The Environment Agency (EA) is doing groundwork investigations to better understand the composition and condition of the embankment that covers 1.7km along Embankment Road, from Bembridge sailing club to St Helens.

The nature reserve at Brading Marshes will remain better protected from flooding after the Environment Agency bolsters its defences.

Image credit: RSPB

The Agency is currently considering options for refurbishment of the coastal frontage between St Helens and Bembridge - part of a wider project to reduce risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

The coastal defences along Embankment Road are ageing, with some sections reaching the end of their useful life. The EA says that if nothing is done to repair these, over time there will be an increased risk of failure in the form of a breach.

This would adversely impact the B3395 and the footpath alongside Bembridge Harbour. It would also lead to tidal flooding in the low-lying land of Brading Marshes nature reserve. The RSPB site is recognised internationally for its freshwater habitat and saline lagoons and is an important site for wintering and nesting birds in the Solent.

Emily Gordon, a programme manager at the Environment Agency in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said:

“Refurbishing the coastal defences at Embankment Road means they will better withstand the extreme weather events we are already starting to experience because of climate change. Looking ahead, the sea defences must be refurbished in a way that makes them more resilient to sea level rise and increased storm severity, so they continue to protect the community and local wildlife habitats.”

For the groundwork investigations along the Embankment Road, boreholes will be drilled at various points along the road using specialist equipment to retrieve a core which will be analysed by a specialist.

The EA said that whilst construction on the coastal frontage over winter months is challenging, it anticipates that the works will be complete in January 2024.

The Embankment Road Coastal Defence Scheme is a partnership project involving the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council. The delivery partners are JBA Consulting and VolkerStevin.

The Embankment Road Coastal Defence Scheme is part of a wider programme of work on the Isle of Wight to reduce the risk of flooding and/or coastal erosion. Other projects include, Yaverland, Shanklin and Ventnor.