Spring 2001

The past months have been very busy ones for the Society. Evening meetings have 'lured' us out, in spite of the persistently wet weather which, thankfully, must soon be giving way to spring.

I feel that this section should be headed 'Late News'! The completion of the Spring Newsletter was later than usual - it was a case of 'Hold The Front Page!' Monday February 5th saw a full Council Chamber in Swansea County Hall when the Society was well represented, both in the audience and on the platform, at a seminar arranged by the Institute of Welsh Affairs. The topic for discussion was:
SANDS OF GOWER
HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW?

"The Gower coast is the jewel in Swansea's crown. However, there is increasing concern that the recent dredging activity, while bringing much needed economic benefit to the area, may pose a threat to the ecology and erode this beautiful shoreline. This seminar will explore the issues, and provide an opportunity for sharing information and stimulating discussion."

There were four speakers at the seminar:
· Paul Thomas, Director of Technical Services, City and County of Swansea, opened the proceedings.
· Dr Philip Barber, Senior Partner, Shoreline Management Partnership, discussed the coastal processes affecting the Gower shoreline.
· Paul Llewellyn, Environmental Consultant, discussed coastal ecology, emphasing the local perspective.
· Peter Venables, representing the Society, evaluated the price of getting it wrong.

Very little time was allowed for questions afterwards, but it was quite obvious that now 'we were being taken seriously'. All parties were unanimous that the question to be addressed now was 'If not dredging, then what?' We refrained from saying - 'We told you so!'

Peter Venables comments on the seminar:
"There is an obvious anomaly between what is perceived and recorded in photographs by local inhabitants (which ascribe major drops in sand levels) and the regular measurements taken by dredging companies (which show no significant changes). Photographs show that Port Eynon beach, having stayed constant over a long period, has now suffered major sand loss. The peat beds on this beach which have been continually exposed since September 2000 are now breaking up due to the effects of tide erosion. They have been dated as between Bronze Age and pre-Roman Iron Age, and have not been previously exposed for long periods since they were laid down. Gower Society members Gareth and Conrad Watkins were responsible for a display of excellent photographs which told the story of Gower beaches before and after dredging took place, and it would have been very difficult to draw the conclusion from the evening that dredging has not had an effect on Gower beaches."

Sue Essex, the Environment Minister (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) has delayed the announcement of her decision with regard to the increased application for a dredging licence by the Llanelli Dredging Company for four weeks, which brings us to the end of March. The issue was aired in a programme on Radio Wales on February 8th. There is still time for members to write and add their voices to those of us in Swansea, showing determination that this is not an issue to be ignored any longer. Dr Barber told those present at the seminar that a very large amount of money needed to be spent on a new study of conditions in the Bristol Channel - £500,000, with probably £1,000,000 a year spent on on-going annual monitoring. He mentioned the possibility of using satellite photographs. Similar shoreline conditions are being reported on both sides of the Bristol Channel. This is big money, but there is obviously a big problem. It would seem that at last the 'experts' intend to try to find the cause. Please write! (Ed.)