Art in support of improved understanding of changing coastal environments.
Abstract
This study, taking advantage of the author's extensive collection of coastal art imagery, together with images kindly made available by galleries, auction houses and image libraries, demonstrates how the national art resource can be utilised to benefit management of often sensitive coastal habitats drawing on the wisdom of hindsight. The study results support Natural England's goal as set out in the government's 25 Year Environment Plan in terms of developing resilient landscapes and seas and can also support the linkage of marine conservation advice to habitat mapping and defining Favourable Conservation Status. The preparation and updating by Natural England of its 'National Character Area Profiles', which include coverage of the whole of the English coast, represent a very valuable knowledge resource supporting Integrated Coastal Zone Management and environmental, biodiversity and landscape management targets; their role has been highlighted in the report.