Hard Engineering Strategies
Hard engineering involves building artificial structures to control natural coastal processes - think concrete walls and massive boulders protecting our cliffs. These methods directly fight against the power of the sea.
Sea walls are concrete barriers placed at the base of cliffs to prevent erosion. They're curved to reflect wave energy back into the sea, which makes them brilliant at protecting cliff bases. You'll often find promenades built on top for people to walk along. However, powerful waves can damage them over time, and they're seriously expensive at £2000 per metre.
Rock armour uses large boulders placed at the foot of cliffs to break waves and absorb their energy. It's cheaper than sea walls, easier to maintain, and can even be used for fishing. The downside? These imported rocks look completely out of place and cost a fortune to transport.
Gabions are rocks held in mesh cages and placed in vulnerable areas. At just £100 per metre, they're the budget option that still absorbs wave energy effectively. Unfortunately, they're not particularly strong and look quite unnatural.
Quick Tip: Remember that groyne structures are built at right angles into the sea to trap sediment and build beaches, but this can increase erosion further down the coast.
