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(I'm Dutch) I don't think this is true. It may have been true in some instances, but I can't find anything about that. Dikes are reinforced using rocks, stones, and tarmac.

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Willow shoots were and still are used to reinforce waterworks. Look up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascine_mattress or the Dutch word "zinkstuk" for a detailed description.

OK, maybe I was misunderstanding something. It was also not at the sea, but more water between agricultural plots, so maybe just for drainage?

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