One of the oldest golf clubs in the country is facing a fight for its future – from storms and the seas.
Located on the edge of the Northumberland coast, Alnmouth Village Golf Club could lose its title as the oldest nine hole links club in the country if the sea continues to encroach.
Built in 1869 by the Scottish golfer Mungo Park, it is classed as being in an area of natural outstanding beauty.
But the stunning coastal location is threatening its future, with 10 metres of land already washed away.
Ian Garrett, from the golf club, says: “We’re facing a serious challenge to the history of the club, tidal storms and coastal erosion have increased in frequency over the last decade.”
Timber sea defences are being restored and repaired in order to collect sand to form a barrier against the waves.
These wooden groynes are built to limit the movement of sediment and help slow down erosion.
But there are fears that this won’t provide enough protection in the long term.
The sea continues to encroach in this part of Northumberland
‘Far bigger challenge here’
Mr Garrett said it’s not just the golf club that is at risk.
“This affects the whole bay. That potentially means significant funding. There’s a far bigger challenge here.”
The acceleration of coastal erosion from storms and rising sea levels isn’t unique to the Northumberland coast, it poses a threat to many seaside communities across the UK.
A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the government is investing “£2.4bn over the next two years to better protect communities from flooding and coastal erosion”, and a “newly established Floods Resilience Taskforce will also improve resilience and preparation across central government and local authorities to protect…
