Five new rock groynes for Poole

Since Poole’s beach is now wide enough to function as a coast protection structure, controls are required to ensure it remains that way for as long as possible.

In 2008 planning permission was granted to Poole Council’s Coastal & Drainage team for the construction of five new rock groynes at Branksome Chine and Branksome Dene Chine, each measuring between 45m-75m in length. 

The contract was awarded to Dean & Dyball; construction work commenced 24th November and was completed on 5th May 2009.

Some 20,000 tonnes of rock were delivered to the beach by low-loaders transporting up to 500 tonnes daily via the car park at Branksome Chine.

• A plan showing the position of groynes can be found below.

• An online project diary was regularly updated.

• Frequently Asked Questions.

The cost of this £1.9 million project was covered by government funding from Defra.

New Safe Swimming Zones will be created between the new groynes using yellow markers. These RNLI approved zones have been successful at Sandbanks.

Project Context

The choice of rock groynes for this project followed more than three years of detailed investigations and analysis by HR Wallingford.  Engineers from Italy, Holland and New Zealand were involved in the first stage of the study which considered more than 20 options for beach control structures.  A final report recommended four options for detailed consideration - three groyne options and one submerged reef option.  An economic appraisal concluded that rock groynes were the preferred option.

This project at Poole is a move away from the traditional coastal protection scheme in that a post project appraisal and programme of beach monitoring is being funded by Defra as part of the overall scheme, and will compare outcomes with computer modelling by HR Wallingford. The results will inform Environment Agency research, and help the refinement of beach plan shape models in the future.

Groyne Plan 

The groyne plan shows the position and relative size of each of the five rock groynes.

The plan is too large to display on this page, but a pdf version is available to download (file size 650kb)

Wessex Water Outfall Pipe Project

Rock groyne construction took place at Branksome Chine alongside a £3 million project by Wessex Water to replace the piped outfall to prevent flooding of the car park area [more].

The Project • Project Diary • Project Photos • Proven Need • Construction