"I have nightmares about it” Thorpeness Residents Fear Homes Lost to Erosion
The community has come together with the council to figure how to protect their homes
Residents of the coastal village of Thorpeness have voiced growing concern over the accelerated erosion of the cliffs and the threat it poses to homes, heritage, and community life.
A public meeting, drawing well over 200 attendees, highlighted both the anxiety and determination of villagers to protect their unique seaside home.
Simon Carrick-Cowlin, whose mother lives on the cliffs, attended one such meeting to raise awareness about the immediate danger. “My mother’s house is in danger of falling into the sea,” he said. Simon noted the strong community interest, adding, “It’s good to see so many people here supporting this cause.”
Why fears are growing
Thorpeness faces a combination of long-term coastal erosion and increasing storm impacts. The soft boulder clay cliffs along this part of the Suffolk coast are naturally prone to erosion, but rising sea levels and stronger, more frequent storms have accelerated the process in recent years.
The coastline has seen sections collapse at an alarming rate, threatening not only individual properties but also local infrastructure, beaches, and the village’s long-term viability. Experts warn that without intervention, sections of Thorpeness could experience repeated flooding, putting the entire village at risk.
How residents are feeling
Residents of affected areas described a mixture of frustration, fear, and determination. Tim Crisp, a relatively new homeowner in Thorpeness, reflected on the shock of learning about the severity of the erosion shortly after moving in. “Within months of being here, the first house was issued a demolition order,” he said. “The emotional loss is huge. The dream we had for our retirement might just fall into the water and disappear.”
Roger Hawkins, a 20-year resident, underscored the wider threat to the village beyond individual properties. “We need to manage the retreat of the beach over time,” he said. “It’s not just about our homes; the village is at risk from flooding as well. Thorpeness is unique, with national significance. It’s worth saving.” Hawkins emphasised the importance of community-led action, advocating for a coordinated strategy involving residents, the council, and other stakeholders.
"I have nightmares about it"
Sophie Marple, who hosted last night's meeting, described the emotional toll of seeing the village’s coastline disappear. “For a long time, we joked about falling into the sea, but now we have nightmares,” she said.
Her home lies in one of the worst-affected areas, where temporary geotextile defences have failed, leaving homes exposed to the sea. “The north-easterly winds just sweep the shingle away, leaving a shingle desert, so the water hits the defences directly. They’re just not designed for this.”
Beyond financial and structural concerns, villagers are fighting to preserve the heritage and character of Thorpeness. Designed over 100 years ago as a fantasy holiday village, Thorpeness has inspired generations of visitors. “If this isn’t addressed, it will turn into a site of destruction instead of a magical village,” Sophie warned. “It’s a children’s paradise. My kids grew up here. All this heritage and all these people who care are just being left to drown.”
The situation has galvanised the community. Residents are forming committees, strategising campaigns, and advocating for urgent action. As Tim Crisp summed up, “This is a community campaign. It’s not just about individual homes; it’s about the future of Thorpeness. Everyone in the village needs to know what the risks are and come together to protect it.”
The determination of Thorpeness residents highlights the human cost of climate change and coastal erosion, illustrating the urgent need for investment, planning, and community-driven solutions to safeguard one of Suffolk’s most treasured villages.
They're working with East Suffolk Council to find a solution. The council has asked residents to fill out a survey, which can be found here.