West Bay could be under water by 2030, projections claim

A new interactive map has shown the areas of the UK which could be underwater in just six years.

Created by an independent organisation of scientists and journalists, collectively known as Climate Central, the map shows areas of the country that could be under sea level by the end of 2030.

It should be noted that these are only projections.

The map uses current projections and peer-reviewed science in leading journals.

The areas marked in red show places which could be underwater by 2030 (Image: Climate Central)

Large areas of West Bay are at risk of being underwater (Image: Climate Central)

The map shows that nearly all of West Bay could be underwater, including the harbour, the beach, most of Forty Foot Way and West Bay Road.

The at-risk areas continue on either side of the River Brit, into parts of Watton and the Melplash Showground.

Whilst West Bay would be the worst hit area across the region, there are lots of towns and villages across the coast that could lose key landmarks and heritage sites in the projections.

In Abbotsbury the swannery would be under serious threat whilst the south west coastal path could be washed away along the coastline.

Parts of Charmouth including the Coast Centre could be underwater (Image: Climate Central)

Further west, the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre would be lost along with a host of attractions on Lyme Regis seafront.

Alison Ferris, earth, marine and environmental science manager, said the centre has been planning for the worst and staff have even started to plan for an eventual future where they may have leave their premises on Lower Sea Lane.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

She said: "Because of our location we have had this on our minds since we opened 40 years ago.

"It is something we are concerned about and it plays on our mind.

"We have been researching what may happen in the future and what to do if the worst happens.

"We have had to plan a possible move to a new location if the worst were to happen." 

Climate Central maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers.

A spokesman for Climate Central said: “As these maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error, these maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk.

“Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea level rises as well.”