THE way sections of coastline around the world are managed is set to change thanks to research started by a New Forest-based engineer.

A new study into how gravel beaches change shape in response to the combination of ocean swell and waves caused by wind has been published through the Institution of Civil Engineers.

The paper is based on research started on the New Forest coastline by the former head of New Forest District Council's Coastal Protection Team, Professor Andy Bradbury, and completed by members of his team after his death.

Steve Cook, former colleague of Professor Bradbury and current lead of the council’s coastal team, said: “Andy was already recognised as one of the foremost experts on shingle beaches and this is a lasting legacy of his work.

"This new understanding of how shingle beaches respond to certain types of waves will directly influence the way we manage Hurst Spit and the rest of our coastline going forward.

"As part of the Hurst Beach Management Plan, we regularly move and add material to the shingle bank to make sure that Hurst Spit continues to function as an important flood and coastal defence.

"How much, where and how that material is distributed will be influenced by this invaluable research, something I believe Andy already knew when he started this work.”

The council's coastal engineers and scientists manage 40 miles of shoreline.

The stormy winter of 2013-14 culminated in a storm on Valentine’s Day, causing significant damage to the New Forest coast.

It also prompted Professor Bradbury to notice patterns of waves that he believed needed further research. He began a research project that would ultimately change the way that coastline is managed in future.

At Hurst Spit, the mile-long shingle bank which protects Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes, the sea rushed over the top of the spit in several places threatening the delicate habitat beyond.

While overseeing repairs to the spit, Professor Bradbury began researching the combination of strong winds mixed with a heavy swell from the Atlantic, known as a ‘bimodal sea state’, which he suspected had been responsible for the heavy damage to the shingle beaches.

He died in August 2014, in the middle of his research. The project was taken on by his former colleagues at the Channel Coastal Observatory, where he had been founding director. Now, their findings will inform future management of shingle beaches and coastal defences both across the UK and internationally.