Posted on November 18, 2025
𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵, 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘀
Enhancing biodiversity in a given area is never an exact science. Even with a well-considered plan for installing artificial reefs or shelters for marine life and shellfish, there is always a degree of uncertainty about whether species will truly make it their home. This was the case at Hengistbury Head in the south of the United Kingdom, where 98 artificial reefs and rocks were installed as part of the construction of a long groyne. Just one year later, the results speak for themselves. During a recent field study, colleagues from Boskalis observed starfish, mussels, crabs, and other shellfish thriving in the new habitat. A bird species that is on the red list was even spotted.
The project is a strong example of how coastal protection can go hand-in-hand with ecological enhancement – safeguarding the shoreline while giving nature and marine life a huge boost. In short: the coastal defense of the future.
Read more about the construction of the groyne and installation of the artificial reefs in our online magazine Creating New Horizons: https://lnkd.in/e8Tguw2j.
The Hengistbury Head project was supported by Boskalis’ Artificial Reefs Program. Learn more about the application of artificial reefs here: https://lnkd.in/eDDV9cXX.
