Residents and visitors to Pevensey Bay will soon witness the dramatic return of the dredger Sospan Dau, spraying arcs of shingle across the shoreline to strengthen coastal defences and protect thousands of homes this September.
The Environment Agency has confirmed the start of its annual £1 million shingle replenishment programme at Pevensey Bay, East Sussex. From 7 September, the vessel will deliver 30,000 tonnes of shingle dredged offshore near Littlehampton.
The operation is timed with high tides and will last several weeks, safeguarding more than 3,000 homes and businesses in Sovereign Harbour, Pevensey Bay, and Normans Bay.
Strengthening Coastal Flood Defences
The beach at Pevensey Bay plays a critical role in absorbing wave energy and reducing storm surges. However, natural processes continually shift shingle along the coast through longshore drift, requiring regular top-ups to maintain flood protection.
Officials highlight that preparing the beach in September ensures it is in optimal condition ahead of winter storms. This early intervention reduces the risk of severe flooding, which could otherwise have devastating consequences for local communities.
“This annual shingle replenishment is essential for maintaining the flood defences that protect our coastal communities. By carrying out this work in September, we’re ensuring the beach is in the best possible condition to withstand winter storms and high tides.”
Paul Levitt — Environment Agency Beach Manager at Pevensey Bay
Adapting to Rising Sea Levels
Experts warn that climate change is amplifying risks to coastal areas. Southern England could see sea levels rise by more than one metre this century, coupled with increasingly frequent and powerful storms.
The Environment Agency stresses that early preparation and long-term planning are critical to building resilience.
Nick Gray, flood and coastal risk manager in Sussex, noted that the risk of erosion and flooding is likely to intensify. He emphasised that investment in projects like Pevensey Bay’s coastal management scheme is vital to protect communities and infrastructure.
Pevensey Bay Coastal Defence Snapshot
| Measure | Detail |
|---|---|
| Investment | £1 million annual project |
| Shingle delivered | 30,000 tonnes in September 2025 |
| Homes protected | Over 3,000 across Pevensey Bay area |
| Vessel used | Sospan Dau, trailing suction dredger |
| Duration | Two to three weeks, tide dependent |
Community Engagement and Safety
While the sight of the Sospan Dau spraying shingle attracts public attention, safety remains a priority. Authorities urge residents and visitors to observe from a safe distance during operations.
Weather conditions can affect the schedule, and the Environment Agency will provide updates to keep communities informed.
Residents in flood-risk zones are encouraged to check their risk levels, sign up for free flood warnings, and call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for advice.
- Check your flood risk and register for alerts
- Follow Environment Agency updates on coastal works
Long-Term Coastal Management
The replenishment is part of the wider Pevensey Bay to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme, one of the UK’s largest flood risk projects. Over the next century, it aims to protect up to 18,000 properties from erosion and flooding.
The current phase, launched in June, focuses on maintaining the 8.5-kilometre Pevensey frontage. Contractor VolkerStevin is leading beach operations under the guidance of newly appointed beach managers Paul Levitt and Amber Carr.
Built in 1978, the Sospan Dau is a specialist vessel suited to shallow waters. It will transport sediment from Owers Bank, six miles south of Littlehampton, and deliver up to 820 square metres of shingle with each high tide—equivalent to five and a half double-decker buses.
Whats Next?
Public input is shaping the long-term coastal strategy. Surveys currently underway will inform a 100-year plan beginning in 2037, ensuring that coastal defences remain sustainable and effective. These efforts, combined with ongoing investment, aim to create a resilient coastline capable of withstanding future challenges.
Summing Up
The Pevensey Bay shingle replenishment is more than a striking annual event; it is a cornerstone of coastal defence for thousands of households.
By preparing early and investing consistently, the Environment Agency and its partners are working to protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding.
The project highlights the importance of adaptation, planning, and community engagement in safeguarding vulnerable coastal regions across the UK.
Sources: Environment Agency, Pevensey Bay to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme, VolkerStevin, and Eastbourne Borough Council.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
