Earth Day event will highlight coastal protection work

Ahead of Earth Day on Wednesday 22 April, Brighton & Hove residents and school children are being given the chance to see what we’re doing to protect the city’s coastline.

An event is taking place in the King Alfred Leisure Centre ballroom on Thursday 16 April where they’ll be a chance to learn more about the Brighton Marina and River Adur Coastal Defence scheme.

Specialist marine contractor Van Oord UK Ltd. is currently constructing a new groyne field on the beach between the leisure centre and Second Avenue.

The space between the groynes will be filled with shingle that will be sourced from a licensed offshore borrow area located to the east of the Isle of Wight and pumped to the shore.

This will extend the beach and help protect the coastline from flooding, erosion, storms and the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.

Local school children have been invited to an Immersive Education Event where they’ll get the chance to experience 3 interactive stations.

• A wave tank, showing how coastal defences work
• A wood station where they can look at different wood types, understand their uses and see what we are doing with our wood waste
• A visit to the Guyana Forest in an Immersion Dome

On Thursday 16 April, there’ll be an interactive and information session for residents between 5pm and 7pm. It will include:

• An update on the progress and plans
• Guest speakers Nicola Aitken from timber supplier Gilmour & Aitken (G&A) and Jane Miller OBE – retired British High Commissioner to the Republic of Guyana
• A chance to step into the forest with our immersion tent and see some of the wood samples
• Meet the team behind the project
• Find out how the project is also supporting groups such as Pedal People, Park Run and Men in Sheds

Book a place on the evening session

Picture: The new groyne field taking shape

Learning more about protecting our city

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: “This is a great chance for local residents and school children to come and see the excellent work being done on our seafront.

“It’s so important we help young people learn about what we’re doing to protect Brighton & Hove from the damaging impacts of climate change, but also inspire the next generation of engineers and environmental advocates.

“The new groyne field will play a huge role in preventing the flooding of local homes and businesses and I hope residents take the opportunity to see what we’re doing and speak to the team.”

Paul Hesk, Managing Director, Van Oord UK Ltd, said: “We are excited to have an opportunity to engage with the local community and share information regarding the current works that will improve the coastal defences along King’s Esplanade and thereby reduce the risk of flooding and erosion.”