As part of the Swanage Town Coastal Protection Scheme, concrete temporary seasonal wave barriers are installed by the Environment Agency each year. These were installed on September 16th and will remain in place until April 2027 to help protect the town from coastal flooding. They are installed in September to provide as much protection as possible from any potential early season storms. The Environment Agency have reviewed the best options to ensure that the wave barriers not only provide the best flood protection but remain resilient to different storm scenarios with public health and safety their main concern. For the Environment Agency briefing please see here: Documents | Swanage Town Coastal Protection Scheme | Dorset Coast Have Your Say. In partnership, Dorset Council, the Environment Agency, and Swanage Town Council are working to reach a permanent flood protection solution.
A disability report commissioned by Swanage Town Council in November 2022 had highlighted that the barriers were too grey for the visually impaired to safely see the contrast between the blocks and the pavement. In response, Dorset Coast Forum put forward to the Environment Agency a proposal to not only highlight the blocks adequately but provide the community of Swanage with an art trail project on a large scale. Using the knowledge of visually impaired local resident Hatty Greenway who became the project’s VI Advisor, the art trail idea was developed to help solve this issue, raise awareness of coastal flood protection, and provide an enjoyable and colourful winter resource for all. Such was the success of this community Art Project, it received national recognition earning a Highly Commended in the Community Action category of the annual Flood & Coast Excellence Awards 2024.
In 2026 the "Flooding Swanage with Art" art trail panels will once again be installed during September following the installation by the Environment Agency of the temporary wave barriers. When reinstalled by the team from Swanage Town Council, it is hoped that the "Flooding Swanage with Art" panels will still be a visual feast and meet the core purpose which is to make them stand out from the pavement for the visually impaired. Revisions to the accompanying art trail leaflet will happen to reflect the change and the leaflet will be available on the dedicated webpage and at the Swanage Information Centre and Library. Prior to the art being installed we would advise those who are visually impaired or with limited mobility to be cautious and familiarise themselves with the layout.
For more information on Flooding Swanage with Art, please contact Dorset Coast Forum at dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or visit www.dorsetcoast.com / www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk.