Hengistbury Head in the 21st Century

At the beginning of the 21st century we find Hengistbury Head at a cross-roads. This is without doubt a site with extraordinary credentials and assets in scientific, historical and recreational arenas. A great deal of time and debate has been expended on "The Way Ahead" for Hengistbury Head. It is vitally important that such a site is protected from further erosion while at the sometime care must be taken to protect its geological and historic resources. Of course, recreational enjoyment of Hengistbury Head is also very important and a balance must be struck that optimises the public enjoyment of the open space while at the same time protecting the sites heritage. So far though initiative such as the E-Centre appear to have floundered.

The E-Centre

Around 2002 a scheme for a "Class Room Of The Future" were proposed and agreed in principle by Bournemouth Council. The idea was to replace and augment the existing meagre and tired facilities located at Hengistbury Head. The existing 1964 vintage buildings, café and toilet block were to be removed and replaced by a integrated educational and research centre referred to as an E-Centre (evidently the E stood for Education, Environment and Electronic), costing in the order of £1.25 million.

The E-centre was to incorporate the latest state of the art electronics to complement research and education done at Hengistbury Head. It would also serve as a display centre for the many archaeological finds and promote a better understanding of the nature of Hengistbury Head. The idea was to construct this building in the Hengistbury head car park and a great deal of emphasis was placed on a "green agenda" for the building, with a traditional design being spurned.

While many supported the concept of a new educational building a great deal of opposition built up locally. Even some of those who supported the concept of new facilities found the design somewhat extravagant and self indulgent. As time went on it appears that now the money has run out and the idea has been shelved.

Hengistbury Island Or Not?

One of the major concerns with Hengistbury Head revolves around possible sea level rises associated with the perceived threat of global warming. It should be remembered that the erosion at Hengistbury Head is a result of earlier man-made damage, and while this has been contained, (to a greater or lesser extent), any sea level rise is likely to make matters worse. However there does now seem to be quite a difference of opinion regarding the continuing erosion at Hengistbury Head with some commentators indicating that there is a distinct possibility that there will be a major breach across Barn Field within the next 50 years. Other commentators (I believe the main civil engineering consultants to Bournemouth Council) believe that this scenario is remote.

There are ideas on the table particularly the concept of a new reef which would serve the dual purpose as a tourist attraction and a badly needed energy absorber. Currently, the new artificial reef that has been built at Boscombe has been a bit of a flop and this could weigh heavily against any further reef involvement in the area. Other ideas involving the extension of the gabion revetments and further groynes are also under consideration.

Further enhancements to minimise damage to the Head from tourists have been implemented with the addition of gravel and tarmac paths which have reduced damage to the thin superstructure of the head.

I believe the original plan to move the café and toilets from near hengistbury head car park the sunken car park westward has now also been shelved. The original plan was to move the facilities from their current location near Hengistbury Head car park to a position further West. The long access road (The Broadway) would have been narrowed and the street lighting lowered and changed,to reduce spurious light pollution from the area.

Whatever the changes and challenges that face Hengistbury Head, the value of this site archaeologically, environmentally or as simply a great place to be, will always remain priceless.