Crumbling clifftop leaves popular National Trust cafe just five yards away from falling into the sea
- The National Trust plans to rebuild a clifftop café fearing it could fall into the sea
- Parts of the café near beachy Head are just five yards away from the cliff edge
- The erosion rate is said to be so quick because the cliffs are made of soft chalk
For years, this charming clifftop cafe has refreshed the walkers and daytrippers at Birling Gap.
Now the National Trust is planning to move and rebuild the much-loved eatery over fears it could fall into the sea.
Parts of the cafe, near Beachy Head in East Sussex, are just five yards from the cliff edge after severe coastal erosion.
Heavy storms in 2013 and 2014 saw seven yards lost over two winters alone, forcing the National Trust to demolish an ice cream parlour and sun lounge area that were perilously close to the edge.
For years, this charming clifftop cafe has refreshed the walkers and daytrippers at Birling Gap
In 2005, it was noted that the cliffs at Birling Gap had retreated nearly 100 yards from where they stood in 1873.
The erosion rate is so quick because the cliffs are made of soft white chalk.
Walker Simon Eddistone, 38, said: ‘It’s really sad but the cliff has been tumbling away at quite an alarming rate in recent years.’
The cafe was designed so it could be easily moved and the long-term plan is to rebuild it in a safer spot.
A National Trust spokesman said: ‘The section of the building nearest the cliff edge will be taken down this year to ensure we keep visitors safe and continue to adapt to the changing coastline.’
For now, a cafe is open on the site – but in a building several yards further back from the cliff edge.
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