Sand levelling

Preparation for spring is underway across the district, starting with our annual sand levelling programme. 

This essential work involves flattening the winter sand bunds, our vital sea defences, to ensure our beaches are ready for the summer season. Our Coastal Engineering and Maintenance team kicked off last week (w/c 23 February 2026) at Viking Bay, before moving along the coast to prepare our beaches for the busier months ahead.

The team will be out with heavy machinery, including bulldozers and excavators, to manage the redistribution of sand. While these works are essential, we ask residents to take care when walking near the machinery.

We have a provisional schedule in place, though please note that these dates are subject to weather conditions and tidal shifts:

• Monday 2 March 2026: Margate Sands
• Monday 9 March 2026: Ramsgate Sands
• Thursday 12 March 2026: Joss Bay
• Tuesday 17 March 2026: Palm Bay
• Monday 23 March 2026: Westbrook Bay
• Monday 30 March 2026: Botany Bay
• Wednesday 1 April 2026: Western Undercliff

As we prepare for the upcoming season, here is a look back at last year’s annual sand levelling at Botany Bay. This four week project across the district serves as the blueprint for our upcoming works to ensure the beach is pristine and ready for the summer season.