Baltic Klipper container spill raises wider concerns

Dec 2025Mar 2026 ~ SPS Editor

This incident draws attention to three distinct areas of concern for Solent Protection Society: Environmental Impacts of PollutionClimate Change AdaptationMaritime Safety Environmental Impacts of Pollution The volunteer trustees of the Solent Protection Society are all too familiar with the environmental damage caused by sewage discharges from Southern Water’s combined sewer overflows. Yet, at the eastern … Continue reading Baltic Klipper container spill raises wider concerns

‘Solent CO2 Pipeline’ consultation – the SPS response

Oct 2024Oct 2024 ~ SPS Editor

If you've been following the SPS website posts on the subject, you'll be aware of the steep learning curve that the communities on both sides of the Solent have been climbing to get to grips with the real story behind the ExxonMobil Solent CO2 Pipeline consultation. We here at SPS were in the same boat … Continue reading ‘Solent CO2 Pipeline’ consultation – the SPS response

Anticipating Sea Level Rise

Jan 2022Jan 2025 ~ SPS Editor

There have been many articles published recently predicting the future extent of tidal flooding and some show an horrific picture. It is important therefore to understand how these scenarios are derived. In simplistic terms we start with a “Digital Terrain Model” (DTM). This is the computer equivalent of a physical model of the land and … Continue reading Anticipating Sea Level Rise

Hurst Castle collapse – The bigger picture

Mar 2021Jan 2025 ~ SPS Editor

Following on from our March 1st article on Hurst Castle, we're publishing an on-line paper by SPS Council member and coastal engineer, Tim Kermode. The Evolution of Hurst Spit Following the collapse of a section of Hurst Castle it is interesting to consider the long-term evolution of Hurst Spit before coming to conclusions on the … Continue reading Hurst Castle collapse – The bigger picture

Hurst Castle – Partial collapse of the seaward wall of the east wing

Mar 2021Mar 2021 ~ SPS Editor

Solent Protection Society have expressed concern about the deteriorating state of Hurst Castle for the past two winters seasons and like many, were saddened to see the damage by the partial collapse of the east wing's seaward wall on Friday February 26th. Still from Drone footage by ExploreWithin - Click link to view video. We … Continue reading Hurst Castle – Partial collapse of the seaward wall of the east wing

Hurst Spit, Keyhaven and Lymington Marshes

Oct 2020Feb 2021 ~ SPS Admin

Hurst Castle In last year’s Newsletter we referred to repair work needed to restore Hurst Bank and the castle following storm damage which had, in part, undermined the foundations of the castle. In the months since then, the Local Authority and English Heritage have undertaken substantial reinforcement to ensure continued pedestrian access to the spit … Continue reading Hurst Spit, Keyhaven and Lymington Marshes

Southsea Seafront Enhancements

Oct 2020Feb 2021 ~ SPS Admin

Detail from the Collaborative Enhancements Plan related to the Southsea Coastal Scheme. Click the image to view the detail. Solent Protection Society have been engaged as a public stakeholder in several of the Solent's coastal sea defence enhancement schemes as part of our watching brief over the preparations to confront the inevitable impact of climate … Continue reading Southsea Seafront Enhancements

Seagrass and Recreational Yachting

Oct 2020Feb 2021 ~ SPS Admin

The Solent is now centre-stage in an important new initiative, led by Natural England, to find ways to protect critically endangered Seagrass Meadows. The Life Recreation ReMEDIES project (Reducing and Mitigating Erosion and Disturbance Impacts (E) affecting the Seabed) will particularly focus on the threats raised by the mooring and anchoring of recreational boats. Five … Continue reading Seagrass and Recreational Yachting

Silting in Bembridge Harbour is a serious problem

Oct 2020Feb 2021 ~ SPS Admin

Bembridge is a popular place for visitors both afloat and on land. It has a rural character and an atmosphere of great charm. On a beautiful evening, with the sun setting in the west, the tinkling of the yachts’ rigging and the call of the birds on the mudflats, it is hard to imagine change. … Continue reading Silting in Bembridge Harbour is a serious problem

The pressure of new homes on the environment

Sep 2020Feb 2021 ~ SPS Admin

We are all aware of the Government targets to increase housing supply, with a Nationwide target of 300,000 new homes per year. Presently the achieved figure is about 130,500 homes per year. (reference “Stimulating housing supply – Government initiatives 20 April 2020”) These targets are reflected in the Local Authorities in and around the Solent. … Continue reading The pressure of new homes on the environment