Our Precious Coast

As the weather turns fair and we anticipate this weekend's seven-planet alignment, tomorrow marks the start of 'meteorological' spring. The meteorological seasons consist of four periods each made up of three months coinciding with our Gregorian calendar, which makes it easier for meteorological observing and forecasting to compare seasonal and monthly statistics. So by the meteorological calendar, spring will always start on 1 March and end on 31 May.

It's a timely moment to consider what meteorological forces are doing to our very special coastline. It is well known that over the last few years flooding and coastal erosion have been playing increasing havoc, with the destruction of beach huts at Hordle Cliff a vivid example.

The 'Hurst Spit to Lymington Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy' being developed by the Environment Agency has been considering a number of management options for long term flood defence. There is a lot of concern about its preference to date for 'minimal intervention' for Hurst Spit and 'rolling back' the sea wall, which it is feared could eventually see Lymington River silting up - with ramifications for navigation, sailing, and ultimately the whole marine economy. It's complicated to explain, so we've attempted to summarise and point you to links for more information and how to send feedback. Click here! 

See below for other coastal news, about this coming July's Lymington Seafood Festival, and from Barton's Pebble Beach.

Staying on the coast, another mention for tomorrow's CREW MATCH at Royal Lymington Yacht Club - a smart way to match yachts and their owners to people who would love to get out to sea during the coming racing season. In some instances little or no sailing experience is required, making this a great way to learn and make new like minded friends.

A mention too for upcoming fascinating coastal weekends with Tiptoe Yoga & Iconic Swims: foraging & cooking, and front crawl workshops: click here and scroll down the page for details, and see Diary below too.

And, if you haven't yet been to see the Shorelines/Skylines exhibition at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, it includes some wonderful coastlines and also a unique chance to acquire affordable art of the very highest standard by leading British printmakers.

Meanwhile, highly recommended for some cracking good entertainment with laughs and tears in similar measure is Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy! It's screening from this evening at the Malt Cinema, with extra dates added for April - see Diary below. 

A reminder that today is your last chance to book a seat at the table for next Friday's NFBP International Women’s Day Lunch at Balmer Lawn.

If you're in the early stages of wedding planning, don't miss Sunday's Wedding Showcase at Balmer Lawn Hotel.

And in case you were wondering what had happened to Pancake Day which is usually in February, it's next Tuesday 4 March because Easter's late this year. 'Shrove Tuesday' used to be the day to eat up everything that might tempt you to break the 40 days of fasting for Lent, but judging by all the hot cross buns and chocolates already filling shop shelves, that tradition has probably expired!

Best wishes Jane
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