Angry residents are campaigning to stop sand being taken from ‘Britain’s best beach’ – and being sold on for profit. Locals say the once tranquil sands of Hayle in Cornwall have seen tonnes of sand removed ‘day and night with no thought for the environmental repercussions’. Resident Sophie Daniels has launched a petition on change.org pleading for the sand removal to cease immediately. It has so far reached 1,689 signatures of its 2,500 target. Ms Daniels says her roots are deeply ingrained in Hayle Beach where she grew up and witnessed the rich bio-diversity of the local ecosystem. Authorities say the sand is sold to local firms but is only being dredged as part of a legal requirement to keep ‘a safe channel for fishing and sailing boats to navigate’.
Sand is being dug up and removed from Hayle in Cornwall, which has concerned residents Hayle Beach in Cornwall stretches from Hayle Estuary to Gwithian Towans and Godrevy Point But Ms Daniels says the sand is being ‘mined for profit’ and is calling on the community to act and stop the once-tranquil beach from being destroyed any further. Her petition states: ‘Hayle Beach, a gem of Cornwall and voted Best Beach in the UK by The Times, deserves to be protected and nurtured, not exploited. ‘The beach is suffering as tonnes of sand is removed day and night, sold for profit with no thought of the environmental repercussion.
The practice is unsustainable and harmful to the environment. Sand mining has devastating consequences for coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. It disrupts the natural balance of these ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and ultimately, ecosystem collapse.
However, this claim is often contradicted by the reality of the beach’s condition. The removal of sand has led to a decline in the beach’s natural beauty, a loss of biodiversity, and a threat to coastal communities. The removal of sand is not just a local issue; it’s a global phenomenon. Across the world, coastal communities are facing similar challenges. In the United States, for example, the Florida Keys have been experiencing a similar issue.
He said that the harbour is facing a ‘critical situation’ and that the silt build-up is impacting the safety of vessels and hindering their ability to operate effectively. The harbourmaster’s concerns were echoed by local fishermen who expressed their frustration at the lack of dredging. They highlighted the impact of the silt build-up on their ability to access their boats and the difficulties they face in navigating the harbour.
It is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications. Sand is a mixture of rock fragments, minerals, and organic matter. It is a valuable resource for its ability to filter water, improve soil fertility, and provide a stable base for construction projects.
A local resident says the sand is being ‘mined for profit’ and is calling on the community to act A sand quarry at Hayle Beach in Cornwall which has been criticised by local residents ‘Excavation is taking place on the beach, far from the central channel they declare to keep clear. ‘The ill effects of this relentless mining are evident. ‘Night-time operations disrupt peace, and the incessant excavation poses a risk to our children’s safety on the beach.’ Thousands have responded to the petition, calling for the authority to halt the works. Emily Brown said: ‘I have had enough of watching our land and seas tampered with the point of a mass decline of wildlife in an area that should be protected and a safe haven.
This is a call to action, a plea for immediate change, and a warning about the future. Ms. Daniels’ words are a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation.
During a recent meeting, updates were received from the Hayle Harbour Authority and representatives of the North Quay Development. The meeting focused on the ongoing development of the Hayle Harbour. **Detailed Text:**
The recent meeting, dedicated to the ongoing development of Hayle Harbour, saw the participation of key stakeholders.
‘Hayle Town Council resolved to write to several stakeholders including Natural England, RSPB, Environment Agency, Cornwall Council and the local MP, Perran Moon, to advise them of the potential damage of the dredging, to seek their views, to share any information they may have including environmental reports, monitoring assessments, geomorphology reports and to work with us to help find a positive resolution to suit/benefit all parties and St Ives Bay. ‘It was further agreed to write to the owners and the harbourmaster to request that they change from a dredge and remove policy to dredge and dune replenishment, and that they look to find ways to repair and/or automate the gates and equipment in order to reinstate sluicing.’
