FSC Basralocus trialed as Bournemouth hold the line

Wijma has supplied the first FSC Basralocus to be trialed on Bournemouth’s Groynes, as part of the £44 million pound project planned for the next 17 years that will delivered over three phases, and aim to protect the town’s beaches from erosion for the next 100 years.

The first phase which started in 2015 will run until 2020, and will include the replacement of 30 groynes that span the seafront from Southbourne to Hengistbury Head and a beach replenishment between Bournemouth and to the east of Boscombe.

Phases two and three will replace the remaining 30 groynes along the seafront from Southbourne to Alum Chine and a further two beach replenishments.

The 60-plus groynes will be replaced and three additional groynes will be added between Boscombe Pier and Gordon’s Corner, and aim to protect more than 3000 homes that could be lost to erosion otherwise.

FSC Basralocus, a sustainably certified alternative

The FSC Basralocus used on the Bournemouth groynes was supplied as an alternative to the widely used Ekki and Greenheart, Wijma won the contract and delivered piles between 10 and 13 meters, and planking in 7.50 meter lengths on time and according to the requirements of Bournemouth Borough Council.

As the first phase was part funded by the Environment Agency, and with our involvement in the Environment Agency’s first ever National Framework, Wijma were keen to be involved in the broadening of acceptable species and the use of more lesser known species of hardwood.

Wijma are able to supply FSC Basralocus in lengths up to 19m, Its durability and strength make FSC Basralocus particularly suitable for heavy marine constructions as it has a widespread reputation for being resistant to marine borers and has been used for marine piling throughout the world for over 160 years.

For more information visit Bournemouth Borough Council;