Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme

The Environment Agency and the Isle of Wight Council are working in partnership to refurbish coastal defences for Ventnor. This scheme will help protect businesses and infrastructure from erosion over the next 60 years.

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An update from the Ventnor Coastal Scheme - 6 November 2026
Ventnor Coastal Scheme Update - November 2026
Steephill Cove and Castle Cove
Ground investigation works continue to make good progress and we are pleased to confirm that the temporary closure along Castle Cove will be removed as planned by the end of this week.
Further surveys and investigations are scheduled to take place in this area over the coming weeks. These activities do not require any path closures, although you may notice members of the project team carrying out investigations and some small, locally fenced-off areas around equipment.
Thank you for your patience while this important work continues to help build our understanding of the ground conditions and inform the development of the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme.
Wheelers Bay
As part of the ongoing ground investigations, specialist drilling works will take place along the Wheelers Bay seafront during the week commencing 9 November.
The drilling is currently planned for 11, 12 and 13 November, between 8am and 6pm. Due to the size of the equipment required, there will be temporary, localised closures around the work area which will affect vehicular access to the front properties at Wheelers Bay Holiday Villas. Pedestrian access will remain available throughout.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank residents and property owners for their patience while these essential investigations are carried out.
Come and speak to us!
Our public information office remains open, and we would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to visit us over the last few weeks.
It has been great meeting and chatting with so many residents. From sharing local knowledge and raising concerns, to providing feedback and ideas for the developing scheme, every conversation helps us better understand the community and the area.
From the week commencing 10 November 2026, the office will be open:
Tuesdays: 11am to 3pm
Thursdays: 10am to 2pm
You can find us at our project compound near Eastern Esplanade Car Park. Please feel free to drop in and say hello. The team will be available throughout the remainder of the ground investigation programme. The Public Information Office has been a key way for residents to ask questions and find out more about the project.
Ventnor Coastal Scheme Update - November 2026
Steephill Cove and Castle Cove
Ground investigation works continue to make good progress and we are pleased to confirm that the temporary closure along Castle Cove will be removed as planned by the end of this week.
Further surveys and investigations are scheduled to take place in this area over the coming weeks. These activities do not require any path closures, although you may notice members of the project team carrying out investigations and some small, locally fenced-off areas around equipment.
Thank you for your patience while this important work continues to help build our understanding of the ground conditions and inform the development of the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme.
Wheelers Bay
As part of the ongoing ground investigations, specialist drilling works will take place along the Wheelers Bay seafront during the week commencing 9 November.
The drilling is currently planned for 11, 12 and 13 November, between 8am and 6pm. Due to the size of the equipment required, there will be temporary, localised closures around the work area which will affect vehicular access to the front properties at Wheelers Bay Holiday Villas. Pedestrian access will remain available throughout.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank residents and property owners for their patience while these essential investigations are carried out.
Come and speak to us!
Our public information office remains open, and we would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to visit us over the last few weeks.
It has been great meeting and chatting with so many residents. From sharing local knowledge and raising concerns, to providing feedback and ideas for the developing scheme, every conversation helps us better understand the community and the area.
From the week commencing 10 November 2026, the office will be open:
Tuesdays: 11am to 3pm
Thursdays: 10am to 2pm
You can find us at our project compound near Eastern Esplanade Car Park. Please feel free to drop in and say hello. The team will be available throughout the remainder of the ground investigation programme. The Public Information Office has been a key way for residents to ask questions and find out more about the project.
An update from the Ventnor Coastal Scheme - 2 October 2026

