Over the weekend, Radio 4 broadcast a 30 minute programme featuring Bournemouth Surf Reef.

In the segment, presenter Matt Baker interviews surfer David Weight, who has been involved in the development of the surf reef since it’s inception. David tells Matt how he first came up with the idea for the reef in 1993 and finally got the council on board in 1998. Ten years later, the first bags have been placed in the sea.

Also interviewed is Roger Brown – Bournemouth Council’s Head of Leisure Services, marine biologist Dr. Roger Herbert, reef construction manager David Neilson (pictured) and Lisa Northover, a local Councillor who gives Matt a guided tour of the town centre.

If you missed the programme, you can listen on the BBC iPlayer at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dy5gh. It will be repeated on Radio 4 this Thursday 23 October at 1.30pm.

It has been reported today that Bournemouth could be in line for a second surf reef if the one currently being constructed at Boscombe proves a success.

A new reef could be installed at Southbourne, primarily to help protect the beach from erosion.

Roger Brown, the council’s head of leisure services has said:

We’re pretty confident it will work for coastal erosion as well. If it does we may be able to provide another reef at Southbourne.

Read the full story in today’s Bournemouth Echo.