Essential work to protect the fragile sand dunes of East Head begins on 15,000 tons of sand and shingle will be recycled to strengthen the vulnerable hinge and neck area of East Head in Chichester Harbour.

The recycling scheme, which has received planning permission from Chichester District Council, will involve recycling material from the north to the south of East Head to create an enlarged barrier beach that will significantly widen and strengthen the point of the beach where East Head joins the West Wittering car park.

This work is the first step in implementing the new Coastal Defence Strategy for the West Wittering and East Head frontages. John Davis, Manager & Harbour Master said, ‘These essential works have been agreed on by the East Head Coastal Issues Advisory Group and will protect access to this popular area. We have received support from the local community and generous funding from the partnership members to make the works possible.’

East Head will be closed to the public for approximately three weeks from the 16 March. During this time West Wittering Beach will remain open.

The project is being taken forward by a partnership consisting of West Wittering Parish Council, Chichester District Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England, the National Trust, West Wittering Estate, Cakeham Manor Estate, the Woodger Trust and the Chichester Harbour Conservancy. Despite no available government funding, the scheme has been paid for by some of the partnership members.