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Work along the Eastern Road is progressing nicely, and if you drive or walk along our site boundaries you will notice there is a lot going on! |
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A bit up and down...
A line of uneven shapes runs along the shore near Milton Common. These are 'piles' that are driven into the ground to aid in the formation of sea defences. They are at irregular heights due to varying ground conditions.
The piles are driven into the surface using vibration up until they reach very hard ground. Once they hit the level where we cannot move down any further, a high impact hammer is used to force the piles a certain amount further into the hard ground, so we know it is safe. The parts you can see sticking up will be cut off eventually before we add our new seawall.
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 The high impact part of piling, which includes the noisy work, will be finished by mid June. We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we had to conduct this necessary work.
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Roost and Relaxation
In May, after 4 weeks of construction, our new roost island especially designed to provide a high tide spot for overwintering birds was completed!
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The island is located at the south of the Eastern Road and made up of 1500t of rock armour, over 2000t of core material (recycled material previously broken out from the old sea wall) and over 500t of shingle to create a natural surface.
There have already been first sightings of seagulls on the island!! Although it's been designed for overwintering and migratory birds, we'd like to think our local avian friends are testing it for our visitors expected next winter!
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At the Harbourside Holiday Park we are now busy installing the new, wider, improved coastal path.
The footpath will be 2.2m wide and has a Breedon gravel surface, laid using a mini-excavator, dump truck and roller. Once finished, it will tie in with the paths of the completed phases on either side.
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We are also starting on the next area of wildflowers here. More natural areas with new trees and wildflowers will be created where possible along the entire stretch. What that might look like once established can be seen further north at our previously completed phase 4a around Kendall's Wharf. The wildflowers seeded there back in 2019 are now in full bloom! |
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You already know, at the North Portsea Coastal Scheme we care about birds, but in early June we had a very special site visit from a Swan mother and her 4 little cygnets. With growing concern, our site team watched as the feathered family was trying to make their way over Eastern Road. Finally, the workmen decided to stand guard and stop traffic to help them safely over the road towards the verge and then escorted them back across Eastern Road and into our site entrance to then guide them safely through our work area and to the water. Thank you to Lisa, one of our local residents who captured the scene. |
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SAFETY
Please keep your safety in mind when walking close to construction works. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you in advance for your cooperation throughout the works.
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