Branksome Chine Coast Protection Scheme
Safeguarding recreational use of the beautiful sandy beaches at Branksome Chine and Branksome Dene Chine at Poole in Dorset
In 2005/06 a major beach replenishment project was undertaken with the delivery of more than 650,000 tonnes (430,000 cubic metres) of sand to Poole’s coastline over a period of 32 days.
The resulting wide beaches have been a success, not only for the enjoyment they provide Poole’s residents and visitors but in terms of their function as a coast protection structure. The purpose of the rock groynes is to ensure they remain that way for as long as possible.
The whole of Poole Bay from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head has an eroding coastline. In order to safeguard the recreational value of the beaches, and the property and infrastructure behind them, a long-term programme of engineering works has been implemented.
Groynes have been used extensively in the UK and abroad to tackle coastal erosion. They work by reducing the wind and wave driven movement of beach material along the coast by trapping and holding sand within the groyne bays.
Rock groynes are relatively simple to construct, are extremely durable and, due to their permeable nature, have the ability to dissipate the erosive power of the wave energy.
They have also already proven successful at Poole; the first rock groynes at Sandbanks were constructed in 1995/6 and have resulted in a considerable build up of sand on the beach there.
There are other benefits including:
- The main construction material (Portland Stone) is locally sourced
- Poole’s innovative ‘walkway’ design allows access out to sea which many people enjoy
- Over time they become colonised by a range of sealife that would otherwise be missing from the flat and sandy beaches – algae and lichens initially, followed by limpets, anenomes, crabs and other life adapted to ‘rock pool’ conditions
The total cost of the groynes project is £1.9m. The Borough of Poole has received 100% grant aid from DEFRA.