Next stage of Hurst Castle strengthening set to start

THE next phase of work to strengthen Hurst Castle against coastal erosion has been launched alongside indepth investigations to plan for the future.

English Heritage contractors are working to strengthen the counterscarp wall in front of the south bastion, which was initially built to define a shingle ditch in front of the castle’s keep.

Due to coastal change, however, it now forms an important part of the monument's sea defences against big waves from winter storms.

English Heritage estates director Rob Woodside said: “Although we have made great strides to protect Hurst Castle, this remains a challenging and ever-changing environment and coastal erosion and harsh sea storms continue to pose a risk.”

“Ahead of the worst of the weather this winter, we are strengthening the counterscarp wall in front of the original part of the castle and the ground investigations will help us understand the current state of the spit and inform our planning for the future protection of the historic structure.”

The charity is checking ground conditions, geology of the spit and integrity of the castle’s foundations since the collapse of part of the east wing in February 2021.

This will help inform how best to protect the heritage site which is at risk from sea level rise and climate change.

Specialist firm Socotec UK will assess the ground conditions, looking at the structural integrity of the existing foundations.

Since the partial collapse of the east wing in 2021, 22,000 tonnes of shingle and rock armour has been used to create a permanent revetment to provide protection for the next 50 years.

The latest work comes just weeks after English Heritage launched a multi-million-pound fundraising campaign, as reported in the A&T, to protect six of its most vulnerable coastal sites, including Hurst Castle and Calshot Castle.

To support the appeal, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/our-appeals/coast