A Coastal Defender
In Memoriam Peter Boggis
When Peter Boggis passed away 18 months ago aged 91 at his home in Easton Bavents, Suffolk lost a fierce advocate of the practical fight against climate change and the protection of our coastline. Popularly known as “King Canute” Boggis was a classic example of the principled, English eccentric, not cowed by authority or power and possessed by a conviction he was correct. “I’m not a rebel,” he told a visiting national newspaper in 2015, “I’ve been very bad at complying with bureaucracy”. He is remembered not only for his relentless fight to save his home from coastal erosion but also for his broader impact on coastal communities facing similar threats.
Boggis’ battle began when Natural England declared the fossil-bearing cliffs near Southwold a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2006. This designation, intended to preserve the natural erosion process for scientific study, inadvertently placed Boggis' home and those of 13 of his neighbours at risk of falling into the North Sea. In defiance of this ruling, Boggis invested tens of thousands of pounds and used 250,000 tonnes of compacted clay soils to build his own sea defences. His efforts temporarily halted the erosion, providing a lifeline to his community. The legal struggle conducted by the doughty retired agricultural engineer reached a pivotal moment when High Court judge Mr. Justice Blair ruled Natural England's decision to permit erosion for "scientific reasons" was unlawful. This ruling acknowledged that while environmental conservation is crucial, the immediate needs and safety of coastal residents cannot be overlooked.
For 90 years, Easton Bavents had belonged to the Boggis family. Boggis’ grandfather, a tenant farmer and butcher, bought the 400- acre Easton Bavents estate in 1925. Over the decades, waves devoured much of the land, reducing the estate to half its original size. Boggis moved to the land when he was three, in 1934, and spent his childhood summers on the beach. Boggis had skin in the game. By his own estimate, he created 400,000 pounds worth of coastal defence at no cost to anyone except himself.
We have a long history both on the ocean waves and fighting back against them in the UK. The British Isles are more edge than middle. Our coastline is longer than India’s and more than 15 million of our people live by the sea. However, since the beginning of the 20th century, a 19 cm mean rise in sea level has occurred in the UK. By the end of this century things will be between 52 cm and 98 cm higher.
Coastal erosion is not new to us. A tsunami way back in the Stone Age 9,000 years ago took the lives of the last inhabitants of “Doggerland,” the flat plain that joined us to mainland Europe, However, the effects of global warming acknowledged by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are hard to contradict.
“The Environment Agency which heads up the UK’s flood defense expects 7000 homes and buildings to be lost before the end of this century.”
Peter Boggis' story was representative of a broader struggle faced by coastal communities in Britain and around the world. As sea levels rise, thousands of people on the coast of Britain have been forced to move inland. But a handful of hardy souls, like Boggis, refused to abandon his property to the ravages of the waves.
The Legacy of Easton Bavents
Climate Change Mitigation and Coastal Erosion
Peter Boggis's story is a reminder of the increasing challenges posed by climate change, particularly in coastal areas. Rising sea levels and intensified storm surges are accelerating erosion, threatening homes, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Boggis's proactive approach to shore up defences, though controversial, sheds light on the urgent need for comprehensive climate change mitigation strategies.
Effective climate change mitigation involves both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the changes that are already underway. Coastal erosion control can be an integral part of this adaptation strategy. Here are some key measures that could help mitigate the impact of climate change on coastal communities:
1. Sustainable Sea Defenses: Combining traditional engineering approaches, like those employed by Boggis, with nature-based solutions, such as restoring mangroves and wetlands, can create more resilient coastlines. These natural barriers not only absorb wave energy but also enhance biodiversity.
2. Strategic Retreat and Zoning: In areas where erosion is inevitable, relocating infrastructure and communities inland can reduce risk. Implementing zoning laws that prevent new developments in vulnerable areas can also help manage future risks.
3. Greener Electricity Generation: Transitioning to a greener mix of electricity generation is crucial in mitigating climate change. Nuclear energy, in particular, offers a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. By investing in modern nuclear technology, along with renewable sources like wind and solar, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. This transition not only helps protect coastal areas from the impacts of climate change but also ensures a sustainable energy future.
4. Community Engagement and Education: Empowering communities with knowledge and resources to adapt to climate change can foster resilience. Public awareness campaigns and community planning initiatives ensure that residents are active participants in developing and implementing adaptation strategies.
5. Policy and Funding: Governments must prioritise climate change adaptation in their policies and budgets. This includes funding for research, infrastructure projects, and community support programs aimed at reducing vulnerability to coastal erosion.
Peter Boggis' legacy serves as both an inspiration and a call to action. His determination to protect his home against the encroaching sea exemplifies the resilience needed to face the challenges of climate change. As we honour his memory, let us also commit to developing and implementing robust strategies to safeguard our coastal communities for generations to come. Even when he lost his final legal battle he noted, “I’ve never been angry about it – anger is a waste. I enjoyed the fight. Ok, they’ve beaten me …but I’m ready to start again tomorrow if I get the chance.”