Dorset Council has announced a postponement of a groundbreaking dredging trial and beach maintenance work at two of its most popular coastal destinations, Bridport (West Bay) and Lyme Regis. The delay aims to prevent disruption during the busy summer holiday period while addressing environmental concerns.
The initiative planned to introduce Water Injection Dredging (WiD), an innovative and more sustainable method compared to traditional dredging. WiD uses water to fluidise seabed sediment, allowing natural currents to carry it away to deeper areas. This technique promises significant environmental benefits by reducing the impact on marine habitats, alongside operational cost savings estimated between £60,000 and £80,000 per dredging event.
Originally slated to begin this season, the trial has been pushed to autumn due to the council’s inability to secure final approval from Natural England in time. Additionally, the timing avoids clashes with essential harbour wall repairs and other routine maintenance tasks.
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Dorset Council has invested considerable effort over the past year collaborating with Natural England, undertaking thorough environmental assessments and surveys to ensure the dredging trial meets ecological standards. Despite productive dialogues, the final agreement was not finalized before the peak summer season.
In the meantime, harbour activities and beach accessibility remain unaffected. Both Bridport and Lyme Regis operate as drying harbours, with sediment levels currently below the threshold requiring immediate intervention.
Councillor Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, highlighted the council’s dedication to sustainable coastal management: “We are proud to pursue innovative solutions like Water Injection Dredging that safeguard our harbours and coastal environment. While the trial’s delay is unfortunate, it reflects our responsibility to protect the environment and support local communities without compromising safety or accessibility.”
The council reaffirmed its commitment to resuming the project later in the year, continuing close coordination with Natural England to ensure the trial proceeds responsibly and effectively.