Soft Defences

Some example of ‘soft’ coastal protection methods:

Beach nourishment

This method has a moderate to high cost of between £5-200,000 per 100m frontage, and it requires ongoing maintenance.

Allows natural beach processes to continue but use of inappropriate material may alter appearance of beach or function of beach processes.

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Sand dune planting

Stabilising natural sand dunes by planting marram grass to anchor the wind-blown sand has low costs of only £400 - £2000 per 100m frontage, but it requires on-going maintenance.

It has minimal impact on the natural system and fences can be used to control public access.

Damaged fences and accumulated debris can, however, be unsightly.

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