Environment Agency completes £75m flood protection scheme at Canvey Island in the Thames Estuary

The Environment Agency has successfully completed a £75 million flood defence project on Canvey Island, Essex, in the Thames Estuary.

The three-year scheme involved the renewal of a 3 km section of coastal revetment—man-made structures designed to absorb wave energy—along the island’s southern shoreline, between Thorney Bay and the Island Yacht Club. Much of Canvey Island lies below the daily high-water level in the Thames Estuary, making robust defences essential to safeguard homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Several sections of the original revetment dated back to the 1930s and were in urgent need of replacement. With construction now complete, the upgraded defences are expected to offer protection for the next 50 years, even as climate change increases the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.

James Mason, Operations Manager for the Environment Agency, commented: “We are delighted to have finished the work on the revetment at Canvey Island. This project is essential to managing the risk of flooding for thousands of people, homes and businesses.” He added: “We’re working to better protect communities from this risk, with climate change projection built into the design of flood defences, such as here in Canvey Island, to ensure they are fit for the future.”

In addition to renewing tidal barriers, the project included several community and environmental enhancements: new beach access steps, project information boards, and pathway resurfacing between Thorney Bay and Chapman Sands. Biodiversity improvements were also incorporated, including the planting of flowering grass seed mixes and the creation of rock pools to enrich local habitats.

The scheme forms part of the UK’s broader climate resilience strategy to manage rising sea levels and coastal erosion across vulnerable areas.