VHE wins Hunstanton to Heacham sea defence works

A Pre Works visit is arranged to review the scope of works required for the relocation of beach sand and shingle which is moved around the Norfolk coastline by tides and storms during the winter.

The works themselves will start early March, in an effort to complete the works, strictly within the requirements of the RSPB and Natural England, to avoid damage to wildlife habitats and to take account of the Spring tides.

Excavation from high areas of sand and shingle deposited by the tides and following erosion by storms helps to reduce levels for the incoming tides and returns the excess shingle back to the bunds. These bunds further up the beach form part of the sea defences.

All machines must be maintained to the highest standards to avoid breakdowns and contain Bio- oil, for environmental protection purposes and any fuelling is strictly supervised, off the beach, within a controlled area within the site compound.

The beach remains open during the work and the general public are allowed to visit the beach, with the management of plant movements a critical element of the works as the affected area may be spread along a 4 mile section of the headland. This is clearly a reason why VHE have been reappointed to undertake these works following the success over the last three years.

The works also include re-grading of a holiday visitor car park, once the main works are completed. These actions are important in protecting homes, holiday homes, areas of interest and helps retain the recycling resource volume which could be lost to the Bay if left unrecovered – this would therefore then require importing of externally excavated material, to create the defences.