Aggregate Industries: Tackling coastal erosion in Newhaven

Coastal erosion is a significant environmental concern affecting coastal regions across the UK, and Newhaven, in East Sussex, is no exception. This small town near Brighton has been grappling with the forces of nature that steadily erode its harbor revetment each year.

To help combat this issue, the delivery of substantial rock loads to reinforce the riverbank and protect it from further degradation is underway thanks to the combined efforts of Aggregate Industries, Jackson Civil Engineering and Newhaven Port Authority, which together, are coordinating this harbor revetment recharge program to safeguard the coastline. 

“Forming a resilient barrier against the sea, a total of 820 tonnes of angular rocks were being deployed at Newhaven harbour revetment, varying in size from that of a football to the dimensions of a fridge freezer,” said Aggregate Industries.

On average, there are about four to five rocks per tonne, each of which is carefully selected to ensure they interlock and provide maximum resistance to wave action.

Through the collaborative efforts of these three organizations, this project aims to create a more resilient coastline that can withstand the pressures of nature, ensuring the harbor remains operational for many years to come.