Montrose coastal erosion project step closer to fruition

The dunes along the Montrose Golf Links are a natural coastal flood barrier to the town. In recent years, however, the dunes have eroded significantly.

The rate of future erosion is now predicted to be higher than previously anticipated. With a predicted rise in sea levels and increasingly intensive storms, future erosion could open up flood corridors through gaps in the dunes, flooding the low-lying areas on and around the golf course.

Angus Council and Montrose Community Council have been working with technical experts to monitor erosion rates and develop long and short-term erosion management strategies.

Dynamic Coast and the University of Glasgow have measured changes in the dunes, and used modelling to predict future shoreline changes.

Phase 1 – Dune restoration and beach nourishment

This would be done by importing sediment to reform the dunes and restore beach levels. This will retain defence levels and reduce the risk of further erosion.

Phase 2 – Beach recharge

Some imported sediment will be lost, so the long-term plan will be to “top up” the material. Work will continue until the beach has re-nourished and gives some natural protection from the forces causing erosion.

Potential sites from where sand (dredged material) can be sourced are currently being explored and the environmental risks assessed using Environmental Options Appraisals. The feasibility of transporting material is also being investigated.

Sourcing, transporting and placing the sediment will take time. As will obtaining funding for the long-term proposals.

In the meantime, work to prevent further erosion in the most vulnerable locations of the dunes in the short-term, is being progressed.

This includes the construction of two rock groynes. Rock groynes are rock armour structures that reduce the movement of sand on the beach, encouraging beach nourishment.

Angus Council have secured £440,000 from the Scottish Government’s Coastal Change Adaption Fund. This will fund the short-term erosion management measures and the development of the long-term erosion management strategy.