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[L] A concrete ‘plug’ revetment delays the inevitable [4 May 2008].

[R] Gap is increased [26 May 2012].

The following three photographs, spanning a period of a little over six years, give an idea from beach level of the rate of cliff recession behind the revetment at Skipsea.

Taken on 3 August 2007 by Helen Wilkinson, the picture shows the revetment at the base of the cliff. The body protruding from the upper cliff is a sunken container.

4 April 2010.

15 December 2013.

In spring 2015, the revetment was completely removed.

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[L] Meanwhile, the sea nibbles at the cliff where the protection ends [4 May 2008].

[R] Nibble becomes a hungry bite. Next to the truncated road, a finger of cliff is about to topple, pressed by a piece of clay wedged in the separation gap [26 May 2012].

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[L] Waves at work on East Yorkshire's soft glacial till [4 May 2008].

[R] Same action, same location, about twelve metres displacement to the west [26 May 2012].

In the distance, a work crew finish a move of the road traffic barrier. The previous position of the barrier is apparent in the foreground [26 May 2012].

Page prepared by Brian Williams.