Gower Society Newsletter

Spring 2000

Members not resident in the Swansea area may not be aware of the concerns expressed (Evening Post 27th December 1999) by Mr Paul Thomas, Technical Services’ Director, City & County of Swansea). The lead article quoted him as sharing the concerns of many Gower Society members with regard to the request by the Llanelli Sand Dredging Company to allow an increase of 300,000 tonnes in the quantity of sand to be extracted from the Helwick Bank. It is most encouraging to see an officer of the Council opposing such a plan, and calling on the council to do likewise. He has also written to the Welsh Assembly on similar lines.

Like many indigenous Gower residents, I have become increasingly anxious about the state of our beaches, and even more frustrated by the apparent inability to do anything about the situation. I have known the area all my life, and for the past 30 years I have lived on the cliff at High Pennard. Over that period, I have become increasingly concerned about the loss of sand locally. I am well aware that there has always been an increase/decrease seasonally caused by the tides. However, over the past years the sand loss has increased to such an extent that sandy areas where my children used to play are now totally denuded of sand. Bedrock is exposed, and rock formations have appeared which were not visible formerly.

Locally, this is particularly noticeable at Foxhole Bay. Further afield, Horton has changed beyond recognition. Great shoals of rock have appeared on the eastern side, which make it impossible to walk across the beach without having to make constant detours or scramble over dangerous rocky obstructions. 20 years ago, one could walk the width of the bay free from such obstructions. It was our favourite family beach, and only the other evening I was looking at slides I had taken in the early 70s, where the vista is entirely different. Former members of the Horton Guide Company will have happy memories of the summer barbecues held there.

Port Eynon, renowned for being a safe family bathing beach, now has a sharp shelf of hard peat exposed for much of its width, which
must make it dangerous for bathers when it is concealed at half tide. The sand loss at Mewslade is tragic; this once glorious sandy beach now resembles the mountains of the moon as the tide flows in.
I fully understand that no one as yet has been able to prove that dredging is responsible. I would, however, urge upon all concerned in decision making with regard to dredging, that the emphasis should be changed. As guardians of our once beautiful beaches, it is surely more important to acknowledge that, as yet, no one has proved that dredging is not responsible for this denudation. I firmly believe that until this can be proved, no more dredging should be permitted.
I understand and sympathise with those whose livelihood depends upon the Peninsula’s resources. With agriculture in such a parlous state at present, for many their only hope of economic survival is diversification. With such a superbly beautiful area as a working base, one of the most obvious routes for such diversification is the holiday industry. Realistically, given our climate we cannot guarantee visitors long hours of hot sunny days for their visits. But our superb coastline is a joy to walkers even in somewhat inclement weather.
I recommend to any ‘doubters’ a visit to Hunts’ Bay; this rocky cove affords an ideal ‘escape’ for locals on hot days in high summer, when the popular bathing beaches are packed with tourists. It is, however, a ‘no go’ area for swimmers, or families with toddlers looking for a place to build their sandcastles. Given the present sand loss on the beaches mentioned overleaf, it will not be many years before they, too, resemble Hunt’s Bay. There would not seem to be much point in spending money on up-grading facilities for visitors at Port Eynon, for example, if

in a few years time they find the sands of Cefn Sidan or Pendine more attractive! If in doubt, stand on the dunes at Horton and look east, remembering that 20 years ago it was possible to run down the eastern end into the sea without stubbing one’s toe!

 
We have a precious heritage - I shudder to think where we rate on the ‘Guardian’ Scale. I have written a letter of support to Paul Thomas, and sent copies to both my Assembly Member and my Member of Parliament. Perhaps other members might feel moved to do the same.