(Em-)banking the milestones
Embankment starting to take final shape
It might not look like much at first glance, but this image marks a major step forward for the North Portsea Coastal Scheme: the first completed section of embankment at Ports Creek.
This embankment is being built using a carefully engineered method: multiple layers of earth are added in stages, allowing us to gradually reach the final defence height while ensuring long-term stability. What you’re seeing here is not just a pile of earth, it’s the foundation of a resilient, sustainable sea defence.
You can also spot the final profile taking shape: a gentle slope leading down to the rock armour along the Creek’s edge. This rock armour plays a crucial role in preventing erosion and protecting the shoreline.
Once the structure is complete, the area will be seeded with vegetation to blend into the natural environment, and a new coastal path will be added along the top.
Gabions galore
Overpass rocks its new look
Near the railway bridge the placement of gabion baskets is now complete, marking another major milestone in the project.
If you’ve been following our updates, you’ll notice just how much progress has been made. This section now shows the final height of the stabilised overpass crossing the moat, a key structural feature that’s shaping up beautifully.
Once the area is fully established, it will be planted (hydroseeded) with grasses and wildflowers, creating a vibrant, green overpass that blends into the natural surroundings.
And here’s something to chirp about: we’ll soon be installing kingfisher tunnels here. These specially designed features mimic the natural burrows kingfishers use to nest, helping support local wildlife and biodiversity.
Hydroseeding – the green sludge strikes!
If you’ve spotted some unusually bright green, sludge-like hills recently, don’t worry, it’s not an alien invasion! It’s just the start of our hydroseeding process.
Hydroseeding is a clever planting technique where a slurry of seeds, mulch, water, and sometimes fertilizer is sprayed over large areas. It’s especially useful on slopes or places where traditional seeding would struggle to take root, so perfect to use on our embankment.
The vivid green colour you see at first? That’s thanks to a non-toxic, biodegradable dye added to the mulch. It helps our team see exactly where they’ve sprayed to ensure full and even coverage. While it might look a bit wild now, this colour will fade as nature takes over.
Soon, those green patches will transform into a lush mix of grasses and wildflowers, creating a beautiful, natural haven for wildlife and a scenic spot for Portsmouth residents to enjoy.
Celebrating excellence
Tom wins ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award
We are incredibly proud to share that Tom Lawrence, a key member of our North Portsea Coastal Scheme team, has been honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award at the CECA Southern (Civil Engineering Contractors Association) Annual Lunch and Awards on Friday, 27 June.
Tom, who works with our contractor Knights Brown, is currently leading efforts at Phase 5 – Ports Creek, but he is not new to protecting Portsmouth from the risk of flooding: he was also part of the team during Phase 3 at Tipner Lake (2017–2019), where his leadership and dedication left a lasting mark.
With over 40 years in the construction industry, Tom’s career is a testament to what it means to lead with integrity, passion, and heart. As a general foreman, he has guided countless complex projects to successful completion.
But beyond the technical excellence, it’s Tom’s humanity that truly sets him apart. He’s the kind of colleague who always has time for others – whether it’s offering a listening ear, sharing a joke, or simply handing out a biscuit when it’s most needed.
Congratulations, Tom. Your contribution has been nothing short of outstanding – and we’re lucky to have you!
