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More dunes for Old Hunstanton

13-Jan-2012

The Environment Agency is strengthening the natural sand dune flood defences at Old Hunstanton.

New sand dunes are to be encouraged to develop over the top of six gabion groynes. Sand already on the beach will be moved by excavator tractor and trailer and the new dunes planted with Marram grass which helps bind the sand together.

Temporary Chestnut Pale fencing will be installed to protect the Marram and is likely to be in place for two years, or until the dune frontage has successfully established with wind blown sand.

Flood defences in this area are formed by naturally occurring sand dunes strengthened by gabion groynes forming a sustainable dune system.

Richard Houghton, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency said: ’The dunes at Hunstanton form part of a larger 6.5km network of defences that extends from Thornham to Hunstanton and we want to make sure that these natural sea defences offer the best standard of flood protection to people and their property.’

The stretch of defence being worked on is between the Hunstanton Golf Course and the Le Strange Arms Hotel. Work starts this month and will be completed before the end of February.

Working hours will be between 07:00-18:00 Monday to Friday, and for public safety, site fencing will be in place.

Notes for editors

Gabions are stone filled wire baskets which are used to raise beach levels.