Ground investigation works have begun along a 15km stretch of coastline between Holywell in Eastbourne and Cooden Beach in Bexhill, as part of preparations for the next phase of the Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme (PevEb).
The investigations, which started in May 2026, will inform the new beach design and groyne modification works planned to take place between 2027 and 2037. They form a critical step in designing effective and safe flood defences for communities along the southeast England coast.
What the works involve
The investigations involve drilling, sampling and small excavations to assess ground conditions
Teams are carrying out drilling, sampling and small excavations at multiple locations along the beach to collect material from the surface and the ground beneath it. This will help determine beach sediment grading, assess the condition and structural integrity of groynes below beach level, evaluate ground conditions for future works, and sample the beach for potential contaminants.
Visitors to the seafront may see drilling rigs, shallow trial trenches, and temporary fenced areas around individual work sites. Each location is temporary and will be returned to its original condition once work is complete. A small contractor compound has been established at Sovereign West car park to house equipment, welfare facilities and staff parking, which will be relocated to an Environment Agency site in Pevensey Bay by the end of July.
Works are taking place across two frontages
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Eastbourne Frontage – from Holywell to the southern side of the Sovereign Harbour entrance, currently managed by Eastbourne Borough Council. Works are expected to continue until the end of June 2026.
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Pevensey Bay Frontage – from the northern side of the Sovereign Harbour entrance to Cooden Beach, managed by the PevEb Interim Project. Works are expected to continue until mid-August 2026.
Working hours are Monday to Friday, 730am to 530pm.
Minimal disruption expected
Works will be continuing until the end of August 2026
Seafront paths, beaches and local businesses will remain open as normal throughout the investigation period. There may be some temporary, localised disruption near specific groynes, and some noise from machinery is expected during working hours, though this will be kept to a minimum wherever possible.
Amber Carr, Beach Manager at Pevensey Bay to Eastbourne, said
These investigations around selected groynes help inform future flood defence refurbishments to keep local coastal communities protected from the risk of flooding.
Thank you for your patience and continued support.
Nick Gray, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, said
The Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme represents a significant long-term investment in protecting one of the southeast’s most vulnerable stretches of coastline.
The ground investigations now underway are the essential first step in a programme of works that will strengthen our flood defences for decades to come, safeguarding homes, businesses and the unique natural environment of the coastline.
By taking the time now to fully understand the condition of our beaches and structures below the surface, we can design smarter, more resilient coastal defences that will serve these communities well into the future.
Background
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The Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme covers a 15km section of coastline in the southeast of England.
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The project will cost in excess of £100m over the next 10 years
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The Eastbourne Frontage will be transferred from Eastbourne Borough Council to the Environment Agency to manage in 2027.
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Future beach modification and coastal flood protection works are expected to begin from 2027.