Protection for East Anglian Coastlines

The coastlines of East Anglia are some of the most rapidly eroding in the whole of Europe. The importance of sea defences has been growing as we continue to develop coastal areas and experience more extreme and unpredictable weather.

These defences are imperative to defending coastlines with soft sediment, such as those found around East Anglia, which are particularly vulnerable to erosion.

Residents of Canvey Island, Essex being rescued from floodwater

(Credit: Getty Images)

The storm surge and subsequent flooding of coastal areas in 1953 is well known, with the entire population of Canvey Island being evacuated and claiming an estimated 120 lives in Essex alone. A combination of a spring high tide, low pressure and strong winds resulted in surges of up to 6 metres above sea level, and while sea defences were used in these areas prior to the flood, many were overwhelmed. Tidal surges of this kind were previously unthinkable to many, and as a result there was a distinct lack of substantial sea defences in place for events such as this one.

It was only after this tragic event that the government and local authorities began to invest in better sea defences to protect coastlines in case another storm surge of this magnitude was to occur. These were primarily in the form of concrete cladded clay sea Wwalls, but also in the form of smaller blocks which were used to dissipate wave energy. Many of these sea defences are still in use today.

Due to their emergence primarily in Essex, these blocks are often called Essex Blocks. These relatively small, tile-like concrete blocks were installed on sloped embankments. Their effectiveness saw similar units being installed along other vulnerable areas of coastline.

Fast forward to present day, Exo Engineering have taken inspiration from this traditional sea defence and have identified opportunities to build habitats into these structures. We call our new take on this traditional concrete product the ‘ExoTile’, using of our Greening the Grey® textures and macrofeatures such as water-retaining cups to provide much-needed coastal protection whilst delivering biodiversity gain. This is especially important in coastal areas, where a phenomenon known as coastal squeeze is reducing habitat extent for many intertidal species.

Our ExoTiles can be used to repair existing coastal defences where Essex Blocks are currently being used, eliminating the need for entirely new coastal defences to be constructed for ExoTiles to be integrated. The organisms which are supported by the ExoTiles provide additional protection in the form of bio-armouring.

Through our various texture designs, we can offer a range of environmental niches for coastal biodiversity to colonise. Working with client specifications, we can tailor our products to best suit the requirements of your project.

One of our biogenic inspired Essex Block

Our organic inspired textures replicate natural textures

If you would like to learn more about how you can maximise biodiversity whilst protecting vulnerable coastlines, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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