Background Summerleaze Many of the sand dunes and beaches around 's coast Widemouth Bay are currently experiencing erosion and sediment loss. This is a pressing concern as these sand dunes and their associated sandy beaches are one of the most important resources in Cornwall due to their role in providing: Protection against the risk of coastal flooding and Fistral Beach erosion. Porthtowan Important biologically diverse habitats that cannot be Par Sands easily recreated elsewhere. Harvey s Towans Access to the sea for residents and visitors alike, which is vital to the holiday industry and thus the local economy. Praa 0 10 20km Porthcothan Sands Scale It is therefore vital that the sand dunes and beaches around Beach & Dune Management Plan ©Crown Copyright Reserved Cornwall's coast are managed in a holistic, sustainable way over the long‐term that balances the needs of each of the three distinct functions of sand dunes and beaches. Project Aims and Objectives

To ensure that these vital resources are managed in such a The aim of Cornwall Beach and Dune Management Plans project way, in 2015 commenced the Cornwall is to provide a new BDMP for each location that: Beach and Dune Management Plans project and 1. Identifies the best day‐to‐day management approach in commissioned consultants CH2M to work with them and local terms of monitoring and intervention (when trigger levels communities to produce new BDMPs for the following nine are reached) requirements for the beach and dune system locations: at each location. Constantine Bay; 2. Provides a long‐term (50 year) approach to beach and dune management at each location that is based upon an Fistral Beach; up‐to‐date understanding of the beach‐dune system and Harvey's Towans; coastal processes at the site, as well as predictions of future coastal evolution. Par Sands; Porthcothan; Further Information Porthtowan; The full Porthcothan BDMP can be found on the Coastal pages of the Flood Risk section of the Cornwall Council website Praa Sands; (www.cornwall.gov.uk/floodrisk). Summerleaze; and For further information please contact: Widemouth Bay. Martin Clemo (Flood and Drainage Team Leader, Contracts and Commissioning Service). This leaflet summarises the key issues and Address: Cornwall Council, South Building, Central Group recommended management actions identified for Centre, Castle Canyke Road, , Cornwall, PL31 1DZ. Porthcothan. Email: [email protected].

ch2m.comch2m.comch2m.com Porthcothan Site Map Issues & Recommended Management Actions for Porthcothan The table below summarises the key issues and recommended management actions to be taken for Porthcothan.

Issue Recommended Management Actions

Erosion of beaches and dunes by natural processes, causing cliffing Construct boardwalks/steps at key erosion focus points along dune front and safe access issues. (See #1 on map) or over the stream if required. Intervene to realign stream channel and/or recover dunes only if erosion caused reaches trigger line, subject to obtaining necessary consents before works occur.

Lack of information / data relating to beach and dune levels and Coastal processes to continue to be monitored as part of BAP habitats. South West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme, Dune supported by regular visual inspection and recording of B3276 area changes in beach and dune. road Undertake Ecological survey to determine if BAP habitat #1 species is present in near future, then undertake regular monitoring.

Dune habitat management, including control of any non‐native Develop and implement a wider dune management plan invasive species within dune vegetation. to guide all aspects of managing dune habitat for Stream ecological gain. Aerial photography courtesy of the South West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme. Remove non‐native species by hand or mechanically and treat with a biodegradable herbicide. Legend Monitor dune vegetation. BDMP Limited funding to undertake management works. Community to take measures to raise funds for any Dune Extent management activities required.