[UPDATE 12 JULY 2023: The final licensing permissions have now been received for sea defence works to start on St Agnes. Rock deliveries into Periglis will now begin towards the end of this week.]
Please see below for the latest updates on our sea defence works project:
Porthloo
Following the completion of the works at Porthloo, signs of naturalisation can now be seen in this area. The Marram grass which was transplanted onto the new dune by The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Five Islands Academy Eco Club members and community volunteers has now begun to 'bed in' to the surrounding environment and there is encouraging evidence of new green shoots of grass coming through.
Porthmellon
The works at Porthmellon are now complete. As a result of the construction works, some smaller stones were unearthed and had begun to collect on the surface sand. These stones were removed for a final time in June, leaving the beach clear for the summer season.
Porth Hellick
The works at Porth Hellick are now complete. The concrete beach access ramp has been installed at the eastern side of the beach and a pedestrian access boardwalk has been installed to the west. A horse access pathway has also been cleared at the western end of the beach to reduce the erosion over the top of the dunes.
The new dunes have been covered by a coir matting and revegetated with native species.
The Sir Cloudesley Shovell monument has been reinstated at the top of the bank.
The project has also installed a land drain by the main gate to reduce the amount of mud puddling at the top of the access track by the shed.
St Agnes
The barge currently moored in the channel is waiting for final licensing permissions before rock deliveries can begin to St Agnes - hopefully within the next week or so. The construction phase will begin at the end of the main season. Signage will be displayed in the areas we’re asking the community to avoid whilst this work is in progress. For further information on the St Agnes proposals see our St Agnes Sea Defence Proposals webpage.
---
Funding Information
Climate Adaptation Scilly is a comprehensive package of climate change adaptation measures funded by the Environment Agency and the European Union intended to reduce the impact of the physical impacts of climate change on one of the most vulnerable parts of the United Kingdom. The key risks from sea level rise and reducing rainfall are being managed through coastal defence works against coastal flooding and erosion, and through installation of rainwater harvesting systems for businesses. A community strategy (the Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan) is being developed to help the islands adapt to ongoing changing climate conditions.
European Regional Development Fund
The project is receiving up to £2.2 M of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding
