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Your North Portsea Scheme update
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3 July 2026
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 Look at our lovely sea defence work from a bird’s-eye view. We're really pleased with how the eastern section is looking now that the landscaping has had time to establish. As you can see, the seeds planted along the embankment have taken incredibly well, transforming what was once a construction site into a green, natural-looking feature. The new planting will continue to mature over time, creating a rich mix of grasses and wildflowers that will support local wildlife and help the new defences blend into the surrounding landscape.
Alongside the new sea defences, the area has benefited from extensive tree and wildflower planting, creating an attractive coastal route for residents and visitors to enjoy.
It's fantastic to see the area looking so green already, and we're looking forward to watching it continue to develop over the coming seasons.
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In the bulletin before last we showed you that the haul road has been removed on the eastern part of the site, and now we can see the new Breedon gravel path is starting to take shape.
After lots of construction traffic (with around 50 lorries a day using this route at peak activity!) it's great to see the area being restored.
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After all the top soil and the geotextile on our embankments, it's time to turn things green. The area is currently being hydroseeded which is a process where a specially mixed slurry of seed, mulch, fertiliser and water is sprayed onto the embankment. The mulch helps retain moisture and protect the seeds while they establish.
As the seedlings start to grow, the green colour will gradually fade and be replaced by grasses and wildflowers, helping the embankment blend naturally into the surrounding landscape.
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Our woodland drainage is coming along nicely. In our last edition, this gravel path was little more than a trench in the soil. Now it's been transformed into a French drain. Like a swale, a French drain is designed to help manage excess water. Rainwater collects in the gravel-filled channel and filters down to a perforated pipe below, which then carries it away to the moat. The gravel also helps slow the flow of water and filters out sediment, reducing waterlogging and helping keep the surrounding woodland paths in better condition. This is an important piece of infrastructure that will help the area cope with wet weather for years to come.
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Salt-loving plants are now being planted along sections of the shoreline as part of the scheme. These specialised coastal species are carefully chosen because they can thrive in the challenging conditions found along Portsmouth's waterfront, including salty soils, strong winds and occasional tidal inundation. Over time, they will become an important part of the shoreline environment, adding colour, texture and ecological value to the area. We'll be bringing you more information on the species being planted, why they were selected and the benefits they provide in our next fortnightly bulletin.
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If you've spotted the gaps in the defences either side of Peronne Road bridge, there's a good reason for them. We previously mentioned SSE is installing new electrical cables beneath this section of the route, and we can't complete this part of the coastal defence until that work is finished.
Once the cables are in place and the utility works are complete, we'll move in to close the gap and finish this section of the defence. In the meantime, we're continuing to make good progress on the sections either side.
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We know you've been reading about the area, but have you visited Hilsea Lines yet? Getting here is easy, with regular bus services from across Portsmouth and the surrounding area stopping nearby. Leave the car at home and enjoy a straightforward journey to one of the city's most distinctive outdoor spaces.
Whether you're exploring our brand news sea defences, visiting Hilsea Lido, enjoying a walk through the Lines, stopping for a coffee, or making the most of the family attractions, travelling by bus is a convenient and affordable way to get here. With frequent services throughout the day, you'll arrive just a short walk from everything Hilsea Lines has to offer.
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