Ground Investigations progressing well
Our ground investigations are continuing to make good progress, and you may have seen our teams working along the seafront in recent weeks.
These investigations are helping the project to build a better understanding of the ground conditions in the area and will provide important information to support the development of the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme. Thank you to everyone for your patience and interest while this work is underway.
You may notice some small, fenced-off working areas along the seafront where borehole rigs are operating. When passing these locations, please take a little extra care and keep dogs close by, or on a lead where appropriate, to help keep both visitors and our site teams safe.
Temporary promenade closure Bonchurch
As part of the ongoing ground investigations, desilting works (clearing out the drainage system and pipes beneath the promenade) will be taking place on the promenade between Bonchurch and Wheelers Bay.
To allow this work to be carried out safely, the promenade will be closed from Monday, 5 October until Friday 16 October 2026, weekdays between 8am and 6pm.
It will remain open in the evenings, overnight and throughout weekends.
Advance warning signs have been installed, and a signed pedestrian diversion route is in place during the closure period.
We appreciate this may cause some temporary inconvenience and thank you for your patience while these essential investigations are carried out.
A visit to the Bonchurch Coast Group
This week the Environment Agency was invited to attend a community meeting organised by the Bonchurch Coast Group. Colleagues from the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council attended the event, where more than 50 residents came along to hear about the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme and the latest update on the plans for Bonchurch East.
The evening provided an opportunity to share progress on the scheme, explain the ground investigations currently taking place, and answer questions from local residents. We'd like to thank the Bonchurch Coast Group for the invitation and everyone who attended for their questions and feedback.
There will be more opportunities for residents to hear more about the scheme, including Steephill Cove and Ventnor town and promenade – watch this space!
Temporary railings
Residents have been asking us about the newly installed railings at Bonchurch promenade.
We can confirm that these railings have been installed temporarily for health and safety reasons while investigation works are taking place. They will be removed, and the area reinstated, once all investigations have been completed.
Come and speak to us!
If you would like to find out more about the project, ask a question, or speak to a member of the team, please visit our public information office on the promenade next to the skate park.

Open every Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 2pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Ground Investigations progressing well
Our ground investigations are continuing to make good progress, and you may have seen our teams working along the seafront in recent weeks.
These investigations are helping the project to build a better understanding of the ground conditions in the area and will provide important information to support the development of the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme. Thank you to everyone for your patience and interest while this work is underway.
You may notice some small, fenced-off working areas along the seafront where borehole rigs are operating. When passing these locations, please take a little extra care and keep dogs close by, or on a lead where appropriate, to help keep both visitors and our site teams safe.
Temporary promenade closure Bonchurch
As part of the ongoing ground investigations, desilting works (clearing out the drainage system and pipes beneath the promenade) will be taking place on the promenade between Bonchurch and Wheelers Bay.
To allow this work to be carried out safely, the promenade will be closed from Monday, 5 October until Friday 16 October 2026, weekdays between 8am and 6pm.
It will remain open in the evenings, overnight and throughout weekends.
Advance warning signs have been installed, and a signed pedestrian diversion route is in place during the closure period.
We appreciate this may cause some temporary inconvenience and thank you for your patience while these essential investigations are carried out.
A visit to the Bonchurch Coast Group
This week the Environment Agency was invited to attend a community meeting organised by the Bonchurch Coast Group. Colleagues from the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council attended the event, where more than 50 residents came along to hear about the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme and the latest update on the plans for Bonchurch East.
The evening provided an opportunity to share progress on the scheme, explain the ground investigations currently taking place, and answer questions from local residents. We'd like to thank the Bonchurch Coast Group for the invitation and everyone who attended for their questions and feedback.
There will be more opportunities for residents to hear more about the scheme, including Steephill Cove and Ventnor town and promenade – watch this space!
Temporary railings
Residents have been asking us about the newly installed railings at Bonchurch promenade.
We can confirm that these railings have been installed temporarily for health and safety reasons while investigation works are taking place. They will be removed, and the area reinstated, once all investigations have been completed.
Come and speak to us!
If you would like to find out more about the project, ask a question, or speak to a member of the team, please visit our public information office on the promenade next to the skate park.

Open every Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 2pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Second stage of investigations underway to support a stronger future for Ventnor's coastline

Protecting Ventnor from the risks of coastal change starts with understanding the coastline today.

That's why the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council are carrying out a second phase of investigations along Ventnor seafront from this month, as work continues to develop the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme.

Equipment is now being moved into place, with work expected to begin during the week commencing 14 September 2026.

Most active investigation work is expected to take between three and six weeks and full completion of investigations is planned for end of November.

