Leave well alone - definition

'No active intervention' or 'leave well alone' is one of five policy options adopted as part of the development of Shoreline Management Plans in England and Wales by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA 2001). The term specifically applies to the policy option: "No active intervention, where there is no investment in coastal defence assets or operations, i.e. no shoreline management activity."

Comment: This is the most difficult option, especially where some form of protection was undertaken in the past. At Beachy Head despite local pressure to protect the coast houses were evacuated and will be demolished before falling into the sea. The example of Porlock gives some indication of the arguments and the way in which the forces of nature can 'preempt' a 'do nothing' solution.

References

DEFRA 2001. Shoreline Management Plans: a Guide for Coastal Defence Authorities. . Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London. Abstract...