In order to control coastal erosion in Poole and Christchurch bays, the long groyne structure at Hengistbury Head is to be upgraded and repaired.

The land-based surveys are complete and the sea-based jack-up barge will be working 24 hours a day over the next three weeks to take borehole samples from five seabed locations around the groyne. All the borehole samples (on land and sea) are up to 20m in depth and enable BCP Council to assess what the ground is made up of so that they can tailor the design of the groyne to suit the ground conditions.

During this time, the area remains closed for public safety.

Cllr Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for Environment and Place said: “The 83-year-old structure has been critical in stabilising and controlling coastal erosion in both Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay. Along with the beach and other shoreline structures, the long groyne helps protect local communities and infrastructure so it is vital we upgrade it so it can continue to perform effectively, particularly with the additional threat of sea level rise and an increasing number of storm events.

“Without the long groyne, beach material would rapidly wash away, and the cliffs could start to erode again. This would eventually lead to the sea breaching Christchurch Harbour at Double Dykes and Mudeford Sandbank and the impacts could extend to the Purbecks and New Forest.”