Landscaping of the barrage embankment commenced in February 2001.  It has been completed in two phases and public access is now possible over the whole site. The embankment is an enjoyable place for a stroll, with views over the Bay and the estuary.  Further landscaping features are being introduced periodically.

All the areas of grass and shrub planting on the barrage were prepared for planting by combining the existing sand with organic material and fertiliser to form a growing medium. The organic material consisted of recycled, screened green waste from the Council’s parks and open spaces. The fertiliser used was thermally treated bio solids, an inert end product of the water treatment industry. The grass seed mix was made up of species specially adapted for thriving in a maritime environment.

Planting was carried out in bands alongside the walkways. Colourful varieties of plants were introduced along with native species such as Sea Holly, Thrift and Campion, which all thrive in coastal areas.

Shrub species were chosen to withstand the extreme maritime environment of the Bay; Phormiums in many different hues and sizes from New Zealand, spiky Yucca from America, feathery Tamarix from salty soils in Asia and the Mediterranean, low growing Cistus with pink or white flowers and Ceanothus with have blue flowers in spring.