What the investigations will involve
This next stage follows surveys completed earlier this summer, which provided important information about the condition of the coastline, existing infrastructure and the surrounding environment. Those earlier investigations revealed significant build-ups of sediment and debris within parts of the drainage network, which in some locations prevented a full assessment of the system. This highlighted the need for further surveys to build a more complete understanding of its condition.
The new investigations will include boreholes along the seafront to collect ground samples and identify any hidden voids beneath the surface, along with trial pits on the foreshore. This information will help engineers and environmental specialists build a clearer picture of conditions beneath Ventnor's coastline and shape future options for coastal defences.
Specialist marine habitat surveys are also taking place offshore. Using drop-down video equipment, survey teams are assessing underwater habitats along the coastline. This will help identify access and construction locations that avoid or reduce impacts on the protected habitats within the Maritime Special Area of Conservation.
Access during the works
Some temporary access restrictions will be needed along parts of the seafront and Bonchurch Cliffs Promenade while the work is underway. Businesses, cafés and seafront facilities will remain open throughout, and any restrictions will be clearly signed, limited to the areas where work is taking place, and kept in place only for as long as necessary.
Current plans include weekday daytime restrictions on part of Bonchurch Cliffs Promenade between late September and November 2026. Where possible, the route will remain open during evenings and weekends, with signed pedestrian diversions available when required. Localised fencing may also be installed around borehole locations.
Speak to the team
The project compound will be located near the Eastern Esplanade car park on Ventnor seafront. From Tuesday 29 September, members of the project team will be available at the compound every Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 2pm to answer questions and provide updates. Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to drop in and speak directly with the team.
Updates will also be shared throughout the programme via the project website.
Nick Gray, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
"Ventnor's coastline plays an important role in protecting homes, businesses and local infrastructure from the impacts of coastal change. These investigations will give us the evidence we need to understand the challenges facing the coastline and develop options that can help reduce erosion risks. It's an important step towards building a safer and more resilient future for Ventnor."
Natasha Dix , Service Director for Waste, Environment and Planning at the Isle of Wight Council said:
"We know work of this kind can cause some temporary disruption, and we'd like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience while the investigations take place. These surveys are a crucial step in helping us understand Ventnor's coastline, giving us the evidence we need to make informed decisions about how best to protect the area, its infrastructure and the communities that depend on it."

Protecting Ventnor from the risks of coastal change starts with understanding the coastline today.

That's why the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council are carrying out a second phase of investigations along Ventnor seafront from this month, as work continues to develop the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme.

Equipment is now being moved into place, with work expected to begin during the week commencing 14 September 2026.

Most active investigation work is expected to take between three and six weeks and full completion of investigations is planned for end of November.

What the investigations will involve
This next stage follows surveys completed earlier this summer, which provided important information about the condition of the coastline, existing infrastructure and the surrounding environment. Those earlier investigations revealed significant build-ups of sediment and debris within parts of the drainage network, which in some locations prevented a full assessment of the system. This highlighted the need for further surveys to build a more complete understanding of its condition.
The new investigations will include boreholes along the seafront to collect ground samples and identify any hidden voids beneath the surface, along with trial pits on the foreshore. This information will help engineers and environmental specialists build a clearer picture of conditions beneath Ventnor's coastline and shape future options for coastal defences.
Specialist marine habitat surveys are also taking place offshore. Using drop-down video equipment, survey teams are assessing underwater habitats along the coastline. This will help identify access and construction locations that avoid or reduce impacts on the protected habitats within the Maritime Special Area of Conservation.
Access during the works
Some temporary access restrictions will be needed along parts of the seafront and Bonchurch Cliffs Promenade while the work is underway. Businesses, cafés and seafront facilities will remain open throughout, and any restrictions will be clearly signed, limited to the areas where work is taking place, and kept in place only for as long as necessary.
Current plans include weekday daytime restrictions on part of Bonchurch Cliffs Promenade between late September and November 2026. Where possible, the route will remain open during evenings and weekends, with signed pedestrian diversions available when required. Localised fencing may also be installed around borehole locations.
Speak to the team
The project compound will be located near the Eastern Esplanade car park on Ventnor seafront. From Tuesday 29 September, members of the project team will be available at the compound every Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 2pm to answer questions and provide updates. Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to drop in and speak directly with the team.
Updates will also be shared throughout the programme via the project website.
Nick Gray, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
"Ventnor's coastline plays an important role in protecting homes, businesses and local infrastructure from the impacts of coastal change. These investigations will give us the evidence we need to understand the challenges facing the coastline and develop options that can help reduce erosion risks. It's an important step towards building a safer and more resilient future for Ventnor."
Natasha Dix , Service Director for Waste, Environment and Planning at the Isle of Wight Council said:
"We know work of this kind can cause some temporary disruption, and we'd like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience while the investigations take place. These surveys are a crucial step in helping us understand Ventnor's coastline, giving us the evidence we need to make informed decisions about how best to protect the area, its infrastructure and the communities that depend on it."
Temporary daytime restrictions: Bonchurch Cliffs Promenade
A section of the promenade fronting the Bonchurch Cliffs will be subject to temporary restrictions between late September and November as part of essential coastal defence investigations.
*The area shown is indicative only and highlights the section of promenade that may be subject to temporary access restrictions while desiltingContinue reading
A section of the promenade fronting the Bonchurch Cliffs will be subject to temporary restrictions between late September and November as part of essential coastal defence investigations.
*The area shown is indicative only and highlights the section of promenade that may be subject to temporary access restrictions while desilting works are undertaken.. The final extent, timing and duration will be confirmed in advance of the works.

