Southern Region 

Southern Region Information

Southern Region covers the diverse areas of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The major centres of population are all situated on coastal flood plains and are highly vulnerable if climate change leads to increased storminess and a rise in ocean levels. The region has few reservoirs. Over 70% of the population is dependent on groundwater for its drinking water supplies, which makes the region vulnerable in times of drought and if climate change alters the rainfall pattern.

We are faced with enormous housing pressures over the next few years. Sustainable development is vital if the fragile environmental balance is not to be upset. Landfill sites are limited and disposing of waste in the years ahead will present the region with a major challenge. There are many important industrial sites in the region ranging from the large oil refinery near Southampton to the giant paper mills in Kent. There are two nuclear power stations at Dungeness in Kent. The region's key recreation and conservation sites include the Solent, Chichester Harbour, Rye Harbour and the Medway and Swale estuaries in Kent.