Embankment gets its topsoil – and a coconut footing
If you’ve passed Ports Creek via the motorway recently, you might have spotted something new: the first section of the full-height embankment has now been covered with topsoil.
This slightly darker layer has been added to the creek side of the embankment to prepare for hydroseeding, which will soon bring more coastal wildflowers to the area. These plants will help stabilise the slope, support local wildlife, and make the embankment look more natural.
At the bottom of the soil, you can see some brown rolls separating it from the rocks below. These are called coir rolls, made from coconut fibres – the same material used inside the gabions. Coir helps hold the soil in place and stops it washing over the rocks during heavy rain. It’s biodegradable, tough, and naturally water-resistant – and it will help the wildflowers thrive!
Learn, colour, explore. Coastal fun for kids this summer!
Looking for something fun and educational to keep the kids busy this summer? The North Portsea Coastal Scheme has a range of free school resources available, including activity sheets and a colouring-in page featuring our Kingfisher mascot.
These materials are a great way for children to learn about sea defences, coastal wildlife, and how we’re working to protect the north of Portsea Island. You can find them all on our website: resources page
And if you’re part of a local school or youth group, we’d love to visit! Our team offers interactive wave tank sessions that bring coastal engineering to life – perfect for curious minds and budding scientists.
To arrange a visit or find out more, just get in touch.
Reeding between the Lines…
Hilsea’s historic waters get a fresh start
The scheme is marking yet another major milestone in environmental restoration, with new funding secured by our dedicated environment team for 2025/26 to support nature and heritage across Hilsea.
As the final phase of works continues and new funding is available our attention has turned to the Hilsea Moat – a historic and ecologically important part of the area and once part of the Hilsea Lines fortifications. It has been facing challenges like algal blooms and silt build-up which are problematic for species that call the moats home.
Starting this September, improvement works will include:
- Reedbed installation – used to filter rain and road water and to trap nutrients
- Dredging – to restore water depth and improve conditions for wildlife
- Bank restoration and planting to support eels and other fish
All works are being delivered with Historic England, as Hilsea Lines is a Scheduled Monument.
We will update you with more details and the timeline of works once confirmed, but there will be no additional closures or diversions needed.
Nice to see you!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at CourtX!
It was brilliant to see so many residents, chat about our plans for Ports Creek, and showcase the progress of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme so far.
If you missed us, don’t worry – we will be at
The Gaiety, South Parade Pier
on Wednesday, 10 September, 3 – 7pm.
Come meet the team, explore the latest updates, and ask any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing you there!
