Here’s where we’ll try and answer your Frequently Asked Questions…

What is an intertidal zone?

This is the space between the high tide and the low tide. The area that belongs to the sea but which is not always covered by water. On the Gwent Levels this is the large expanse of mud visible at low tide beyond the sea wall. In the Sundarbans it is a similar stretch of mud but this area is creeping inland as the sea levels rise and coastal erosion increases.

Why are these lighthouses here?

The lighthouses mark a point on the possible future shoreline. In both locations this is some miles from the current shore. They are there to help us start a conversation about change and adaptation as sea levels rise and our shoreline shifts inland. Our walks usually start from the Lighthouses, and we encourage you to find your own routes from them to the sea.

How does the Lighthouse work?

The lighthouses are solar powered, via solar panels and a battery for storage. Each lighthouse has a wifi receiver inside and they are connected via the internet to GLOSS, a tidal data collection platform that collects live data from tidal buoys all around the world. We are receiving data from a tidal buoy located in Chittagong, in the Southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal – this is the closest tidal buoy to our twin community on Sagar island. When the tide is rising in Chittagong, our lighthouse flashes.

When is this area going to flood?

We don’t know! It’s very difficult to say exactly when and exactly how high, but what we do know is that we will need to adapt in the future to more storm surges, higher tides, and ultimately the loss of some of the land we currently live and work on. You can find information on your own local flood risk here and the plans in place for the Severn Estuary here

Where is the Bay of Bengal and the Sundarbans?

The Bay of Bengal is in the Northeastern part of the Indian Ocean, bordered by India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The Sundarbans is an estuarial area of mangrove covered islands, located in West Bengal and Southeastern Bangladesh. The delta protects Kolkata and Dhaka from flooding, but is under enormous pressure from rising sea levels, coastal erosion and more intensive cyclones. We have been working with a community on Sagar Island, in the Western part of the Sundarbans, 100km south of Kolkata. You might be interested in this article about Sagar.

What happened on the walks?

The walks were shared experiences where we took a journey together on foot to see the landscape in more detail. Along the way we chatted and enjoyed some simple creative and reflective activities with no pressure to say or do anything, anyone could just walk and listen if they wished.

How much do I have to pay to take part?

All our activities are free of charge, thanks to funding from Arts Council Wales and Wales Arts International, and the generous support of our partner organisations. Sometimes we might have to ask for donations towards taxi fares if we do a one-way walk. This will be clear on booking and is always optional.

How do I find out about events?

Email futurewalescoast@gmail.com to sign up to our mailing list. You can also follow us on twitter, facebook, or instagram via @futurecoastpath. And check out the Events page on this site!

How do I get to the Lighthouses?

We hope you’ll consider travelling by public transport.

Newport Wetlands can be accessed by request bus from Newport or by bike from Severn Tunnel Junction, Newport, or anywhere on cycle route 4. More info on travelling there is available here

Langport can be accessed via a number of “slow ways” – why not try biking or walking there?

GOT A QUESTION WE HAVEN’T ANSWERED HERE? Email us…. futurewalescoast@gmail.com