VHE completes Hunstanton to Heacham sea defence works

The works commenced early March and completed earlier this week. VHE worked strictly within the requirements of the RSPB and Natural England to avoid damage to wildlife habitats and to take in to account the Spring tides.

The works included the relocation of beach sand and shingle, which was moved around the Norfolk coastline by tides and storms during the winter.

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

VHE operated machines to the highest standards to avoid breakdowns and utilised Bio-Oil for environmental protection purposes. Any fuelling was strictly supervised, off the beach and within a controlled area within the site compound.

The beach remained open during the work and the general public were 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 four mile section of the headland. This is a reason why VHE were reappointed to undertake these works following the success over the last three years.

The works also included the re-grading of a holiday visitor car park. 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.