Recognising that local stakeholders are keen to use more of the sediment that is dredged in the Solent beneficially, ABPmer has been commissioned by the Solent Forum to explore opportunities for doing this in the region.

Drawing on lessons learned from implemented beneficial use projects, a project team at ABPmer is developing a set of high level criteria to assess sites where dredged sediment could be used in the Solent.

The project will also develop a network of interested parties and stakeholders from across the region as well as nationally to understand the opportunities and barriers to sediment re-use.

Colin Scott, Habitat Creation and Restoration Business Manager at ABPmer said “This study was borne out of a strong desire amongst Solent Forum members to see dredged sediments more effectively used. Not only to enhance intertidal habitats but also to provide wider benefits such as improved coastal protection.”

“ABPmer is a strong advocate for beneficial use, last year we ran a successful national beneficial use conference which showcased project examples and discussed ways forward. With the Solent being right on our doorstep this project is a perfect fit for us.”

The outputs from this initial scoping exercise will identify a beneficial use site (or selection of project locations) that the Solent Forum and its partners can consider further.

Alongside this project ABPmer has published a White Paper that reviews the range of different techniques that have been employed for previous habitat restorations and considers the associated costs.

Download our White Paper

Using Dredge Sediment for Habitat Creation and Restoration: A Cost Benefit Review

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