Groynes trap material being transported by longshore drift. This builds up a wide beach which helps absorb energy from waves, reducing the rate of cliff erosion.

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Beaches beyond the defences (downdrift) are starved of beach material due to it being trapped behind the terminal (last) groyne.

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Gabions are coastal defences that consist of rocks and boulders encased in a wired mesh. They absorb the energy from waves.

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Hard engineering involves building artificial structures which try to control natural processes.

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Groynes, rock armour, sea walls, revetments, gabions or breakwater.

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