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Erosion threat: Happisburgh graveyard's fate debated
4 Jan
Summary
- Happisburgh churchyard risks being lost to erosion by 2105.
- Options include ceasing burials or relocating graves.
- Sea defences deemed not feasible for the Happisburgh site.
Coastal erosion poses a significant threat to the historic St Mary the Virgin Church graveyard in Happisburgh, Norfolk. The churchyard is currently 80m from the sea, and projections indicate it could be lost entirely by 2105, with severe storms potentially accelerating this timeline.
Local authorities and the Diocese of Norwich are consulting with those who have family members buried at the site. Possible actions include ceasing future burials or exhuming and relocating graves. Unfortunately, the construction of sea defences has been determined to be impractical from technical, environmental, and economic standpoints.
The sensitive issue affects communities with graveyards at risk. The council, through the Coastwise scheme, is working with the Diocese of Norwich to support affected communities in navigating these difficult decisions.
