Client login
Password

News & Media > Utility Services

04:05:2010

EA project protects environment and removes danger

Working on behalf of the Environment Agency, May Gurney has successfully completed a project at Dawlish Warren Sea Defences to help to protect businesses and property on the South Devon coast.

Dawlish Warren is a large sand spit and dune system. Environmentally, it is of international importance particularly with regard to wading and breeding birds. Many species of rare plants occur too, while the sandbanks and mudflats support populations of invertebrates, which are of national significance.

The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; it contains both Local and National Nature Reserves, has been designated a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area by the EU and is contained within the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Dawlish Warren is also a hugely popular beach resort attracting up to 10,000 visitors a day in the summer months.

Storms over the past year have impacted upon the picturesque dunes and groyne system, in one of the most exposed parts of the beach, making it unstable and presenting a potential hazard to shipping, navigation and public safety. The gabion mattresses at the heads of several groynes had also sustained damage and required rock armour to be placed to prevent any further failure.

The Environment Agency appointed May Gurney to repair the groyne. The task included replacing a number of the boards, up-righting the hardwood timber piles and installing a steel bracing system supported on 3.5m long steel piles to stabilise the structure.

Access to the site was via a track through one of the most environmentally sensitive areas of Dawlish Warren. The Environment Agency liaised with Natural England, Teignbridge District Council and Network Rail regarding the access arrangements and rigid procedures were adopted and close liaison maintained with all parties throughout the contract.

The project team worked between tidal shifts, ensuring each time that the structure was intact before the beach was cleared in advance of the incoming tides. The project was completed prior to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.