To minimise disruption to residents and visitors, access restrictions are being planned within weekday working hours. The promenade will remain open during evenings and weekends wherever possible.
The proposed access restrictions to the promenade between late September and November are outlined below. These remain subject to detailed planning and may change. Final arrangements will be confirmed before works commence.
Weekday daytime closures: closed Monday to Friday, between 8:00am and 6:00pm
Evening and weekend access: Open every weeknight from 6:00pm to 08:00am and all day Saturday and Sunday (except for localised borehole drilling areas which may be fenced off as part of our investigations).
Pedestrian safety: Footpath diversion signs will be active on-site to guide pedestrians safely around the daytime work zone
Duration: The work is currently scheduled to take place between late September and November 2026. The active on site works that require access restrictions are expected to take approximately three to six weeks.
Once initial investigations have been completed, we will have a better understanding of the scale of the works and the likely completion timescales. We will seek to minimise the duration of restrictions and fully reopen the promenade as soon as it is safe to do so. Progress updates will be provided regularly through this project website.
Why these works are necessary
Recent investigations found that inspection chambers along the promenade are heavily blocked with sediment and debris, preventing the CCTV surveys needed to assess the condition of the drainage system.
To clear these blockages, specialist equipment and heavy plant will be required. Due to the limited space available on the promenade, temporary daytime closures are necessary to ensure the safety of both the public and our workforce.
With winter approaching and an increased risk of storms and severe weather along the seafront, it is important that these investigations are completed as soon as possible so we can better understand the condition of the system and plan any future works.
We are finalising the programme and will provide further updates as soon as details are confirmed. Thank you for your patience and cooperation while we carry out these important investigations into coastal infrastructure of the Ventnor and Bonchurch coastline.
Update on investigation work at Ventnor seafront

The first stage of ground investigations along Ventnor seafront will be completed this week.

The replacement of any manhole covers, and all planned survey work will be completed as planned by Friday 7 August 2026. We would like to thank residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience and cooperation while these investigations have been undertaken.

The surveys have been broadly successful and have provided valuable information about the condition of the coastal drainage infrastructure. In some locations, inspection chambers (manholes) and sections of the drainage system were found to Continue reading
The first stage of ground investigations along Ventnor seafront will be completed this week.

The replacement of any manhole covers, and all planned survey work will be completed as planned by Friday 7 August 2026. We would like to thank residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience and cooperation while these investigations have been undertaken.
The surveys have been broadly successful and have provided valuable information about the condition of the coastal drainage infrastructure. In some locations, inspection chambers (manholes) and sections of the drainage system were found to contain significant accumulations of sediment and debris, which continue to prevent access for an in-depth inspection of the pipework beneath.
We are now reviewing the survey results to plan the most appropriate way forward. The findings indicate that further investigative work is likely to be required, including the clearing of the inspection chambers to enable a more detailed assessment of the drainage system. This could require temporary restrictions or a closure on parts of the promenade. Any decisions on the extent, timing and duration of such measures will be made following further assessment and will be communicated in advance where possible.
We will continue to engage with residents and businesses and provide further updates as soon as more detailed information becomes available.
Ground investigation survey work starting in Ventnor
From Monday 13 July 2026 (for up to three weeks)
We are carrying out a range of survey works along Ventnor seafront and surrounding areas to help us better understand the condition of the existing coastal defences and the services and infrastructure located beneath and within them.
The information gathered will help inform more detailed ground investigations planned for later this year as we continue to develop plans for Ventnor's coastal future.

