Hamford Water foreshore recharge using harbour dredgings

Hamford Water is one of a number of sites along the Essex coast that have become the recipients of recharge material. Much of this has been derived from dredging to to keep the entrance to the Harwich Harbour open. In particular these experiments (along with those in the Orwell and elsewhere) were to help reverse some of the saltmarsh erosion present at the site and more generally within the area.

Experimental work has been carried out at three sites in Hamford Water. These involved placement of sediment on the foreshore at Foulton Hall, Stone Point and Horsey Island (see map opposite). For the first two the material was similar in texture to that already existing on the site. It was placed at approximately low water over a period of about 5 weeks as a bank of sediment.

At Horsey Island coarser material was used and because of the restricted water depth it was placed on Spring tides at high water by spray from a dredger. Gaps were filled between sunken barges, placed to reduce wave attack and left to be dispersed by tidal action.

Caption: Location of the sediment recharge sites in Hamford Water.