Update on Water Injection Dredging at Bridport and Lyme Regis Harbours

Dorset Council is continuing its efforts to introduce Water Injection Dredging (WiD) at Bridport (West Bay) and Lyme Regis. This method offers a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional cutter suction dredging at these harbours. If successful, WiD could simplify beach maintenance and support more natural and sustainable sediment management.

WiD works by injecting water into sediment to fluidise it, allowing natural currents and seabed gradients to redistribute the material into deeper water. This technique has already been successfully implemented in other UK harbours and offers several key benefits:

• Reduced disruption to marine habitats, beaches, and local communities
• Lower operational costs — with estimated savings of £60,000–£80,000 per dredge
• Faster mobilisation and minimal impact on harbour operations
• Continued support for safe navigation, local businesses, and tourism.

Over the past year, Dorset Council has worked closely with Natural England, commissioning environmental assessments and surveys to support the trial. While discussions have been constructive, an agreement could not be reached in time to begin the trial this season.

Given the busy summer period, the need to avoid overlap with other scheduled works (such as harbour wall repairs), and the Council’s commitment to environmental safeguards, the decision has been made to postpone the WiD trial and beach maintenance works until later this year.

This delay will help minimise disruption for residents and visitors during the peak holiday season, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience at the harbours and beaches.

Importantly, both Bridport and Lyme Regis are drying harbours, and current sediment levels remain below thresholds that would require immediate dredging. As a result, harbour operations and beach access are not currently affected.

Dorset Council remains fully committed to the project and will continue working with Natural England to ensure the trial proceeds responsibly and successfully. With continued collaboration, WiD has the potential to become a long-term solution that balances operational needs with environmental protection.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: "We’re proud to be exploring innovative, sustainable solutions like Water Injection Dredging to care for our harbours and coastlines. While we’ve had to delay the trial and general beach maintenance, this decision reflects our commitment to doing things properly — protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and ensuring our harbours remain safe and accessible. We’re grateful for the support of our partners and look forward to progressing this important work later in the year."