WARNING: Dangerous Cliff Erosion Hits Peacehaven’s East End
Wave-cut platforms have suddenly appeared along the cliffs at the East End of Peacehaven, signalling serious coastal erosion.
Cliff Collapse Risk Puts Walkers in Danger
Walkers are being urged to steer clear of the cliff edges beyond the end of the undercliff walk. A growing wave-cut notch is eating away at the base, making the cliffs dangerously unstable. Recent frequent rockfalls prove the area is at high risk of collapse.
Compare the cliff face from September to today and you’ll see how much has already fallen away.
What’s a Wave-Cut Notch?
A wave-cut notch is the hollow carved out where destructive waves hammer the base of a cliff. Over time, this undercuts the cliff face, causing chunks to break off.
- The sea relentlessly pounds the cliff base between high and low tide.
- Waves erode a dent in the cliff called the wave-cut notch, usually at high tide level.
- As the notch widens, the cliff becomes unstable and eventually collapses.
- The eroded debris is swept away by the backwash, leaving a flat wave-cut platform.
- The process repeats, causing the cliff to steadily retreat inland.
Stay Safe: Know What To Do
If you witness a coastal emergency or see someone in danger, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.
