Eastoke

Low-lying south-eastern corner with sandy beaches, coastal flood defences, Sandy Point nature reserve, and a mix of bungalows and chalets.

Eastoke occupies the south-eastern tip of Hayling Island, a low-lying area that is particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding and erosion. The area is largely residential, with a mix of bungalows, chalets, and some more substantial houses. The beach at Eastoke is sandy and popular in summer, though the sea defences that protect the area from flooding are a constant reminder of the precarious relationship between the settlement and the sea. Significant flood defence works have been carried out in recent decades, including rock armour and beach replenishment, to protect properties from storm surges and rising sea levels. Sandy Point, at the very tip of Eastoke, is a nature reserve managed by Hampshire County Council, where the sand and shingle spit extends into Chichester Harbour. The area supports rare plants and nesting birds, and access is restricted during the breeding season. Eastoke has a holiday and retirement character, with many properties originally built as seasonal homes and subsequently converted to permanent residences. The area is quiet outside the summer months and has a slightly isolated feel, set apart from the main village centre at Mengham.