Vanishing Coast

The British seaside under threat.

The seaside enjoys a special place in the British psyche – this film tells us its story, and adds a big loud cautionary note. The sheer scale of tourism, together with urban development, is placing environmental pressure on our 3,000 mile coast. This film was sponsored by petrol brand National Benzole with input from the National Trust: an early entry in the curious cycle of conservation films sponsored by oil companies.

Whatever your view of the environmental politics, it’s a skilfully mounted production, directed with easy assurance by documentary veteran John Taylor. Film music giant Muir Matheson conducts the score (by the lesser-known James Harpham).