Castles at Hurst and Calshot among most vulnerable to rising sea levels highlighted in English Heritage appeal

THE castles at Hurst Spit and Calshot have been named among six of the UK's coastal fortresses most vulnerable to rising sea levels in a multi-million-pound fundraising appeal.

Warning that the historic monuments could be lost without a major cash investment, charity owner English Heritage has revealed it must secure £160,000 to strengthen and repair the sea walls at Hurst Castle, near Milford.

It needs a further £10,000 to rebuild a short spit which protects Calshot Castle.

As reported in the A&T, a large section of Hurst Castle’s east wing collapsed into the sea in February 2021, following warnings the foundations had been undermined by coastal erosion.

At the time English Heritage, which owns the monument, was just days away from beginning work to sure up the sea defences.

Estates director Rob Woodside warned: “Hundreds of heritage sites in the UK and around the world are increasingly at risk. If these coastal properties are to survive the coming decades, we will need to strengthen their walls and build sea defences to protect them.

"It is for this reason that we are launching a public appeal to raise funds for this vital conservation work.”

Work to stabilise Hurst’s east wing is now complete and attention has turned to strengthening and repairing the sea walls protecting the original Tudor fort at an anticipated cost of £160,000.

Built by Henry VIII, Hurst Castle is described as one of the most advanced artillery fortresses in England. However, its position at the entrance to the Solent also makes it extremely vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise.

Mr Woodside added: “Erosion along England’s coastline is nothing new but the rate of land loss that we have seen over the past few years is alarming, and some scenarios indicate that sea levels could increase by up to a metre by the end of the century.

"Rising sea levels and more regular storms pose a real risk to the future of many of our sites.”

At Calshot Castle erosion to the spit has already led to damage to the sea defence.

English Heritage is warning that without £10,000 to tackle this and the loss of the foreshore, there is a real danger the monument could be inundated.

Other at-risk coastal castles are Bayard’s Cove Fort in Devon, Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, Piel Castle in Cumbria and Garrison Walls on the Isles of Scilly.

English Heritage is now working with other leading global heritage organisations to share knowledge and best practice.

Recently the charity secured Hurst Castle’s place on the 2022 World Monument List – a watchlist of the 25 most important heritage sites at risk around the world.

To support the appeal, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/our-appeals/coast