Army To Build New Eco-Friendly Sea Defences On Thorney Island

The British Army is to build new eco-friendly sea defences around Thorney Island in West Sussex.

The Ministry of Defence and the Environment Agency signed an agreement on Thursday that will see them work together to develop a new habitat alongside the defences. 

The defences will result in the creation of saltmarsh and mudflats that "have the potential to act as an effective 'carbon sink'", according to the Army. 

It comes after the Government set a target to become carbon-neutral by 2050.

In September, the Chief of the General Staff said the Army must be environmentally friendly to attract future recruits and that its current fleet of vehicles and tanks could be the last to run on fossil fuels.

The work on Thorney Island will "shape future 'green' developments across the MOD estate", according to Major General David Southall, Director of Basing and Infrastructure.

The new sea defences are set to recreate up to 70 acres of inter-tidal saltmarsh and mudflat.

The new coastal habitat is "urgently needed", according to the Army.

It said the habitat will compensate for losses due to rising sea levels, as well as potential building work.

Thorney Island and surrounding areas are expected to benefit from "significant net gains" in biodiversity and wildlife as a result. 

Nick Gray, area flood and coastal risk manager for the Environment Agency, said: "We are excited to work with the Ministry of Defence on this ambitious project.

"By working together we are both able to achieve more for [the] environment and create a lasting legacy for the local communities."

Thorney Island will also be used as part of a pilot programme to install solar farms at four sites around the country.

The solar farm is expected to meet around one-third of the Army's electricity needs on the island, as well as saving around 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Cover image: The MOD and the Environment Agency will develop new habitat and sea defences on Thorney Island (Picture: British Army).