The work will involve specialist handheld equipment and scanners that allow us to investigate beneath the ground surface without digging or causing disruption.

What you might see

DuringContinue reading
From Monday 13 July 2026 (for up to three weeks)
We are carrying out a range of survey works along Ventnor seafront and surrounding areas to help us better understand the condition of the existing coastal defences and the services and infrastructure located beneath and within them.
The information gathered will help inform more detailed ground investigations planned for later this year as we continue to develop plans for Ventnor's coastal future.
The work will involve specialist handheld equipment and scanners that allow us to investigate beneath the ground surface without digging or causing disruption.
What you might see

During this period, you may notice survey teams working along the seafront between Steephill Hill Cove and Monks Bay carrying out activities such as:
Surveying beneath the ground surface using specialist scanning equipment
Inspecting sections of the coastal defences
Cleaning small areas of the sea wall to allow detailed condition surveys to take place
Accessing existing inspection chambers and manholes where required
Welfare & storage facilities in a secure compound that will temporarily be established at Eastern Esplanade (next to the skatepark)

Compound location at Eastern Esplanade
Temporary parking restrictions

To support the survey work, 27 parking spaces at the Eastern Esplanade Long Stay Car Park, nearest the skatepark, will be temporarily unavailable.

The affected spaces will be closed:
all day on Thursday 16 July
until 1pm on Friday 17 July
The remainder of the car park will stay open as normal.

Wheelers Bay

A small area in Wheelers Bay will also need to be accessed for a short period as part of the surveys. This will require the temporary relocation of a small number of dinghies. Affected users have been contacted directly and arrangements made to minimise any inconvenience.

Keeping disruption to a minimum

There will be:
No planned digging
No planned road closures
Very little noise
No restrictions to access for residents, businesses or visitors

Aside from seeing our welfare facilities in a secure compound that will temporarily be established at Eastern Esplanade, or survey teams working on site most people are unlikely to notice any significant impact from the works.

Please note that separate maintenance works are also currently taking place on Eastern Esplanade, near the skatepark. These works involve repairs to the seawall and are being carried out by OPEX on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council.

If you have any questions about the survey work, please contact the project team at IOW_FDschemes@environment-agency.gov.uk
Submit your questions: Landscape Vision and Opportunities Plan

We’re inviting questions about the draft Landscape Vision and Opportunities Plan and have created a dedicated questions tool here to provide a clear and specific way for people to ask questions about the plan.
The Landscape Vision and Opportunities Plan has been shaped by ideas, feedback and local knowledge sharedContinue reading
We’re inviting questions about the draft Landscape Vision and Opportunities Plan and have created a dedicated questions tool here to provide a clear and specific way for people to ask questions about the plan.
The Landscape Vision and Opportunities Plan has been shaped by ideas, feedback and local knowledge shared by the Ventnor community. Residents, businesses and stakeholders have told us what they value about the seafront and how they’d like it to evolve, and this plan brings those views together to explore how the area could look and work in the future. It looks beyond coastal defence engineering alone, considering opportunities to improve public spaces, accessibility, heritage, the landscape and the natural environment.
The Landscape Vision and Opportunities Plan and a full summery is available here.
All questions submitted through the Questions tab found here will be collated by the project team. These will be used to produce a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, which we plan to publish by September this year. The FAQ will be available on Engagement HQ to download at any time, making it easy for everyone to access clear responses to common questions about the Landscape Vision and Opportunities Plan.
Read Now: Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan

What is the Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan?

The Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan has been created using feedback, ideas and local knowledge shared directly by the Ventnor community. Over the course of the project so far, residents, businesses and stakeholders have told us what matters to them about the seafront and how they would like it to evolve. This plan brings that insight together into a set of ideas that explore how the area could look and function in the future. Not all of the ideas can be funded through the Coastal Defence Scheme. Some opportunities could be deliveredContinue reading

What is the Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan?

The Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan has been created using feedback, ideas and local knowledge shared directly by the Ventnor community. Over the course of the project so far, residents, businesses and stakeholders have told us what matters to them about the seafront and how they would like it to evolve. This plan brings that insight together into a set of ideas that explore how the area could look and function in the future. Not all of the ideas can be funded through the Coastal Defence Scheme. Some opportunities could be delivered as part of the project with external funding contributions, while others could be taken forward independently in the future.

The plan focuses on the spaces around the coastal frontage and looks beyond engineering alone. It considers how coastal defence works might sit alongside improvements to the landscape, public realm, accessibility, heritage and the natural environment, ensuring that future investment delivers benefits that people can see, use and enjoy.

To see this plan in full, please search our Documents section or download a copy HERE. For a summery of the plan, please read below.

Once you have read either the summery below or the full plan, please feel free to ask a question, give feedback or raise any concerns using our Questions Section.

Why do we have this plan?

The Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan sits alongside the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme and helps guide long‑term thinking as the project develops. Its purpose is to identify opportunities early, so they can be considered as designs progress and so that wider improvements are not missed.

Importantly, the plan is not a set of final designs or confirmed projects. It does not represent decisions that have already been made. Instead, it presents a broad range of possible ideas — from small‑scale enhancements to more ambitious changes — showing what could be achievable over time if funding, technical feasibility and approvals allow. Some opportunities may be delivered as part of the coastal defence scheme, while others could be taken forward independently in the future.

What has informed the plan?

The ideas within the Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan are grounded in a strong evidence base. This includes environmental, landscape and heritage assessments, a Local Needs Assessment and extensive public consultation. Together, this information has been used to understand existing character, uses and sensitivities along the coastline and to identify where positive change could bring the greatest benefit.

A number of opportunities are illustrated to help explain the ideas clearly and to support discussion about what Ventnor’s coastline could become.

What happens next?

This page provides a summary of the Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan, highlighting its key themes and opportunities. The full report is available to download for those who would like to explore the detail behind the summary.

We encourage everyone to share their views in the question section. Your feedback will help refine these ideas and ensure that future decisions continue to reflect community priorities.

A Connected Coastal Route
- A continuous, high‑quality walking route from Steephill Cove to Monks Bay, with clearer signage, safer paths and better accessibility.
- Consistent materials, lighting and seating to make the coast feel unified and easy to navigate

A More Accessible Seafront for All
- Improved access points, steps and graded paths.
- More resting places, shaded seating and inclusive viewing spots.
- Clearer wayfinding between the coast, Ventnor Park, Salisbury Gardens and the town centre.

Better Public Spaces
- More places to sit, meet and enjoy the views.
- Upgraded toilets, with scope for showers and changing facilities where appropriate.
- Opportunities for better lighting, pop‑up spaces, small event areas and more vibrant public realm features.

Supporting Nature and Local Habitats
- Enhancements to coastal planting using climate‑resilient, pollinator‑friendly species.
- Protecting and improving habitats for species such as the Glanville fritillary and the Ventnor wall lizard.
- Potential features like vertipools and ecological improvements to rock armour to support marine life.
Celebrating Ventnor’s Culture and Character
- Protecting and enhancing heritage features such as the Cascade, railings, viewpoints and the Solar System Walk.
- Scope for interpretation boards, local stories, artwork and small creative installations rooted in Ventnor’s identity.
- Opportunities to restore or better use underused seafront buildings.
Improving Leisure and Recreation
- Enhancements to the skatepark, including potential seating, planting and shelter.
- Opportunities to improve swimming areas, water access and safer shoreline entry points.
- Ideas for pocket parks and small play features along the Eastern Esplanade.
Strengthening Safety and Resilience
- Exploring ways to refresh ageing sea defences while keeping visual openness and character in mind.
- Potential for improved emergency access, information boards, digital tide displays and appropriately located AEDs.
- Responding to climate change challenges with nature‑led and community‑supported solutions.
Maps
We are sharing a series of maps taken from our Landscape Vision and Opportunities Plan. These images show what we have learned so far about what the community would like to see at Ventnor seafront. The full plan is available to download if you would like to explore it in more detail.
We would really value your thoughts. Please look through the maps and tell us what you think. We would like to know whether we have captured your ideas accurately and if there is anything you feel we may have missed or interpreted incorrectly. Your comments will help us shape the next stage of this work and ensure that the ideas reflect the needs and priorities of the community.
Nothing is final and your feedback is an important part of this process.
We would love to hear your opinion on the Landscape and Vision Plan. Raise a question, comment or concern in the Question section and one of our team will reply to you within 2 working days. email the team at: IOW_FDschemes@environment-agency.gov.uk
Update: Upcoming ground investigations
The Environment Agency and the Isle of Wight Council are continuing work to modernise coastal defences for Ventnor, helping to protect homes, businesses and vital infrastructure from erosion and coastal instability over the next 60 years.

