Hengistbury Head Field Trip, July 2024
The 2024 SCOPAC field trip took approximately 50 members and officers to Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth to view the local coastal management issues and solutions and hear about innovative ways to enhance the environment.
The South West Flood & Coastal team from BCP Council & East Devon District Council provided a guided tour of the area, with detailed knowledge on the history of the location. The focus was on the Hengistbury Head long groyne, which is currently being upgraded, along with other coastal management initiatives to reduce flood and coastal erosion risk. We also heard about the innovative ‘Greening the Grey’ measures being deployed to protect and enhance the local environment.
During the tour, delegates learned more about the Poole Bay Beach Management Scheme and Christchurch Bay and Harbour FCERM strategies, surveys and research, and current construction works, focusing on Hengistbury Head Long Groyne Repair and Upgrade.
SCOPAC would like to thank the South West Flood and Coastal team for organising a fantastic day, in particular Matt Hosey and Peter Christie.
A special thank you also to the speakers for their excellent talks – Alan Frampton, Bret Davies, Simon Hills, Zak Bourn, Matt Hosey and Peter Christie and to the officers and rangers who planned the day, facilitated and chaperoned us around!
Details & updates on the Hegistbury Head Long Groyne projects can be found at
For attendees only: an overview/reminder of challenges, considerations & processes involved in the schemes & strategies covered during our visit is available as password-protected video presentations (attendees will find the password in an email sent prior to the event):
