Ground investigation works begin on coastline between Eastbourne and Bexhill
Ground investigation works are underway along a 15km of coastline between Eastbourne and Bexhill as part of the multi-million-pound flood scheme.
The work, from Holywell in Eastbourne and Cooden Beach in Bexhill, are preparations for the next phase of the Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme (PevEb).
New beach design and groyne modification works are planned to take place between 2027 and 2037.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Teams are carrying out drilling, sampling and small excavations at multiple locations along the beach to collect material from the surface and the ground beneath it.
“This will help determine beach sediment grading, assess the condition and structural integrity of groynes below beach level, evaluate ground conditions for future works, and sample the beach for potential contaminants.
“Visitors to the seafront may see drilling rigs, shallow trial trenches, and temporary fenced areas around individual work sites. Each location is temporary and will be returned to its original condition once work is complete.
“A small contractor compound has been established at Sovereign West car park to house equipment, welfare facilities and staff parking, which will be relocated to an Environment Agency site in Pevensey Bay by the end of July.”
Seafront paths, beaches and local businesses will remain open as normal. There may be some temporary, localised disruption near specific groynes, and some noise from machinery is expected during working hours, though this will be ‘kept to a minimum wherever possible’.
Amber Carr, Beach Manager at Pevensey Bay to Eastbourne, said: "These investigations around selected groynes help inform future flood defence refurbishments to keep local coastal communities protected from the risk of flooding.”
Nick Gray, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, said: “The Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme represents a significant long-term investment in protecting one of the southeast’s most vulnerable stretches of coastline.
“The ground investigations now underway are the essential first step in a programme of works that will strengthen our flood defences for decades to come, safeguarding homes, businesses and the unique natural environment of the coastline.
“By taking the time now to fully understand the condition of our beaches and structures below the surface, we can design smarter, more resilient coastal defences that will serve these communities well into the future.”