The Environment Agency has published details of an ongoing research and development project at Newlyn to investigate the use of eco-blocks as a potential material to be used in future flood and coastal erosion risk management schemes.
The low-carbon concrete units are designed to function as habitat for marine life, as well as coastal armour. Products have been developed, using materials that match the natural pH of seawater and incorporate features that replicate habitat, such as rockpools and the crevices found in shoreline rock.
A small, trial eco-block, 9 months after being deployed
As part of a preliminary phase of the project, the Environment Agency has been monitoring a trial of small-scale eco-blocks placed on the landward side of Newlyn breakwater, at the mouth of the Newlyn Coombe River. The Agency said that after a year in position, the blocks are showing encouraging signs of colonisation by marine life.
The eco-blocks will be deployed on and around the existing rock armour breakwater at Newlyn in south west Cornwall, and the findings will feed directly back into future projects within Mount’s Bay and elsewhere to maximise multi-functional benefits associated with managing coastal change.
The project will monitor the eco-block’s ability to enhance biodiversity and withstand a high-energy environment, as well as the effect of block size and orientation. The project will not seek to reduce flood or coastal erosion risk.
Deployment of the eco-blocks at Newlyn is currently scheduled for late summer 2022 and is expected to last for approximately 6-8 weeks.
The work is part-funded by EU Interreg under the SARCC (Sustainable and Resilient Coastal Cities) project.
For further information about the Newlyn coastal research and development project - please contact Stephen Bentall, the Environment Agency’s Project Manager via the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly enquiries team: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 020847 47914.
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