Monday 23rd March 2026 - Destruction, Coastal Protection, Labels and Help in the Garden Needed

Chatting to a neighbour yesterday about the Coastal Transition Launch this Thursday, they mentioned a TV programme, now available on YouTube, titled ‘The brutal reality of coastal erosion: Documenting destruction on Norfolk's coast’ .  I found this with ease and watched it late afternoon.  To me, it was incredibly sad to watch the demolition of homes along the coast in Hemsby and Happisburgh, while focusing, on the vulnerability of anyone who has a home where erosion is prevalent.  When Dr Day was interviewed and asked about protecting these areas of coastline, she implied, by doing so it could expose other coastal communities, which gives no comfort to those living on the edge. 

One interviewed home owner bought their property when it was forecast to have thirty-five years plus, before the cliff edge would be ‘at its door’.  However, the retreat of the unprotected coastline increased so quickly, after just four and a half years, their home was so close to the cliff edge it was demolished.  This surely shows, we should not rely on the published predicted life of properties and conurbations on the coast and those living on the coast, should have a contingency plan.  

After watching the video, I read some of the comments below.  I was disappointed at the lack of compassion, expressed for those who have watched their homes being demolished.  I felt some comments were pretty heartless. 

Here in Overstrand we have the benefit of groynes, revetments and the sea wall providing the village with protection.  Overstrand is steeped in heritage and history, with a number of grand and unique houses, former homes of Lord & Lady Battersea, Macmillan (publishers), Boots (chemist) Player (tobacco) Van Moppes (diamonds) and so the list goes on.  We have buildings designed by Lutyens which need to be preserved and of course there is the unique and probably at one time the only village road, The Londs.  In order to preserve these and more, our village needs to be protected from the ravages of the sea.  However, I somehow doubt NNDC have this in their plans.  I fear they will be going for rollback.  No doubt full details will be provided at the Coast Transition Launch on Thursday.

While I was sorting a few things out, in the greenhouse, the other day, I stood for a while and pondered.  A few weeks ago, I either top dressed, re-potted or divided and replanted the plants overwintering under the shelter of the glass.  When I’d finished, I stood back and looked at the pots, neatly lined up and thought, shall I label them.  I decided this wasn’t necessary; I would remember what each one contained.  Wrong, I know what are in the pots I top dressed but definitely not sure what’s in the others; could be garden amaryllis, tall lilies, oriental lilies, or maybe hostas etc.  Still, it won’t be long before they shoot and throw up leaves, after which identifying will become easy but lesson learnt – next time, label them!

I think I’m safe in saying, pretty well all village residents have been waiting to see a planning application to build homes on the site of the former Overstrand Garden Centre.  The application has now been submitted to NNDC under reference PO/26/0375. Anyone can make comments or objections on the application. 

Finally, today’s photo is a scan of a poster providing information about the next two gardening working group sessions at The Pleasaunce.