This paper outlines the detailed short-term morphological evolution around a single composite wood and rock groyne during a range of wave and tidal conditions. Analysis of morphological data based on beach profile surveys and
waterlines created using an Argus imaging system identify five distinct phases of morphological evolution during a 17 day study period. These are related to the growth and infilling of a scour pool located close to the toe of the groyne and
the migration of its associated drainage channel. By comparing the evolution with nearshore hydrodynamic data a conceptual model has been developed to explain the evolution of scour around the groyne. It is hypothesised that the
scour pool largely dependent upon wave driving conditions, exhibiting growth during high wave conditions (Hs>0.8 m) which is hypothesised to be related to wave breaking around the groyne tip and the possible formation of rip currents
alongside the groyne, infilling during moderate wave conditions (Hs 0.4-0.8 m) which are associated with onshore sediment transport by shoaling waves and stability during low wave conditions (Hs<0.4 m) when the system is dominated by tidal currents. The position of a drainage channel exiting the scour pool is influenced by longshore currents, migrating northward during spring tidal conditions when tidal currents are increased and larger waves may reach the nearshore region resulting in northward directed transport of the channel as well as during other periods of energetic wave activity when longshore currents are great enough to initiate movement.