A historic coastal village in Norfolk is facing extinction within the next 25 years due to severe coastal erosion.
Happisburgh, known for its archaeological significance as the site of the oldest known human footprints outside of Africa, is gradually being claimed by the sea.
Climate analyst Dr Ian Richards warns that the village's disappearance is "already underway" with homes collapsing, roads vanishing and the cliff line retreating "faster than anyone expected".
The Norfolk coastline has been hit hard by erosion, with Happisburgh losing approximately 250 metres of land since 1990.
A historic coastal village in Norfolk is facing extinction within the next 25 years
Wikimedia Commons
"What's happening in places like Happisburgh isn't just a prediction - it's a process that's already underway," explained Dr Richards, who specialises in coastal erosion.
He said: "Homes have collapsed, roads have disappeared, and the cliff line is retreating faster than anyone expected.
"Sea defences were built decades ago for a very different climate - now, they're no match for the pressure we're seeing year after year."
In 2012, several projects costing £3million were implemented to prevent further erosion along the vulnerable coastline.
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Multiple houses have been abandoned as the cliffs continue to crumble beneath them.
The village's plight mirrors similar challenges faced elsewhere in the UK.
In East Yorkshire, coastal areas experienced up to 12 metres of erosion in 2024, while Southport faces the opposite problem of excessive sand, potentially transforming its beach into inaccessible vegetation.
The village's iconic red and white striped lighthouse, dating back to the 18th century, stands as one of the oldest working lighthouses in the UK.
Multiple houses have been abandoned
Wikimedia Commons
Dr Richards encourages people to visit while they still can, adding poignantly: "Because once it's gone, it's gone."
Individuals can check online if their area in England is impacted by coastal erosion.
By entering your postcode on the Gov.UK website, people can search the map to see the estimated risk of their property from coastal erosion.
The map shows whether future work is planned to maintain or build coastal defences or what the current plans are.
