Ground investigation works are underway along a 15km of coastline between Eastbourne and Bexhill as part of the multi-million-pound Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme (PevEb). The project will cost in excess of £100 million over the next 10 years.

The works have begun along a 15km stretch of coastline between Holywell in Eastbourne and Cooden Beach in Bexhill, as part of preparations for the next phase of the Scheme (PevEb).

The investigations, which started in May 2026, will inform the new beach design and groyne modification works planned to take place between 2027 and 2037. They form a critical step in designing effective and safe flood defences for communities along the southeast England coast.

The investigations involve drilling, sampling and small excavations to assess ground conditions

Teams are carrying out drilling, sampling and small excavations at multiple locations along the beach to collect material from the surface and the ground beneath it. This will help determine beach sediment grading, assess the condition and structural integrity of groynes below beach level, evaluate ground conditions for future works, and sample the beach for potential contaminants.

Works are taking place across two frontages:

Eastbourne Frontage – from Holywell to the southern side of the Sovereign Harbour entrance, currently managed by Eastbourne Borough Council. Works are expected to continue until the end of June 2026.

Pevensey Bay Frontage – from the northern side of the Sovereign Harbour entrance to Cooden Beach, managed by the PevEb Interim Project. Works are expected to continue until mid-August 2026.

The works will be continuing until the end of August 2026.

The Eastbourne Frontage will be transferred from Eastbourne Borough Council to the Environment Agency to manage in 2027. Future beach modification and coastal flood protection works are expected to begin from 2027.

Nick Gray, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency commented:

“The Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme represents a significant long-term investment in protecting one of the southeast’s most vulnerable stretches of coastline.

“The ground investigations now underway are the essential first step in a programme of works that will strengthen our flood defences for decades to come, safeguarding homes, businesses and the unique natural environment of the coastline.

“By taking the time now to fully understand the condition of our beaches and structures below the surface, we can design smarter, more resilient coastal defences that will serve these communities well into the future. “