Storm Damage Appeal

Britain endures its wettest winter in 130 years, with an increased frequency in extreme storms, heavy rain and strong winds

Since September 2023, eight named storms have hit the UK - the highest number in a season to be recorded by the Met Office. Increased inclement weather events brought on by climate change have resulted in power outages, transport disruption and flooding across the UK, causing significant damage to land and property, particularly in coastal areas across the South West.

Storm Ciarán was classed as an exceptionally severe storm, bringing winds comparable in severity with those experienced in the south-east of England during the 'Great Storm' of 1987. The location of Storm Ciarán meant that the worst impacts occurred to the south across the English Channel, exacerbating existing flooding problems, and causing land slips, notably including a section of cliff at West Bay in Dorset which collapsed into the sea.

Cliff Fall at West Bay, Dorset. Photographed by James Loveridge

Cliff Fall at West Bay, Dorset. Photographed by James Loveridge.

Unsurprisingly, frequent severe storm events in 2023/24 have resulted in extensive damage to the South West Coast Path. Our Route Changes page has further information on Path diversions.

We urgently need your help for Path maintenance and Path improvements, to keep access open on the Trail.

The storms are a stark reminder of climate change in action and how our efforts to care for and protect the coast path are essential to ensure it remains one of the greatest trails in the world. 

Please support our urgent storm damage appeal today.  

You can also donate by calling us on 01752 896237 or by sending a cheque to our offices at Residence 2, Royal William Yard, Plymouth PL1 3RP with the note Storm Damage Appeal on the back of the cheque.

Any contribution big or small will help us to repair the damage quickly, so that the Path can continue to provide health and wellbeing benefits to millions of people each year.

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