The installation of sea defences in Borth allowed the development of houses and infrastructure on the village’s shingle spit and peatland bog. This, in turn, encouraged the installation of more substantial defensive structures to protect the increasingly valuable investments in property and assets.
Initially, sea defences were constructed by homeowners from wooden poles and boards that were backfilled along the shoreline. These were privately owned but, over time, responsibility for maintenance of defences was passed over to local councils.
Contributor: Anthony Morris