Second stage of Ventnor coastline investigations begin

Protecting Ventnor from the risks of coastal change starts with understanding the coastline today. 

That’s why the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council are carrying out a second phase of investigations along Ventnor seafront later this month, as work continues to develop the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme. 

Equipment is now being moved into place, with work expected to begin during the week commencing 14 September 2026. Most active investigation work is expected to take between three and six weeks and full completion of investigations planned for end of November. 

What the investigations will involve 

This next stage follows surveys completed earlier this summer, which provided important information about the condition of the coastline, existing infrastructure and the surrounding environment. Those earlier investigations revealed significant build-ups of sediment and debris within parts of the drainage network, which in some locations prevented a full assessment of the system. This highlighted the need for further surveys to build a more complete understanding of its condition. 

The new investigations will include boreholes along the seafront to collect ground samples and identify any hidden voids beneath the surface, along with trial pits on the foreshore. This information will help engineers and environmental specialists build a clearer picture of conditions beneath Ventnor’s coastline and shape future options for coastal defences. 

Specialist marine habitat surveys are also taking place offshore. Using drop-down video equipment, survey teams are assessing underwater habitats along the coastline. This will help identify access and construction locations that avoid or reduce impacts on the protected habitats within the Maritime Special Area of Conservation. 

Access during the works 

Some temporary access restrictions will be needed along parts of the seafront and Bonchurch Cliffs Promenade while the work is underway. Businesses, cafés and seafront facilities will remain open throughout, and any restrictions will be clearly signed, limited to the areas where work is taking place, and kept in place only for as long as necessary. 

Current plans include weekday daytime restrictions on part of Bonchurch Cliffs Promenade between late September and November 2026. Where possible, the route will remain open during evenings and weekends, with signed pedestrian diversions available when required. Localised fencing may also be installed around borehole locations. 

Speak to the team 

The project compound will be located near the Eastern Esplanade car park on Ventnor seafront. From Tuesday 29 September, members of the project team will be available at the compound every Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 2pm to answer questions and provide updates. Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to drop in and speak directly with the team. 

Updates will also be shared throughout the programme via the project website: engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/ventnor-coastal-defence-scheme 

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

Ventnor’s coastline plays an important role in protecting homes, businesses and local infrastructure from the impacts of coastal change. These investigations will give us the evidence we need to understand the challenges facing the coastline and develop options that can help reduce erosion risks.  

It’s an important step towards building a safer and more resilient future for Ventnor. 

Natasha Dix , Service Director for Waste, Environment and Planning at the Isle of Wight Council said: 

We know work of this kind can cause some temporary disruption, and we’d like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience while the investigations take place.  

These surveys are a crucial step in helping us understand Ventnor’s coastline, giving us the evidence we need to make informed decisions about how best to protect the area, its infrastructure and the communities that depend on it.

Background

• The Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme is being developed by the Environment Agency in partnership with Isle of Wight Council, which owns the existing coastal defence assets. 

• The investigations form part of the evidence-gathering work needed to assess and develop future coastal defence options for Ventnor. 

• Ground investigations include boreholes, trial pits and drainage surveys. Marine ecological surveys are also being carried out to help future designs avoid or minimise impacts on important coastal habitats wherever possible.