Lay(er)ing it on thick
Preservation of foreshore material to create habitat
You may have spotted from the motorway that we have started to add layers of foreshore material that was moved during the excavation work over the new rock revetment. The aim is to promote saltmarsh growth and provide habitat for wildlife. The foreshore material that was excavated has a clay-like consistency, with a layer of dark, sloppy material on top. In the image you can see we are putting it back in the same layers as it naturally occurs to encourage the growth of species between the rocks.
This is one of the many environmental enhancements we are working on in the area. Later in the new year, we plan to plant some saltmarsh plants that are specifically chosen for the local area to further encourage salt marsh growth. It’s all about creating a better environment for plants and animals to thrive.
Footbridge closed
Just a reminder that Peronne Road footbridge will be closed from 2 January 2025 until 12 January 2025 (at the latest) to allow for the completion of a temporary overpass. Diversions are in place and now signposted on the footbridge and our info boards.
Following this closure, the overpass will remain in place for the duration of the project, allowing site traffic to move east to west, whilst maintaining pedestrian access to the footbridge.
The footbridge next to the railway line, further east along the creek, will then be closed for the duration of the work (until December 2025), currently planned to start week commencing 13 January 2025. We will update you as soon as a final date is confirmed.
A visit from the King(fisher)
One of our engineers had an amazing sighting at Ports Creek this week – a Kingfisher! We were so excited to see him (or her) checking out the progress, as one of our many environmental enhancements planned are Kingfisher tunnels. These will be added to the revetment, specially designed to recreate natural nesting sites for these beautiful creatures.
Those yellow pegs the Kingfisher is perched on are actually our surveyor pegs, marking the foot of the new rock revetment along Ports Creek. They mark how far out into the creek the new structure will extend.
We can’t wait to welcome many more Kingfishers and other wildlife once the work is finished.
Christmas Creek Clear-up
This week, volunteers from Knights Brown, Portsmouth City Council, and Coastal Partners joined forces for a litter pick mission along Portsea Creek. Together, they gathered a significant amount of litter, including plastics, cigarette butts, a pair of shorts, fishing nets, and even an old ‘Only Fools and Horses’ DVD.
With a surprise appearance from Father Christmas, the team worked hard to leave the area surrounding our construction site spotless for the holidays. As we head into the Christmas break from today, we will resume our work on 2 January 2025.
Wishing you all a fantastic Christmas and a joyful New Year &
thank you for your ongoing support as we carry out this vital defence work.
