CHALLENGES facing New Forest coastal communities as they come to terms with global warming have been set out by the National Park Authority.

The New Forest NPA has 34 of the 60 kilometres of coastline between Chewton Bunny and Redbridge at the northern end of Southampton Water.

Large sections in the Solent are protected from powerful wave action by Hurst Spit and the Isle of Wight.

However, the salt marshes that stretch between Keyhaven and Lepe are still subject to erosion due to sea level rise driven by climate change.

Predicted sea level rises from Defra are: 4mm a year until 2025, 8mm a year from 2025 to 2055, 12mm a year from then until 2085 and 15mm from 2085 to 2115.

In addition to rising sea levels, the frequency and intensity of winter storms will impact the coastline with flooding and increased risk of damage, while summers will become hotter and drier.

As well as affecting wildlife, the hotter summers will lead to increased tourism and increased business opportunities, increases in health problems, lowered river flows and loss of water quality.

There will also be pressure for development of extra recreational facilities, private coastal protection works, new housing, businesses and community facilities, more need for coastal access and pressures for extra ferry capacity to the Isle of Wight.

Problems are already cropping up at Lymington where the saltmarsh is receding at between 0.3m and 5m a year, leading to increased wave action in the harbour and the need for sea defences.

Lives, homes, farmland and woodland along the coastline are at increasing risk of flooding, as are nature habitats.

The document concludes the NPA will have to collaborate closely with key partners and stakeholders to develop sustainable plans and policies.

"Resources and commitment will be required if a satisfactory consensus between local communities and coastal planning agencies over coastal management is to be achieved", the document concludes.

NPA member Peter Frost approved of the strategy but pointed out "it is not a substitute for action".