£125k raised for Thorpeness sea defences and long-term plans now underway
Community effort helps fund emergency works, but long-term protection plans still needed
Residents in Thorpeness have raised more than £125,000 to help fund emergency sea defences after 11 homes in the village were lost to coastal erosion (as of April 2026).
The fundraising effort, combined with contributions from homeowners and up to £300,000 from East Suffolk Council, means urgent coastal works are now fully funded, aimed at reducing the immediate risk of further flooding and damage.
Roger Hawkins, a resident involved in the project, said reaching the target was a “big relief”.
He said: “We’d spent the money and it was a personal liability, so to get the share of the cost with the community… has been successful.”
Emergency works completed to stabilise the coastline
The project has seen the installation of rock bags along a vulnerable stretch of coastline, helping to stabilise the beach and reduce the risk of a breach.
Mr Hawkins said the work had already made a significant difference.
He said: “We’re talking about half a million pound capital expenditure to put rock bags on the beach… and this has managed to save a group of houses and protect a further 24 houses inland from inundation.”
Additional protection works are also underway in other areas, funded directly by homeowners, as part of a wider effort to strengthen defences along the coast.
‘Stronger together’ community response praised
The funding has come from a combination of sources, including local residents, those living on the most at-risk frontages, and public funding.
Mr Hawkins said the response demonstrated the strength of the community.
He said: “It’s been a cocktail of funding and demonstrates the fact we are stronger together. If you’re doing any work on the coast, everybody really needs to work together.”
Focus turns to long-term solutions
While the emergency works have reduced the immediate risk, discussions are now underway about longer-term coastal protection.
Plans being explored include further engineering solutions, potential new infrastructure, and applications for future funding from government and other organisations.
Mr Hawkins said further fundraising is not currently taking place while options are being assessed.
He said: “We’re wanting to establish what’s viable, how much it might cost, and once we’ve done that, we will then go to everybody we can think of, saying, this is a serious proposal, how can you help us?”
Visitors urged to respect safety measures
Residents are also reminding visitors to follow safety guidance, including respecting beach closures and diversions to coastal paths.
Mr Hawkins said the restrictions are in place for safety reasons.
He said: “The beach is closed for real legitimate reasons. It’s not safe… you can get trapped by the tide there.”
He added that visitors are welcome, but should remain mindful of the conditions and follow clearly marked routes.
Community backing continues
Organisers say any additional funds raised will be carried forward to support future coastal protection work, as the village continues to respond to the ongoing threat of erosion.
They have also thanked residents, local organisations and the council for their support — as efforts continue to protect Thorpeness in the longer term.