Welcome to the DOC homepage
Why was DOC formed?
The 'Defend Our Coast Association' ( or DOC for short) has been set up by local people living on the Romney Marsh as a direct result of their dissatisfaction with the lack of local involvement and consultation by various Government bodies during the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans. This had identified the need for a non-political association to campaign on behalf of local people on the Marsh, the borders of which extend across East Sussex and Kent. DOC is committed to defending our coastline, improving our sea defences and reducing the flood risk to the Marsh so that its inhabitants and environment are protected for the future. Read more ...

DOC Panel
The Meeting was opened with a very informative presentation given by Deputy Director Sean Furey from Protect Kent ( formerly known as the Council for the Protection of Rural England) , followed by an excellent presentation by Clive Older (EA) which presented a good opportunity to all those DOC Members who attended to listen to the latest update from the Environment Agency .
This included details of the Long Term Investment Strategy and the Climate Change report from Defra and further details on the UK Climate Change Projections 2009. Read more »
Posted: June 29th, 2009 under DOC Articles, Events, Photos.
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The Environment Agency has prepared a further update on the Sea Defence Scheme presently under construction at Dymchurch, including Artist’s impression and plan view. Once completed , this project which will reduce flooding for nearly two and a half thousand homes in Dymchurch.
Posted: June 24th, 2009 under Environment Agency Updates, Sea Defences.
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EA Chairman Chris Smith visits Dymchurch
Lord Smith of Finsbury, who is the Chairman of the Environment Agency, visited the Romney Marsh today to inspect the progress on the construction of new and much needed sea defences at Dymchurch and the Romney Marsh as a whole. He saw at first hand the new sea wall being built along the beach front at Dymchurch and DOC had an excellent opportunity to emphasise the importance of working closely with local communities in order to guarantee a successful outcome for our sea defences. Read more »
Posted: June 23rd, 2009 under Events, Photos, Press Articles General, Sea Defences.
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DOC Stall at Lydd Club Day 2009
Yet again the Lydd Club Day proved to be a very successful event for DOC to fly its flag on the Romney Marsh and to attract new members. Our thanks go to all the DOC volunteers who helped on the day and to all DOC Members and Supporters who had so generously donated prizes for our Tombola - we sold out in less than 2 hours and added much needed funds to our coffers!!! Read more »
Posted: June 20th, 2009 under Events, Photos.
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…….”The estimated number of homes at risk of flooding is likely to double to about 800,000 within 25 years because of rising sea levels. Average summer temperatures in the South of England will rise by 2C by the 2040s and up to 6.4C by 2080.” ………
Figures released yesterday on the DEFRA Website are the bleakest official assessment yet of the impact of climate change in Britain over the rest of this century. But how realistic are these? Not everyone seems to agree with DEFRA’s interpretation of this data and their proposed plans for our future.
Posted: June 19th, 2009 under Press Articles General, Sea Defences.
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Quality Coast Award 2009
DOC was invited to join the celebrations for the Quality Coast Flag Award 2009 recently granted to Dymchurch in recognition of its high standard for beach facilities, water quality, cleanliness, car parking facilities and safe pedestrian access. Cllr. Terry Preston, Chairman of Dymchurch Parish Council , ( also Chairman of DOC) hoisted the flag jointly with the Chairman of Shepway District Council, Councillor Miss Susan Carey.

Terry Preston/Susan Carey- 17.6.2009 Dymchurch
Posted: June 17th, 2009 under Events, Photos.
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A consultation has been launched today by DEFRA addressing the problems associated with flooding and erosion. People who live and work in coastal communities are being invited to have their say in how their community can adapt to the challenges of coastal change and the impact this has on England’s coastline. Closing date for the consultation is 25 September 2009.
To view the entire consultation document on the Coastal Change Policy click this link.
Posted: June 15th, 2009 under Sea Defences.
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Dymchurch Beach
Dymchurch Parish Council Chairman Terry Preston ( also Chairman of DOC) was delighted to announce that for the third year running Dymchurch has been awarded the top accolade of Quality Coast! Despite much needed sea defence works currently in progress by the Environment Agency , Dymchurch has achieved to keep its amenity beach open to the public and maintain its high standard for beach facilities, water quality, cleanliness, car parking facilities and safe pedestrian access. A flag displaying the beach’s status will be raised on Wednesday, 17 June 2009, at 10.30 am.
Posted: June 14th, 2009 under DOC Articles, Environment Agency Updates, Events, Photos, Sea Defences, Uncategorized.
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The Suttons, Camber
A recent comment, left on our website , has further highlighted the need for continued and improved shingle defences at the Suttons in Camber. Our Technical Officer Tony Hills has carried out a site inspection, took photographs and raised the matter with the Environment Agency. He issued the following statement::-
“The Suttons have special needs when it comes to sea defence. Read more »
Posted: May 25th, 2009 under Photos, Sea Defences, Technical/T.Hills.
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DOC has just received a further progress report from the EA on both the Broomhill Scheme and the general Folkestone to Cliff End Strategy which reads as follows:-
Broomhill Scheme
We have recently held two meetings with community representatives to seek ideas and views on the scheme. The Interest Group workshop has allowed us to capture community knowledge, ideas and concerns. The Design Board meeting was planned to ensure that the scheme is safe, practical and maintainable and that opportunities to add value are realised. Membership of both forums was agreed at a meeting with Rother District Council (RDC), East Sussex County Council (ESCC), Camber Visitor Management Initiative (CVMI) and Defend our Coast (DoC) in January 2009. Read more »
Posted: May 22nd, 2009 under Environment Agency Updates, Sea Defences.
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