Climate change risk to coastal castles - English Heritage

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English Heritage says that castles that have stood for hundreds of years are at risk of being damaged.

Six castles are threatened by coastal erosion and are managed by the charity.

There are two castles in Hampshire and one in Cornwall.

It's asking for money to repair walls and improve defences against storms.

Climate change seems to have accelerated the natural dynamics of the coastline in some places, according to the English Heritage's Estates Director.

We put measures in place to protect places that we value and people want to look after.

Global sea levels will continue to rise for several hundred years even if greenhouse gas emissions are slashed. Waves come closer to the shore when sea levels are higher.

English Heritage says the six sites are most at risk.

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After its foundations were eroded, a section of the east wing of the castle collapsed into the sea. Thousands of boulders have been put in place to form a barrier to protect the castle.

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At Tintagel, the problem of erosion isn't a new one. Since it was built in the 13th century, it has been under attack. English Heritage says funding is necessary to repair damage from the storms of last winter.

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The island where Piel Castle is located is half a mile away from the coast. Some of the castle fell into the sea in the 19th century due to erosion. The castle's keep and bastions are at risk from both erosion and flooding.

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The narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary has been guarded by a Tudor fort for 500 years.

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The Garrison Walls create pinch points where the tide focuses. If not protected, these sections will be vulnerable to erosion in the future.

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Calshot Castle is located in the River Solent. The site is vulnerable to rising sea levels and erosion.