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Sea Defences

Some of the many thousands of huge rocks that have been brought in to make up part of the new sea defences being built along the Southsea waterfront, which are sorely needed. They're weathering nicely and it hasn't taken long for the seaweed to colonise them. Most of the rocks have been shipped in from Norway.

In the distance you can see Horse Sand Fort which is one of a series along this stretch of coast built to protect against an invasion by the French. Building work began in 1865 but by the time they had all been completed in 1880, the invasion threat had passed. During World War Two, they formed part of Portsmouth's coastal artillery defences.

Nowadays the forts are privately owned and some have been turned into luxury hotels and tourist resorts.

Some of the finished sea defences (including the new sea wall) can be seen in the PiP if you're interested. Work is still ongoing at the moment.
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26 comments

Günter Klaus said:

Da zeigst du tolle Aufnahmen,wie sie das mit diesen Felsen angelegt haben lieber Keith,das hast du sehr schön umgesetzt mit diesen verschiedenen Perspektiven,im Hauptbild kommt auch diese Weite sehr schön zur Geltung :))

Wünsche noch einen schönen Abend,liebe Grüße Güni :))
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Keith Burton replied to Günter Klaus:

Glad you like this pair of photos Güni............it would have been nicer to have had some sunshine, but you have to take what you can get.

Thank you for your kind comments..........always appreciated and it makes sharing worthwhile.

Enjoy the rest of your day........................
6 weeks ago

Roger (Grisly) said:

Two excellent images and interesting notes, Keith, I assume the ships on the horizon are at anchor either waiting for work/tides?
The new sea wall looks good and will look even better in time!, Nice work !
6 weeks ago

Keith Burton replied to Roger (Grisly):

Glad you like these images Roger..............and yes, you're correct about the ships, they'll be waiting for the tides.

These sea defences are well overdue.........Southsea had taken a severe battering over the past few years. Hopefully this will make a great difference.

Thank you for your kind comments.
6 weeks ago

Herb Riddle said:

A fine pair of shots here Keith. It looks like a stout piece of work.

Not sure why it has a slightly purple tinge on my two screens maybe just the lighting at the time.

Cheers. and hanks for sharing with our UK Landscape Photography Group , Herb
6 weeks ago

Keith Burton replied to Herb Riddle:

Thanks for your visit and nice comments Herb. Glad you like the look of these sea defences.

The weather and skies were pretty weird that day and the light was all over the place..........and the skies look just how I remember them.
6 weeks ago

Ed Synchro said:

I was amazed walking along the newly opened section just how far the new rock defences go out into the sea. Your photos capture that well.
6 weeks ago

Keith Burton replied to Ed Synchro:

It is quite impressive isn't it? Hopefully they'll do the job required of them..!!

Glad you like the photos Ed and thanks very much for your visit.
6 weeks ago

Colin Ashcroft said:

That’s a major project and interesting story about the Fort. I think I remember seeing the start of the story of the change to tourist attraction and accommodation but not that the were actually in use
6 weeks ago

Keith Burton replied to Colin Ashcroft:

Glad you found this interesting Colin...............the forts have changed. hands quite a few times over the years and they don't seem to be publicised that much. I guess if you can afford to buy or visit one you'll know about them. If you don't then you probably can't afford it :-)))
6 weeks ago

Ulrich John said:

Prepared for hard times ! Nice impression, Keith !
6 weeks ago

Keith Burton replied to Ulrich John:

We hope so Ulrich.........they've been a long time coming. Glad you like the photos and thanks very much.
6 weeks ago

Mikus said:

Viel Verkehr auf dem Wasser. Interessante Impressionen vom Küstenschütz.
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Gudrun said:

The rocks show how quickly nature takes over, you have caught the bands of colour well, Amazing to see the many ships out there!
6 weeks ago

Annemarie said:

impressive menwork!
nice capture
6 weeks ago ( translate )