Hengistbury Head

Long groynes

Beach nourishment

Groynes were constructed between 1937 and 1939 in Poole and Christchurch

Gabion cages

Rock groynes

Effects

Conflicts

Why protect it?

Around 1 million visitors to Hengistbury head annually

The headland geology- the rock type is very soft- easily eroded

Waves are strong in this area due to direction of prevailing wind-, longshore drift removes material easily

Since 70s been a method of adding material to beach

Isle of Wight use sand dredge

Lose 10% of sand from beach

Acts as a barrier to high tides or storm surges

200m walls of gabion along it

Cages take out power of waves and impact of erosion is no as serve

215 out into the sea and are in poor condition and need repairing

Reinforced with rock armour

It is so successful that never reached base of cliff

Without long groynes, a lot of beach material would be washed away and start to erode again within a year

Repair project will take place from 2021-2031 and cost 33 million

The groynes will be raised in this project to help protect with sea levels rising

The groynes start at the beginning of Hengistbury head and goes along Mudeford spit and 17 are found here

It lasts longer than wood and prevents longshore drift occurring on the beach

ity has been stable for around 2000 years

Beach huts can remain in place

Christchurch Town is protected

The natural habitats remain stable

The beaches are protecting area from erosion thanks to the groynes

The area still attracts visitors ( 1 million a year) which is a great income for locals

Isle of Wight sand dredging can cause more erosion

There is still conflict in the rest of areas

Some areas are eroding rapidly

Some people are not happy with areas falling into the sea