Frankham were commissioned by the National Trust to complete the structural inspections of the Maritime and reservoir assets located on Brownsea Island, Dorset.

The inspections were required to assess their deterioration, effectiveness against flood risk and damage to sensitive ecology and historic structures which are highly valuable to the island visitors and habitants.

Brownsea Island, located in Poole Harbour, is a captivating destination renowned for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Brownsea Island is known as the birthplace of the global Scouting movement. This National Trustmanaged island is a natural haven, featuring diverse habitats like woodlands, heathlands, and a lagoon. It is particularly famous for its population of red squirrels and various bird species, offering visitors both historical significance and beautiful wildlife.

The inspections were conducted by professionally qualified civil engineers from Frankham, using both tactile and visual inspection techniques. The inspections generated a detailed and accurate record of existing defects for each structure. Our team utilised specialised software to document all observed defects, creating defect location sketches on drawings of each structure.

From the structural inspection, condition reports were prepared with recommended remedial repairs presented in a low, medium, high or very high-risk schedule. The condition reports assessed the need for amendments to the dam structures and spillway in light of the lake volume and the magnitude of potential floods. Reports and remedial repair recommendations were also made for the Maritime structures (Pottery Pier, Lagoon Sea Wall and the Vilano Wall).

The recommendations considered not only the short term requirements but also the strategic aspirations to protect the historic value, ecological and sea level rising impacts of the next 75 years and beyond.

Client:
National Trust

Services:
Maritime Engineering