CHRISTCHURCH FLOOD & COASTAL EROSION RISK MANAGEMENT Steve Woolard - Engineer

Wednesday, 28 June 2017

SCOPAC Annual Field Trip

“Whilst we cannot fully tame the forces of nature we must in the coming years re-engage our communities in the risks they face and the choices that affect them.” – Sir Michael Pitt - 2007

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY • CBC started coastal protection measures on Sandbank as early as 1931

• 10km of coastline including

• to the east and Mudeford Sandbank to the west

• 51 timber/and or limestone rock armour groynes

• 4km of promenades and sea walls

• 2km of vulnerable cliffs

• 1km long natural spit

• Christchurch Harbour SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY • Groyne field rebuilt in the 1980s • Rock revetments • SSSI cliffs (fossils) • Cliff stabilisation works 1980s - concrete diaphragm wall - counterforte drainage - 1st major UK trial planting coastal vegetation • Public car park on top • Café • Toilets • Public open space • Conurbation of Highcliffe • Good beach access

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY • Only undefended section of coastline - SSSI cliffs (fossils) - vulnerable to groundwater, weather and sometimes wave attack - wide natural beach - Lady Waterford planted Holme Oaks • • Café • Public car park • Toilets • Good beach access

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY • 1940s MOD structure - protected the 1st British military communications satellite station - protection to toe of soft cliffs • Timber groyne field • Steamer Pt Woodland Reserve • Cliff top access to Highcliffe Castle

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY • Rock/timber groyne field - rebuilt in the early 1980s • Annual beach recycling operations • 1960s promenade with concrete terracing • Café • RNLI Lifeguard Service • Toilets • Private beach huts • Public car park behind • Conurbation of Friars Cliff

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY • 1950s promenade and concrete terracing • Rock/timber groyne field - rebuilt in the 1980s • Annual beach recycling operations • Café • Shop • Food outlets • Toilets • Beach huts • Two public car parks • Conurbation of Mudeford/Friars Cliff

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY • Promenade and concrete terracing constructed in the 1970s • First ‘rubble’ non-standard rock groyne constructed early 1970s • Beaches are ‘win-fall’ • Important coastal access link between Mudeford Quay and Avon Beach • Beach huts • Holiday park behind • Conurbation of Mudeford

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY • Quay reconstructed in 1995 - during construction evidence of three other quay walls • A number of quay head cottages date back to 1695 • Flood defence wall and gates • Public House • Café • Toilets • Fish Stall • Small fishing fleet • Ferry service to Mudeford Sandbank • Sailing club • Dinghy park • RNLI Station

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY • Spit grew following ironstone mining of Hengistbury Head • First attempt at positioning the Harbour mouth 1695 by Lord Clarendon • First coastal protection groynes built c.1931 • The spit recorded as being over 2km long up to 1939 - immediate influence of BBC ‘Long Groyne’ • 1950s promenade and concrete terracing • Reconstructed groyne field including beach recharge operation 1999/2000 • 350 private beach huts • Blackhouse (apartments) • Café • Toilets • Ferry terminal for Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Quay • Natural protection for Christchurch Harbour

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY FCERM SCHEMES FOR THE FUTURE?

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY  AVON BEACH PROMENADE ENHANCEMENT SCHEME (Winter’17)

 CHRISTCHURCH HARBOUR ENTRANCE CHANNEL TRAINING BANKS (Scoping)

 CHRISTCHURCH QUAY WATERFRONT WALL REPLACEMENT SCHEME (Winter’17)

 AVON & FRIARS CLIFF GROYNE RECONSTRUCTION SCHEME (2021+)

 ANNUAL BEACH RECYCLING & COAST PROTECTION ASSET MAINTENANCE

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY “Our coastline is a national heritage and in order to sustain it for future generations, appropriate coast protection management is essential. Christchurch Council will therefore continue to promote good practise coastal protection ‘housekeeping’ measures to repel flooding and coastal erosion risk through well managed routine annual maintenance and the promotion of future capital schemes.” Mr Steve Woolard - 2010

SCOPAC 2017 FIELD TRIP - CHRISTCHURCH BAY