Building on investigations undertaken in early 2024, a new phase of ground investigations will take place across key locations in Ventnor. These investigations will help us understand ground conditions, refine future designs, and progress towards long‑term solutions.

Why these investigations are needed

Ventnor’s ageing coastal defences are essential for stabilising the landslide complex beneath the town. These investigations will provide essentialContinue reading
The Environment Agency and the Isle of Wight Council are continuing work to modernise coastal defences for Ventnor, helping to protect homes, businesses and vital infrastructure from erosion and coastal instability over the next 60 years.

Building on investigations undertaken in early 2024, a new phase of ground investigations will take place across key locations in Ventnor. These investigations will help us understand ground conditions, refine future designs, and progress towards long‑term solutions.

Why these investigations are needed

Ventnor’s ageing coastal defences are essential for stabilising the landslide complex beneath the town. These investigations will provide essential data to inform safe, resilient design options.

What will be happening and when – Nonintrusive investigations

Summer 2026

During this period, our team will be carrying out early investigation work to help us understand what’s happening beneath the surface in Ventnor. This includes using small handheld equipment and scanners to look at the ground without digging or causing any disturbance.

These activities are very low impact. You may see staff working along the seafront or nearby areas, but:

There will be no digging

There will be no road closures

There will be very little noise

Access for residents, businesses and visitors will remain open

Most people won’t notice much happening, other than seeing our team around the area. If you’re curious, our staff will be happy to explain what they’re doing.

Intrusive investigations

Autum - Winter 2026

During this time you will begin to see a little more activity as we set up small work areas (known as compounds). These will help us safely carry out the next stage of ground investigations.

During this period, our team will be carrying out more detailed investigations beneath the surface. This includes digging small trial pits and taking samples that help us understand the condition and strength of the ground.

What this means for you:

You may see small fenced off working areas

There may be some short term noise from machinery

Footpaths and roads will remain open unless we communicate otherwise in advance

We will keep the number of contractors and vehicles on site to a minimum

These works are essential for shaping the final design of the future coastal defences, making sure they are safe, long lasting, and right for Ventnor. Locations for the compound structures are yet to be confirmed but will be shared via our newsletter and Engagement HQ when finalised.

Staying in Touch
We know how important it is for residents and businesses to feel informed and able to reach the project team whenever they need to. If you have a question, concern, or simply want to understand more about what’s happening, we want you to feel confident that you can contact us easily.
Our team is here to listen, help, and make sure you have the information you need throughout these works. Please do get in touch at any time, no question is too small.
Project Email: iow_fdschemes@environment-agency.gov.uk
Community engagement report now available

Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent community engagement activities for the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme. We’re pleased to announce that the full community engagement report is now available to download.
The report brings together feedback from the public exhibition at Ventnor Exchange (April 2025) and the structured community survey. It highlights what matters most to residents, visitors, and businesses — from protecting the coastline and improving public access to preserving the unique character of Ventnor.
You can download the report here
Your views are helping to shape the next phase of the project. Keep following for updates and future opportunities to get involved.
Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent community engagement activities for the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme. We’re pleased to announce that the full community engagement report is now available to download.
The report brings together feedback from the public exhibition at Ventnor Exchange (April 2025) and the structured community survey. It highlights what matters most to residents, visitors, and businesses — from protecting the coastline and improving public access to preserving the unique character of Ventnor.
You can download the report here
Your views are helping to shape the next phase of the project. Keep following for updates and future opportunities to get involved.