Repair of Landslip at Portman Ravine
Portman Ravine, Bournemouth, BH5 2EL
Earlier this year, routine monitoring identified an area of landslip on the cliff to the west of Portman Ravine. BCP Council’s geotechnical engineers inspected and monitored the area and as a safety precaution, restricted access to an area below the cliff.
To bring the area back into use, BCP Council has employed Suttles to carry out the following works:
- Removal of debris from cliff face
- Hydroseeding cliff face to prevent future erosion
The works will begin week commencing 21st October with expected completion in 5 weeks.
To facilitate the initial removal of the debris from the cliff, Suttles will conduct night work over five nights (19:00 – midnight). Lighting for this will be positioned lower than the cliff crest to minimize disturbance to nearby properties.
The area will then be hydroseeded using roped access from the top of the cliff which will also allow for protective coir matting to be placed over the seeding to allow the plants to establish.
The goats will remain on-site during the works in agreement with the grazier; this is considered the safest approach for the 6 feral cashmere goats who are currently grazing this area.
Latest Update – The works are progressing well on site, the hydroseeding has begun and the coir matting is being installed
FAQ'S
As a result of routine monitoring earlier this year, some movement of the cliff close to Portman Ravine was detected and as a safety precaution, access to a number of beach huts was restricted while inspections and further monitoring took place.
Heavy rain saturating the surface of the cliff and the extensive shallow rooted mat of sour fig covering the cliff in the area caused the landslip.
29 beach huts were removed as a safety precaution.
Yes, but they will not be put back until 2025.
We do not envisage that access along the seafront promenade will be affected. On the cliff top, a fenced area will be needed for the roped access which will divert the pathway temporarily to other desire routes, to allow safe working.
In order to safely remove the debris from the cliff and transport it to an appropriate licenced site, this element of the works is taking place between 19:00-midnight.
BCP Council’s Ecologist has been consulted and special lower level lighting is being used for the night works to minimise the disturbance to any bats migrating through the area.
No. protective coir matting is being placed on top of the hydroseeding to allow the seeds time to germinate and establish; we don’t anticipate that the goats will eat the coir matting.
Project Details
- Client BCP Council
- Contractor Suttles
- Estimated Timeline Mid October to End of November 2024
