The late Duke of EdinburghA £4.7million coastal protection scheme for the Seaview Duver frontage, between Oakhill Road and Springvale, was officially opened by the late Duke of Edinburgh on this day 20 years ago – 10th August 2004. Constructed over a period of 1 year by Van Oord ACZ, the project was commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council and designed by its consulting engineers, Royal Haskoning. The scheme met the required standard of protection against coastal erosion and sea flooding for at least 50 years, taking full account of the predicted impacts of climate change. It comprised a 550m length of stone-faced reinforced concrete seawall, protected on the seaward side by a rock armourstone revetment. An upgraded slipway and pedestrian walkways on the seaward and landward sides of the wall were also constructed, together with seating. To maximise the benefit of the appearance of the final scheme, the Council appointed John Maine RA, a sculptor and artist, to improve the aesthetic qualities of the design. The foreshore and intertidal area along this part of the Seaview coast was designated as a Special Protection Area for birds. To mitigate any impacts arising from the civil engineering works, the Council acquired – for a peppercorn rent for the next 50 years – some 50 acres of marshland and reedbeds on the landward side of the former toll road from the Ball family. Plaque commemorating the opening of the Seaview sea wall With the assistance of English Nature, the Environment Agency, local residents and environmental specialist consultants ECOSA, a nature reserve was developed, which included public access and the provision of a hide for bird watching. The area was improved in order to maximise the environmental quality, particularly for wading birds, ducks and geese. The nature reserve was named after Alan Hersey, who was for many years a Parish, Borough and County Councillor, with a great interest in the history and environment of the village of Seaview. The scheme was awarded a special prize by the Isle of Wight Society for the quality of the conservation and landscaping work.
The ‘hide’ in the aforementioned Hersey Reserve is a good place to quietly observe wild life at close quarters without causing it alarm. But it rather depends how quiet anyone else is who may join you!
The ‘hide’ in the aforementioned Hersey Reserve is a good place to quietly observe wild life at close quarters without causing it alarm. But it rather depends how quiet anyone else is who may join you!