A viewpoint and birdwatching spot on the Severn Way footpath has had a hybrid glass and concrete flood defence installed so residents and visitors to the area can still enjoy the Severn Estuary while providing a flood defence.
The flood defence has been built in New Passage, South Gloucestershire, as part of an £80 million Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecological Mitigation and Flood Defence project.
The project's 17km stretch of coastline has several innovative flood defence techniques in use between the Lamplighter's Marsh, near Shirehampton to the south and Aust Cliff close to the M48 Severn Bridge to the north.
After feedback from stakeholders in the local community, high importance was attached to making sure views of the landscape were not blocked by any defences built.
Two other options were considered, one, to raise the path with a small wall, or, to raise the path with a retaining wall. Both of those options were rejected as stakeholders thought it may make the defence more imposing.
The project is ongoing until 2026/2027, with other defences such as earth embankments, sheet piling, floodwalls and gates being constructed.
The regional and national economy has been boosted with the development with 12 000 jobs unlocked by 2026.
Colin Taylor, Environment Agency senior flood and coastal risk management adviser, commented:
"This section of flood defence is the result of long-term consultation and dialogue with the local community. The plans have evolved extensively to create a hybrid form of flood defence with a concrete base and glass panel installed above. Not only will this help significantly reduce flood risk to the community here at New Passage from flooding in the years ahead, but it will also preserve the stunning views of the Severn Estuary."
