Background of Organisation
The Severn Estuary Coastal Group (SECG) is one of the 18 voluntary regional coastal defence groups covering the English and Welsh coastlines. In the main, they comprise representatives of the 105 maritime district councils, English Nature, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the National Assembly of Wales and the Environment Agency.All chairmen meet DEFRA, National Assembly of Wales and English Nature representatives at the Coastal Defence Forum where they discuss common issues and look to develop a common, national approach.
SECG is formed by English Nature, Environment Agency (SW, Midlands and Wales areas) and the following local authorities: Bristol City Council, Cardiff City Council, Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucester City Council, Gloucester County Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Newport Borough Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Stroud District Council, Vale of Glamorgan Council. Associate Members include: Blackdown Consultants, Caldicot & Wantlodge Drainage Levels Board, CCW, South Gloucestershire Internal Drainage Board, WS Atkins-Wales.
Organisational Objectives
The group aims to promote further research and the exchange and dissemination of information on coastal defence matters; to complete, review and update the Shoreline Management Plan for the Severn Estuary and to provide input to the High Level Targets of DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly.
Relevant Policies, Projects & Activities
Phase one of a shoreline management plan has been completed covering the areas from Brean Down to Sharpness.