THIS stunning picture shows work on Boscombe’s artificial surf reef making progress with another two bags of sand being filled onto the ramp.

Strong winds through the latter part of July stopped work on the reef, but last weekend more sand was put onto the ramp that focuses waves up onto the reef. This picture, taken by Gary Ellson of Bournemouth Helicopters, shows the ongoing work.

The base layer of the reef, which was completed last year, is fast becoming a breeding ground for marine wildlife.

The reef has already been colonised by spider crabs, cuttlefish and other marine life, say reef construction company ASR and local surfers.

Geoff Turnbull, major engineering developments manager at Bournemouth Borough Council, added: “Over the winter period, the base layer of the reef, completed last year, has become home to various forms of marine life such as spider crabs and cuttlefish eggs.

“We expect their population to grow.”