On the Edge (Paperback)

Paperback. A first evaluation of the physical impact of railway construction on the British coastThe building of railways has had a profound but largely ignored physical impact on Britains coasts. This book explores the coming of railways to the edge of Britain, the ruthlessness of the companies involved and the transformation of our coasts through the destruction or damage to the environment.In many places today, railways are the first defence against the sea and similarly the embankments of long-closed lines act as sea walls. It is ironic, at a time when climate change is very much favouring rail as a means of transport, that many lines are increasingly exposed to extreme weather and the very actions associated with their construction have exacerbated coastal erosion. With the benefit of hindsight, many coastal railways have been built in locations that would not have been chosen today. As our climate changes and storminess potentially increases, what might be the implications for some of Britains lines on the edge?Key features:First evaluation of the physical impact of railway construction on the British coast Unique combination of environmental and historical researchTimely given the impact of the storms of January and February 2014 Covers the breaching of the South Devon, Cambrian and Cumbrian coastal lines The building of railways has had a profound but largely ignored physical impact on Britains coasts. This book explores the coming of railways to the edge of Britain, the ruthlessness of the companies involved and the transformation of our coasts through the destruction or damage to the environment. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…