The Environment Agency has bought nearly 400 acres of farmland as part of an attempt to limit the impact of climate change.

The agency has purchased arable land at Keyhaven to help meet its legal duty to replace any UK habitat lost as a result of rising sea levels.

Sites at risk include a 9.3-mile stretch of coastline between Keyhaven and Lymington, including Pennington Marshes.

Climate change and the potential failure of sea defence measures have highlighted a potential threat to Hurst Castle, which is open to the public for much of the year.

The Environment Agency has bought farmland at Keyhaven to offset the potential loss of habitat The Environment Agency has bought farmland at Keyhaven to offset the potential loss of habitat (Image: Kingwell (Aubrey) Ltd)

The Tudor fort is situated at the end of a mile-long spit that connects it to the mainland.

Its supporters say they fear the site could eventually be cut off unless sufficient action is taken to secure the spit's long-term survival.

READ MORE: Farm at Keyhaven, near Milford-on-Sea, set to become nature reserve

Hurst Castle has already fallen victim to climate change. Part of the huge east wing fell into the sea four years ago after being battered by a ferocious storm.

A 38-metre section of the outer wall collapsed, exposing the fort's interior and leaving the beach covered in chunks of masonry.

Hurst Castle and a neighbouring lighthouse are at the end of the mile-long Hurst SpitHurst Castle and a neighbouring lighthouse are at the end of the mile-long Hurst Spit (Image: Supplied)

Major repairs were carried out to foundations of the west wing in 2019.

English Heritage was just days away from embarking on a similar project to safeguard the other wing when the collapse occurred in February 2021.

The charity describes the castle as "by far our most vulnerable site".

READ MORE: English Heritage bids to save historic Hurst Castle from climate change

An English Heritage spokesperson said: "We are actively engaged in working with the Environment Agency and other partners in regards to the emerging Hurst Spit to Lymington Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy.

"We fully recognise the challenges faced. It's an extremely complicated picture and there are no easy answers."

Hurst Castle was built by Henry VIII but was extended during the Victorian eraHurst Castle was built by Henry VIII but was extended during the Victorian era (Image: Newsquest)

Rising sea levels in the Keyhaven area could result in the loss of saltmarsh, an internationally important habitat for birds and plants.

The Environment Agency's decision to buy land at the 605-acre Aubrey Farm aims to compensate for any loss of habitat.

A spokesperson said: “The coastline around Hurst Spit and Lymington is under threat from climate change and sea level rise.

"To better protect people and properties, we need to strengthen the current defences and look to raise them in the future.

"Together with other bodies, we are developing options for how to respond to these natural impacts over the coming years whilst continuing to share progress of all options with the local community.

“We continue to welcome the views of local communities and interested groups ahead of a full public consultation in summer 2026."

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