Chesil Beach Flood Defences (Chiswell)
Chiswell, Portland, Dorset, UK · Ongoing management; significant repair works in 2014 following winter storms (original defences from 1958 onwards).
The judgement call
Account action unavailableThe Shoreline Management Plan for this unit (Chiswell to Chesil Beach 6A02) adopts a "hold the line" approach, meaning defences are maintained or replaced along approximately the current alignment. - Emergency repair works after the 2013-2014 winter storms highlighted the vulnerability of the defences and the need for continuous monitoring and rapid response. - The project involves close collaboration between the Environment Agency and local councils. - Regular surveys and data gathering are crucial for informing future beach management and emergency response. - The use of flood alert sirens and community flood plans are integral to the management strategy.
Key engineering challenges
Maintaining the integrity of the shingle beach, which acts as a natural flood defence, against severe wave action and storm surges. - Repairing and refurbishing hard defences (sea wall, Gabion Castle, gabion crest protection mattresses, Monsoon Drain) that protect the low-lying land behind Chesil Beach. - Managing the dynamic nature of Chesil Beach, including shingle replenishment and re-profiling after storm events. - Protecting the community of Chiswell and the road connecting Portland to Weymouth from flooding.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Environment Agency; Weymouth & Portland Borough Council (now Dorset Council)
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- upgrade | refurbishment | maintenance
- Scale
- Protects approximately 110 properties in Chiswell; 150,000 cubic metres of shingle lost from the beach during 2013-2014 winter storms.
- Disciplines
- civil; coastal engineering; hydraulic
- Standards & frameworks
- Shoreline Management Plan (SMP16, unit 6A02); relevant UK flood defence standards.
Sources: "Chiswell to Chesil Beach 6A02", Environment Agency, https://environment.data.gov.uk/shoreline-planning/unit/SMP16/6A02 - "STORMS AND COASTAL DEFENCES AT CHISWELL", Dorset Coast Forum, 2021, https://www.dorsetcoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4573-Dorset-Coast-Forum-Chiswell-Sea-Defence-Booklet-Updates_2021_V3_FINAL.pdf - "Chesil Beach Flood Defences", FloodList, 2014, https://floodlist.com/europe/united-kingdom/chesil-beach-flood-defences - "Coast protection in Weymouth and Portland", Dorset Council, https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/coast-protection-in-weymouth-and-portland