Hurst Spit

I returned to Hurst Spit for the day to try to gain further inspiration.

The spit has formed as a result of the prevailing southwesterly winds which have progressively moved the shingle of Christchurch Bay eastward by longshore drift from the supply cliffs of Highcliffe, Barton-on-Sea and Hordle Cliff. Gravel has gradually been lost from the end of the spit and it has moved landwards through a 'rollover' process. The spit has been largely rebuilt with dredged gravel to maintain its form and from fears the shingle ridge may permanently breach isolating the Hurst Castle and Hurst Point Lighthouse. However the end of the spit, where the lighthouse is located has been less effected by erosion and has been left in its natural condition.

(Further information: Hurst Spit - Barrier Beach of the West Solent article)

As well as accumulating gravel and pebbles, major shingle beaches can gather other floating objects from the water. Hurst spit is riddled with fishing nets, drift wood and other various washed up objects. Below is a series of objects I collected from the spit, including a piece of timber with the inscription PGS, a piece of fishing net, a rusty piece of metal and an extremely smooth pebble.

The wonders of the internet enabled me to track down the logo inscribed on the timber, and match it to PGS Group - Palettes Gestion Services. The timber was obviously part of a palette which has found its was to Hurst Spit.

PGS Group was founded in 1993 in Saint-Etienne-Du-Rouvray, France to repair pallets. Since, PGS Group has integrated new palette production into its services, expanding and becoming 'n°1 of new and reconditioned wood pallet in France and n°2 in Europe, and reaches the position of 1st pallet sawing producer.'

- Group PGS website