Work begins to bolster coastal defences in Pevensey Bay and Eastbourne
Major coastal defence works are under way in Pevensey Bay and Eastbourne as the Environment Agency begins its annual spring programme to ‘protect thousands of homes and businesses from flooding’.
The project has started to receive seven lorry-loads of timber that will be used to improve wave screens along the Pevensey frontage.
The Environment Agency has also launched its annual shingle bypassing operation, moving 5,000 cubic metres of shingle, roughly the equivalent volume of 50 double decker buses, from Eastbourne to Pevensey Bay.
Six tipper trucks are making up to 96 trips a day, travelling four miles to relocate shingle that accumulates at a rock spur in Eastbourne due to longshore drift.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency added: “The shingle itself acts as the primary sea defence. This bypassing work prevents shingle from clogging Sovereign Harbour and replenishes the Pevensey Bay frontage, where the material then migrates naturally along the coast via longshore drift, benefiting communities the entire length of the frontage.
“On site, the team is also using a hybrid bulldozer to profile and build up shingle defences along the crest, saving around 30% in fuel use thanks to its part-electric engine.”
The work will protect more than 3,000 homes and businesses from flooding while longer-term plans are developed, says the Environment Agency.
Amber Carr, bBeach manager of Pevensey Bay, said: "Spring is one of our busiest times on the beach, and it’s great to see the programme in full swing. The shingle bypassing works are a smart way of keeping sediment where it needs to be — rather than letting it build up at the harbour; we’re moving it along the coast to where it does the best.
“The delivery of timber for the new wave screens is another important step, and we’re looking forward to seeing that work come together later in the summer. This is a dedicated local team doing vital work to keep coastal communities safe.”
Nick Gray, programme sponsor for major projects in Solent and South Downs, said: “This is one of the most important coastal flood risk projects in the country, and the spring works represent a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to protecting communities along the Sussex coast.
“The recently confirmed £8 million investment is a clear signal of the government’s ambition to strengthen our coastal defences, and I’m proud that we’re delivering that in a way that is not only effective but sustainable — using innovative equipment and local expertise to reduce costs and our carbon footprint. With up to 18,000 properties to protect over the coming century, this work really matters.”