Using the latest technology to combat coastal erosion at East Head

Environment experts from Southampton Solent University have been using special drones to gather information on the erosion taking place at East Head.
Dr Paul Wright from Southampton Solent University captured 400 drone images in just three hoursDr Paul Wright from Southampton Solent University captured 400 drone images in just three hours
Dr Paul Wright from Southampton Solent University captured 400 drone images in just three hours

The environmentally sensitive area is a significantly dynamic coastal feature at the mouth of Chichester Harbour.

It has a range of habitats - from sandy and shingle beaches through to salt marsh – that support a wide range of flora, as well as providing winter nesting areas for a variety of birds.

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The National Trust has to manage the popular tourist spot against the competing pressures of public access against supporting the area’s status as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

East Head is a rapidly changing area hugely popular with touristsEast Head is a rapidly changing area hugely popular with tourists
East Head is a rapidly changing area hugely popular with tourists

“As part of an adaptive management strategy for coastal defence it is important to have up to date and regular data on changes to the landscape,” said Dr Paul Wright, head of environment and geography studies at the university.

Using the Sensefly eBee unmanned aerial vehicle with an onboard camera, the team from Southampton have been able to collect more than 400 images in just three hours for the National Trust, as opposed to the weeks it would take to get similar data using traditional tools and techniques.

Initial data collected shows that the main point of access to the site - The Hinge, in the very south - is susceptible to overwashing at higher tides.

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Saltmarsh habitats on the eastern side of the site show rill erosion and there are many desire lines - well-trodden paths created by visitors to the site.

Dr Wright said: “This survey allows the area’s National Trust’s countryside team to decide upon their strategy for boardwalk replacement and path management.

“Further processing of the data will give us a 3D model that can be used to create video flythroughs and, more importantly, comparative 3D models that will show not just loss/gain of area, but also of volume.”

“This might help in planning any future work needed to conserve the area.

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Only trained drone pilots, with a license from the National Trust, are allowed to fly UAVs at East Head.

Lisa Trownson, area ranger at East Head highlighted the value of making the most of new technology to commission regular surveys:

She said: “Working with Southampton Solent University to be able to get such detailed survey data is amazing.

“East Head is such a dynamic environment that it is often difficult to be able to explain the changes we see on a daily basis in such detail.

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“Now, with this technology and the analysis being done by experts, we’ll be able to show and explain the sand and shingle movement along with vegetation change to a wider audience.

“Importantly, we can also make detailed plans to manage these changing habitats in the best possible way for nature conservation, access and coastal change.

“We are glad to be able to share this with our partners on the East Head Coastal Issues Advisory Group, which includes the Environment Agency, Natural England, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, West Wittering Estate, Chichester District Council, West Wittering Parish Council, FG Woodger Trust and Cakeham Manor Estate.”

UAVs are beginning to play a big part in the collection of geographic and environmental information.

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“We believe that this is going to be the go-to technique for surveyors, whether they are doing environmental work, construction site surveys, archaeological enquiry, or agronomy,” says Dr Wright.

“Sensors are being developed all the time, and it is great to be ahead of the game here at Solent.”

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