Surveying intertidal cubes at Hengistbury Head © A Hall Marine
Since the works at Hengistbury Head Long Groyne were completed in October 2024, we have continued our regular beach monitoring. Inspections have shown that the upgraded structure has performed well across significant winter storm conditions, giving confidence in its long term design life.
Waves and tide have continued to reshape the beach and our contractor will soon be returning to site to retrieve a few remaining small stray rocks from the beach, near the Long Groyne and the two groynes completed west of Double Dykes. These fragments are just a small amount, considering that in total, over 30,000 tonnes of rock was processed and stockpiled on the beach during the Long Groyne upgrade.
The marine ecological enhancements installed as part of the Long Groyne project design already have a variety of marine growth. Surveying of their success will continue over the next few years.
ICE People’s Choice Award nomination
We’re delighted that the scheme at Hengistbury Head has been nominated as a finalist for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West People’s Choice Award 2025.
Please support the project team and cast your vote at ICE South West Awards | Vote Now
Voting closes at 5pm on 29 August
The project also funded the creation of two new ponds to support Hengistbury’s thriving population of protected Natterjack toad ponds in partnership with BCP nature reserve rangers and volunteers.
One of two new Natterjack Toad conservation ponds created as part of the scheme
One of the new ponds created to support the resident Natterjack Toad population
Showing the two recently replaced beach groynes with the Long Groyne beyond
Hengistbury Head, looking east toward the long groyne
Project details:
