2 Widemouth Bay

Appendix C Baseline Report

Stage 1 Report: Widemouth Bay

Cornwall Beach & Dune Management Plans

Prepared for Cornwall Council

9 July 2015

Ash House Falcon Road Sowton Exeter Devon EX2 7LB

Contents

Section Page 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Project aim, objectives and approach ...... 1 1.3 About this document ...... 4 2 Site Visit Report ...... 5 2.1 Attendees ...... 5 2.2 Site Visit Record ...... 5 2.3 Thoughts on Potential Management Solutions for Consideration ...... 6 2.4 Data Sources ...... 6 2.5 Photos ...... 7 3 Environmental Characteristics ...... 9 3.1 Introduction ...... 9 3.2 Methodology ...... 9 3.2.1 Designated Nature Conservation sites and Protected Habitats Considered ...... 9 3.3 Environmental Setting ...... 10 3.3.1 Ecology ...... 11 3.3.2 Designated Geological Conservation Sites ...... 14 3.3.3 Landscape Setting ...... 14 3.3.4 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage ...... 14 3.4 Main human impact pressures affecting the natural dynamics of the site ...... 14 4 Coastal Processes Understanding ...... 16 4.1 Introduction ...... 16 4.2 Shoreline Processes Overview ...... 16 4.2.1 Key Characteristics of the Coastline Today ...... 16 4.2.2 Forcing Factors ...... 21 4.2.3 Sediment Dynamics ...... 25 4.2.4 Historical Shoreline Change ...... 25 4.3 New Shoreline and Beach Profile Analysis ...... 25 4.4 Summary and Recommendations ...... 32 4.4.1 Summary ...... 32 4.4.2 Recommendations ...... 32 5 Site Summary ...... 33 5.1 Dune Inventory Summary ...... 33 6 References ...... 35

III

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1 Introduction

Figure 1.1 The interaction of beach systems that compose the ‘beach environment’ and which must be considered together to provide a holistic approach to beach management (after James, 2000 in Frampton, A.P.R. (2010). “A review of amenity beach management”. Journal of Coastal research, 26(6), 1112‐1122, November 2010). The approach to managing the beaches and sand dunes was investigated in between 2006 and 2009 by Halcrow on behalf of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Group, and led to the production of the Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy (Halcrow, 2009a). The main focus of the strategy is the management of flood and coastal erosion, although the habitat and tourism value of the dunes will also be considered. This 2009 project delivered an Inventory of Beaches and Dunes; a Best Practice Management Guide and two pilot Beach and Dune Management Plans (BDMPs) for Harvey’s Towans and Fistral Beach. It is this 2009 work that this current project is building upon to develop six new BDMPs and review the two pilot BDMPs (see Section 1.2). 1.2 Project aim, objectives and approach The purpose of the project is to develop six new long‐term strategic BDMPs for Constantine Bay, Porthtowan, Summerleaze, Par Sands, Widemouth Bay and Praa Sands; and review the need (or

1 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

otherwise) to update the two pilot BDMPs produced in 2009 for Fistral Beach and Harvey’s Towans. This will be achieved by: 1. Identifying the best management approach; in terms of monitoring and intervention (when trigger levels are reached) requirements for beach and dune systems at each individual site, based upon the best practice framework developed as part of the Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy produced by Halcrow in 2009. 2. Providing a long‐term (50 year) approach to each site that is based upon an up‐to‐date understanding of the beach‐dune system and coastal processes at each site, as well as predictions of future coastal evolution. The locations of these eight sites is shown in Figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2 Map showing location of the eight BDMP locations.

Development of the BDMPs will involve four stages. Local community stakeholders and statutory stakeholders will be engaged to seek local knowledge and guide selection of preferred management options. These stages, and the times when engagement with local community representatives and other statutory consultees is planned, are shown in the flow diagram below (Figure 1.3). This report represents outputs from “Stage 1 – Baseline Understanding.”

2 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

Stage 1 – Baseline Understanding

Inception Meeting and Develop Engagement Plan

Data collation and review Site visits (with stakeholders)

Environmental baseline Coastal processes understanding

Confirm findings with Cornwall Council

Stage 2 – Define Issues and Objectives Identify issues for each site

Define objectives for future management of each site

Confirm issues and objectives for future management of each site with Cornwall Council and Stakeholders

Stage 3 – Develop Future Management Options

Identify appropriate management options to address issues identified

Appraise options (including environmental assessment and determination of trigger levels)

Discuss and agree preferred management approaches for each site with Cornwall Council and Stakeholders

Stage 4 – Reporting

Produce Draft Beach and Dune Management Plans

Cornwall Council comment and review

Produce Final Beach and Dune Management Plans and Leaflets for informing general public

Figure 1.3 Overview of the staged approach to developing BDMPs for the eight locations around Cornwall.

3 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.3 About this document This report provides the results of the Stage 1 work to develop the baseline understanding of the Widemouth Bay BDMP location (see Figure 1.4). Specifically, it:  Reports the findings of a site visit made on 10th March 2015 by members of CH2M’s project team and invited stakeholders (Section 2);  Provides details of the environmental characteristics of the BDMP area (Section 3);  Describes the coastal processes and recent shoreline evolution of the beach and dune system in the area (Section 4);  Summarises the information from Sections 2, 3 and 4 into a revised dune inventory record for the site, updating the dune inventory record produced as part of the 2009 Cornwall Dune and Beach Management Strategy (Halcrow, 2009b) (Section 5).

Figure 1.4 Map showing the Widemouth Bay BDMP location and extent (red outline).

4 SECTION 2 SITE VISIT REPORT 2 Site Visit Report

Over a period of four days, three members of CH2M’s project team visited the eight BDMP sites to capture information about each site and take ground‐level photos. At each site, client representatives, stakeholders and local community groups were given the opportunity to attend, meet with the project team, discuss their aims and objectives for the site, and raise any issues and concerns. Information collected during the site visits will be considered when developing later stages of the project, including:  Stage 1 – Baseline Understanding (refer to Sections 3 and 4 of this report)  Stage 2 – Define Issues and Objectives; and  Stage 3 – Develop Future Management Options. The site visit report for the Widemouth Bay BDMP area, which was undertaken on 10th March 2015, is presented within this section and provides:  a list of attendees at each site (Section 2.1);  a record of the site visit including both factual information, comment and opinion provided stakeholders (Section 2.2);  a summary of potential management solutions identified on the day of the site visit for consideration in later stage of the project (Section 2.3);  a section on ‘Data Sources’ where CH2M’s project team were informed of, or provided with, relevant information at the site or following the site visit (Section 2.4); and  a selection of photographs taken during the site visit to highlight salient points (Section 2.5). The information presented is a record of both information recorded during the site visit, and additional information provided by stakeholders as comments on the draft site visit report between 8th and 15th April 2015. 2.1 Attendees Name Role Organisation

Emma Allan Senior Coastal Scientist CH2M Hill

Anne‐Marie Moon Senior Coastal Scientist CH2M Hill

Gareth Cann Countryside Ranger CORMAC, Cornwall Council

Bobbie Heathcote Parish Clerk Marhamchurch Parish Council (north)

Cllr Tony Perry Parish Councillor Marhamchurch Parish Council

Cllr Ray Hockin Parish Councillor Marhamchurch Parish Council

Comments on the draft site visit report for this location were received from: Martin Clemo and Jolyon Sharpe (Cornwall Council). 2.2 Site Visit Record The northern dunes are low but there is some marram grass. The cliffs to the north are eroding; in the 1920’s the Old Salt House existed and a road ran in front of it. At the junction of the northern cliffs/dunes, a small wooden bridge was located at the access point from dunes to beach (the current coastal path route), but was ripped out in storms in 2014. A stream flows through this area, and it is thought that the coastal path may need re‐routing, but there was evidence at the time of the site visit that sand is building back‐up again and this may not be necessary.

The front face of the dunes is eroding and there are boulders, which used to be buried. In the past Cornwall Council and volunteers have implemented dune management techniques to trap sand, including a fine mesh fence, although it did not prove successful and was unsightly. More recently, techniques such as planting Christmas trees and willow coppice have been implemented to help stabilise the dune front. The willow is cleared from another site and so is a waste material being reused. Where willow has been planted the dunes have begun to build behind (see Photograph 2.1). Landwards, the sand is mobile and migrating towards the Beach House.  In front of the privately owned beach huts, sand builds‐up restricting access (see Photograph 2.2). During the site visit, we were informed that sand has built up to the roof of the beach huts.  A car park was created by flattening the dunes (that themselves had developed on a flat field that had previously existed here), but was closed down in the 2000’s as sand kept blowing onto the car park.  Sand also blows onto the road (Marine Drive), although we were informed that the volume of sand on the road was not as bad this past winter (2014/2015) compared to the previous winter (2013/2014). At the location of the Council‐run car park (to the south of the stream), sand is blown onto the car park and requires clearing. When sand collects in the car park it cannot be returned to the beach as it may be polluted by oil, diesel etc. from cars. Beneath the beach car park, and extending seawards beneath the beach itself, is a trans‐Atlantic subsea communications cable. There has been at least one near miss in recent times where contractors almost struck the cable. Seaward of the car park, pebbles were removed from the beach last winter (2013/2014) by storm action to leave a significant drop at the foot of the access steps and disabled access ramp. The cobbles are now building back up and the bottom few steps are buried beneath the cobbles (see Photograph 2.3). To the south, at Black Rock end, the dunes are more fixed but the front face is eroding to form a steep‐ cliffed face (see Photograph 2.4). There are issues with water running down dunes and eroding. Within the dune face and dunes, there are large areas of bare sand where dunes have been trampled and there are many pathways through the dunes. There are a few main paths that are very eroded. Management needs to control access. As with Bude (Summerleaze), the beach levels are lower since the 2014 storms. The rock is more exposed and there are pebbles present where it was previously more sandy. At one point there was a slimy grey clay present between the rock at Black Rock. This was not present at the time of the site visit. 2.3 Thoughts on Potential Management Solutions for Consideration  The Beach Ranger feels sand trapping techniques would be of benefit here, possibly Christmas tree planting as trialled elsewhere could be coordinated during the winter of 2015/16. If implemented though, would need to be aware that fencing could be taken for barbecues etc. as Widemouth is a popular beach site. Plastic fencing may not look aesthetically pleasing.  Plant marram grass within the dunes to help stabilise them.  Willow could therefore be potential option, especially as it is available at no cost.  Consider implementing a ‘friends’ group to bring together local residents, businesses, landowners and beach users to help manage the site in an integrated and sustainable way in the future. 2.4 Data Sources None to report.

6 SECTION 2 SITE VISIT REPORT 2.5 Photos

Photograph 2.1 Willow planting to encourage dune development.

Photograph 2.2 Sand builds up in front of privately owned beach huts, restricting access.

Photograph 2.3 Build‐up of cobbles at bottom of access steps, burying bottom‐most steps.

Photograph 2.4 Eroding dune face with steep cliffing towards Black Rock end of Widemouth Bay.

8 SECTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS 3 Environmental Characteristics

3.1 Introduction The purpose of this section is to identify key environmental features within and near the Study Area. This is to ensure that appropriate consideration of these features is made when developing a future Beach and Dune Management Plan for Widemouth Bay (including ongoing monitoring and maintenance works and any new works that may be required). It should be noted that the level of detail presented in this document allows for an initial appraisal of environmental features to provide for an environmentally sustainable future management regime. This does not negate the requirement for future detailed environmental assessment which may be required to support consent applications or prejudge the scope of the assessment. Background information on possible consenting requirements and legislative drivers are described in the methodology section below.

3.2 Methodology Conservation designations and their qualifying interest features (with exception of Special Protected Areas (SPAs) see below), and UK priority Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats that lie within the study area or within 2km have been described and will require consideration during the development of the BDMPs. Only those features that are currently considered relevant to the Study Area, i.e. those that are likely to be impacted upon or are likely to have an influence on the proposed scheme, have been described. In the case of SPA sites, they have been considered within around 150km of the BDMP Study area and on the basis of bird‐habitat connectivity in line with standard practice for habitat regulations assessments (i.e. how the birds use the habitat in a region and so depend on different resources in a regional context, for example estuarine mudflats and fully marine areas at different stages of the tidal cycle). The designation information has been sourced using the online interactive mapping tool Magic http://www.magic.gov.uk/. 3.2.1 Designated Nature Conservation sites and Protected Habitats Considered The following nature conservation designations and their qualifying interests have been considered:  International Nature Conservation Sites: o The Natura 2000 European network of protected sites represents areas of the highest value for natural habitats and species of plants and animals that are rare, endangered or vulnerable in the European Community. o Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are strictly protected sites designated under the EC Habitats Directive, and contribute to conserving habitat and species identified in Annexes I and II of the Directive. o Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the EC Birds Directive, which came into force in April 1979. They are classified for rare and vulnerable birds (as listed on Annex I of the Directive), and for regularly occurring migratory species.  National and Local Conservation sites: o Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) sites are nationally designated sites, selected for being the best examples of our natural heritage in terms of wildlife habitats, geological features or landforms. A SSSI area is notified as being of special interest under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Geological SSSI sites may also afford further

designation as Geological Conservation Review sites (GCR) that make a special contribution to our understanding and appreciation of Earth science and the geological history of Britain, which stretches back hundreds of millions of years o Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 allows for the creation of MCZs. MCZs protect a range of nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology, and can be designated anywhere in English and Welsh territorial and UK offshore waters. 27 MCZs were designated in 2013 with a further round of six recommended MCZs (rMCZ) are being considered for 2015. o Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are declared and managed for nature conservation by local authorities under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, and provide opportunities for research and education, or simply enjoying and having contact with nature.  Habitats and Species The government has a commitment “to conserve and enhance the biological diversity within the UK and to contribute to the conservation of global biodiversity through all appropriate mechanisms”. Former Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) were developed at a national and local level to protect and enhance the diversity of flora and fauna. The UK BAP (Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan, 2004) set out action plans for priority species and habitats. As a result of devolution, and new country‐level and international drivers and requirements, much of the work previously carried out by the UK BAP is now focussed at a country‐level rather than a UK‐level, and the UK BAP was succeeded by the 'UK Post‐2010 Biodiversity Framework' in July 2012. The UK list of priority habitats, however, remains an important reference source and has been used to help draw up statutory lists of priority habitats in England, as required under Section 41 (England) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. Habitats and species of principal importance, which could potentially be affected by the management options, are considered.  Heritage Designations: o World Heritage Sites are designated to meet the UK's commitments under the World Heritage Convention. Sites are designated for their globally important cultural or natural interest and require appropriate management and protection measures. o Historic and archaeological sites of significance are designated as historical assets by English Heritage and include listed historic buildings, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, battlefields and protected wreck sites. They designation are afforded to protect against any future loss of their significance. o Heritage Coast is a section of coast exceeding one mile in length that is of exceptionally fine scenic quality, substantially undeveloped and containing features of special significance and interest.  Landscape Designations: o Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, amended in the Environment Act 1995, with responsibility of care assumed by local authorities and the rural community. 3.3 Environmental Setting The Study Area contains the following nature conservation designations. These are central in the consideration of options for the beach and dune management plan:  Tintagel‐Marsland‐Clovelly Coast SAC  Boscastle to Widemouth SSSI (biological and geological)

10 SECTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

 Hartland Point to Tintagel Recommended Marine Conservation Zone (under current consultation for designation 2015)  Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)  Heritage Coast  Archaeological and Cultural Heritage designated features. These features are shown on Figure 3.1 and discussed in further detail below.

Figure 3.1 Environmental designation features in the vicinity of the Widemouth Bay BDMP area.

3.3.1 Ecology 3.3.1.1 Designated Nature Conservation Sites The following nature conservation designations and their qualifying interest features are all within or lie in close proximity to the Study Area and will require consideration during the development of the BMP:  The southern rocky shore section of Widemouth encompasses the northern section of the Tintagel‐Marsland‐Clovelly Coast SAC. The SAC is designated for two European protected Annex I and priority BAP habitat, vegetated sea cliffs, Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum situated at various points along the coast and European dry heaths as a feature but not the reason for its designation.  Boscastle to Widemouth SSSI, is encompassed within the Marsland‐Clovelly Coast SAC. The SSSI is noted for its biological interest includes the unique Dizzard Oak woodland, maritime heaths and intertidal zones and geological features (noted in the geological section below). Designated sites identified and considered or discounted for bird‐habitat connectivity between the protected area and the site, are described below (see also Figure 3.2). Sites identified as having possible connectivity will require consideration during the development of the BDMP:

 Tamar Estuaries Complex is approximately 40km east south from Widemouth at its nearest point. The estuary system is a large marine inlet on the English Channel coast comprising the estuaries of the rivers Tamar, Lynher and Tavy. Habitats include extensive tidal mud‐flats bordered by saltmarsh communities. The mud‐flats contain extensive and varied infaunal communities rich in bivalves and other invertebrates, and feeding grounds for waterbirds in numbers of European importance. Saltmarshes provide important feeding and roosting areas for large numbers of wintering and passage waterbirds. This site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of Little Egret Egretta garzetta (on passage, and a population over winter) and Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta (over winter). Unlikely to be any connectivity with Widemouth due to the lack of estuarine influence.  Falmouth Bay to St Austell Bay pSPA is approximately 50km south from Widemouth at its nearest point. The proposed SPA (pSPA) supports rare wintering birds and diving birds that are proposed for designation under the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC). The pSPA is a large area, which encompasses the Fal and Helford SAC within the pSPAs north western section. The SAC site is designated under article 4 (4) of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) for the following Annex 1 habitats: Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time; Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide; Large shallow inlets and bays that include low tidal sandbanks and Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco‐Puccinellietalia maritimae). Other Annex I habitats that are present as a qualifying feature of the SAC but not the primary reason for selection include Estuaries and Reefs and includes the Annex II plant species Shore dock Rumex rupestris. Connectivity with Widemouth is a possibility. Habitat described within the MCZ (mentioned above) that may support diving birds and therefore consideration is required.  The Exe Estuary SPA (approximately 76km from Widemouth at its nearest point) is a complex of coastal habitats waters, foreshore, low‐lying land, three saltmarshes and an unusual double spit across the mouth of the estuary, and the sand dunes of Dawlish Warren. The mud and sandflats support Eelgrass Zostera spp. and Enteromorpha beds, and contain an abundance of invertebrates including extensive Mussel Mytilus edulis beds, which together provide rich feeding habitats for wintering waders and wildfowl. The site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of Annex I species Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta and Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus (over winter) and qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) as a wetland of international importance for regularly supporting at least 20,000 waterfowl. There is unlikely to be any connectivity with Widemouth due to the lack of estuarine influence.  Marizion Marsh SPA/SSSI is approximately 100km south from Widemouth at its nearest point. The marsh is at the mouth of a wide coastal valley, separated from the sea by a shingle bar with fringing sand dunes. The marsh is important for passage and wintering birds associated in particular with the extensive reedbed. The site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of Annex I species Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola (in passage) and Bittern Botaurus stellaris (over winter). Connectivity unlikely due lack of freshwater habitat at the site.  The Severn Estuary SPA/SSSI (approximately 109km from Widemouth at its nearest point) is located northwest between Wales and England. It is a large estuary with extensive intertidal mud‐flats and sand‐flats, rocky platforms and islands. Saltmarsh fringes the coast backed by grazing marsh with freshwater ditches and occasional brackish ditches. The seabed is rock and gravel with sub‐tidal sandbanks. High densities of ragworms, lugworms and other invertebrates form an important food source for passage and wintering waders and large numbers of wintering waterbirds, especially swans and ducks. The site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European importance of the following species listed on Annex I of the Directive: Bewick's Swan (over winter). This site also qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European importance of the following migratory species: Ringed Plover (on passage), Curlew, Dunlin, Pintail, Redshank and Shelduck. The area qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC)

12 SECTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

by regularly supporting at least 20,000 waterfowl. Connectivity with Widemouth is unlikely due to lack of estuarine influence and associated habitat.  Isles of Scilly SPA is approximately 150km southwest from its closest point. The SPA qualifies for its seabird assemblage of international importance and breeding seabird assemblage of European importance. The isolated nature of the islands and rocks, together with their low levels of disturbance and predation, makes them particularly suitable for nesting seabirds. This site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European importance of the following Annex I species Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus and Lesser Black‐ backed Gull Larus fuscus. The site also qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) for regularly supporting a seabird assemblage of international importance of at least 20,000 seabirds. The SPA boundary only encompasses those areas used for nesting. The vast majority of the feeding areas used by the seabirds are marine waters outside the SPA. Connectivity with feeding areas seaward around Widemouth is possible.

Figure 3.2 Potential bird‐habitat connectivity between the protected area and the BDMP site.

3.3.1.2 Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Habitats The following are listed as UK priority BAP habitats and are either represented in the Study Area or are within 1km. The following habitats have been identified from http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140605090108/http:/www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwor k/conservation/biodiversity/protectandmanage/habsandspeciesimportance.aspx (go to ‘list of habitats’) as likely to be found around the site:  Coastal Sand Dunes (Annex II, UK BAP priority habitat)  Maritime Cliffs and Slopes (UK priority BAP habitat)  Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles (Annex II habitat)  European dry heath habitat (Annex II, UK priority BAP habitat).

Note, no baseline habitat assessment report has been undertaken by Cornwall Council for Widemouth to date, therefore priority BAP habitat has been identified using records described in the online environmental mapping tool MAGIC in combination with the citation descriptions of habitat as described for the designated sites. Only habitats that are considered relevant to the Study Area, i.e. they are likely to be impacted upon or are likely to have an influence on beach management options, have been described. Firm confirmation of priority BAP habitat would require an ecological assessment. 3.3.2 Designated Geological Conservation Sites Boscastle to Widemouth Biological and geological SSSI encompasses five Geological Conservation Review sites. The geological sites within the area of Widemouth include (See Figure 3.1 above):  Widemouth to Crackington ‐ This site is comprised of extensive coastal exposures, where the typically developed basinal Namurian of south‐west England is clearly exposed. The entire Namurian represented by the Crackington formation is visible within the site, and the presence of rare goniatites has been vital in unravelling the complicated local stratigraphy. The section provides an excellent display of the sedimentary features associated with shallow water turbidites, and is of considerable interest for its spectacular structural features. An outstanding site for studies of palaeogeography, sedimentation and tectonics.  Widemouth to Saltstone Strand ‐ This coastal section lies within the above site and provides exposures of a sequence of folded and faulted sandstones of the Bude Formation (in the north) and shales and sandstones of the Crackington Formation (in the south). These rocks were deformed during the Variscan mountain building episode, towards the end of the Carboniferous Period. At the northern end of this section, fold structures are generally upright but further south become steeply inclined around Saltstone. The change in style of the fold marks an important structural boundary between a region of upright folds to the north and a region of inclined or flat‐lying folds, to the south, which is a major feature of the geology of South West England. At this locality the boundary has been the subject of very detailed study and its interpretation is of great significance in understanding the geological evolution of the region. The site Upton Coast, south of Summerleaze is a County Geology Site and features exposures of Upper Carboniferous Bude Formation sediments and structures, Quaternary at Widemouth (ERCCIS and Cornwall Wildlife Trust (2010)). 3.3.3 Landscape Setting The importance of landscape to the Widemouth area is recognised by the following nationally and regionally important designations (see Figure 3.1 above):  Widemouth is encompassed within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Pentire Point to Widemouth) is defined by the characteristics of unspoilt rocky coast, including the highest cliffs in Cornwall. Steep‐sided wooded valleys and important historic features such as the thirteenth century Tintagel Castle, prehistoric earthworks, and Iron Age cliff fortifications.  The Pentire Point to Widemouth Heritage Coast northerly edge starts approximately 0.5km south of Widemouth beach. 3.3.4 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage There are a number of historic sites, including the nationally designated Two bowl barrows Scheduled Monument (situated on the headland directly north at Widemouth), and listed buildings located within the area (see Figure 3.1 above). 3.4 Main human impact pressures affecting the natural dynamics of the site The following observations were made during the site visit in March 2015 (refer also to Section 2)  Trampling, erosion and loss of sand cover on dune

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 Additional pressures on the dune system and its management include seasonal population influx and car park (pollution).

15 SECTION 4 COASTAL PROCESSES UNDERSTANDING 4 Coastal Processes Understanding

4.1 Introduction This section of the report provides the coastal processes understanding for the Widemouth Bay BDMP area, which will be used in Stage 2 of the development of the BDMP for this area to help define the issues for each of the BDMP site and the objectives for their future management. Specifically, this section of the report presents a review of existing literature and the findings of new data analysis to assess the coastal processes and shoreline change at the BDMP location. The work draws primarily from key data sources, including the 2009 sediment budget report (Halcrow, 2009c), the SMP2 (Royal Haskoning, 2011b), latest beach profile monitoring data (Plymouth Coastal Observatory (PCO), 2014a and b) and new data received from stakeholders. It provides:  A review of past shoreline evolution, characteristics of the coastline today, hydrodynamics and sediment transport patterns, to provide a conceptual understanding of the coastline;  Review of the latest beach profile data by Plymouth Coastal Observatory (PCO);  Recommendations for consideration when developing the future management options. 4.2 Shoreline Processes Overview 4.2.1 Key Characteristics of the Coastline Today Widemouth Bay is located on the north coast of Cornwall, approximately 4km south of Bude (refer to Figure 4.1). The bay is defined to the north and south by rocky headlands, with high cliffs and shore platforms, composed primarily of Carboniferous sandstone with interbedded siltstones and mudstones (BGS, online). Lower‐lying cliffs line the backshore between the rocky headlands. A small stream exits to the sea to the north, which is protected with large rocks. At the northern and southern end of the bay, there are discrete areas of active sand dunes, between which are low cliffs (shown in Figure 4.1). The front face of the dunes to the north are eroding and sand is being blown across the surface, where it is accumulating around the beach huts or on the main road behind. Historically, a car park was created by flattening the dunes, but this was closed down in the 2000’s as sand kept blowing onto the car park. To the south, the dunes are high and appear to be climbing dunes, which have formed on top of the low‐cliff. The dune face is eroding and in some areas WWII anti‐tank blocks have been placed, where there has been a particular loss of dune vegetation. The aerial photographs in Figure 4.2 show how the dunes have changed between 2006 and 2013, with erosion and areas of bare sand present across the dune surface in 2010 and some recovery in 2013. Erosion risks exist along the length of Widemouth Bay, particularly in the vicinity of the beach car park and lifeguard station (Royal Haskoning, 2011b), where the cliffs and dune are at risk. There is no reported flood risk from sea flooding at Widemouth Bay, and only a low risk of fluvial flooding from the stream (Environment Agency, online). Management intervention at Widemouth Bay is limited to a section of armour stone rocks that extends along the toe of the dunes to the north (refer to Figure 4.3), across the stream and south to southern extent of the Widemouth Bay car park (refer to Figure 4.4). A concrete seawall and WWII anti‐tank blocks protect the Blackrock car park (refer to Figure 4.5). There has been previous attempts to trap sand on the face of the eroding dunes to the north using willow coppice (as shown in Figure 4.6) and Christmas trees. Widemouth Bay is located within SMP2 PDZ16 / Management Area 39 and the future management policy for the frontage is Managed Realignment for the first and second epochs (to 2055) and No Active Intervention for the third epoch (to 2105) (Royal Haskoning, 2011a). The SMP2 notes;

16 SECTION 4 COASTAL PROCESSES UNDERSTANDING

 For north Widemouth ‘realignment efforts to re‐establish naturally functioning dune system – provide improved natural defence and buffer zone, improve habitat status. Roll‐back may require support from land use planning system’.  For south Widemouth ‘realignment efforts to re‐establish naturally functioning dune system – provide improved natural defence and buffer zone, improve habitat status. Roll‐back may require support from land use planning system’.

Figure 4.1 Map showing location of Widemouth Bay and extent of BDMP (red outline).

2006

2010

2013 Figure 4.2 Historical photographs of Widemouth Bay (source: Plymouth Coastal Observatory)

18 SECTION 4 COASTAL PROCESSES UNDERSTANDING

Figure 4.3 Boulders along the dune toe of the northern dunes (taken during site visit 10th March 2015, looking north).

Figure 4.4 Rock revetment protecting Widemouth bay car park (taken during site visit 10th March 2015, looking south).

20 SECTION 4 COASTAL PROCESSES UNDERSTANDING

Figure 4.5 Seawall protecting Black Rock car park (taken during site visit 10th March 2015, looking south).

Figure 4.6 Willow coppice on northern dunes (taken during site visit 10th March 2015, looking north).

4.2.2 Forcing Factors 4.2.2.1 Typical Waves The coastline at Widemouth is orientated north‐west, with the beach and dunes facing approximately 310 degrees (north‐west). The predominant wave direction along the north coast of Cornwall is reported to be from the west to north‐west (approaching from 270o – 315o), however, large swell waves from the south to southwest will refract around the Lands End Peninsula and reach the most westerly facing beaches, (with reduced energy) (Royal Haskoning, 2011b), such as Widemouth Bay. The Perranporth Directional Waverider Buoy, operated as part of the South West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme (SWRCMP), is the nearest wave buoy to Widemouth Bay, and has been reviewed

for this study (refer to Figure 4.7 for the wave data point). The wave buoy is located approximately 50 miles south‐west from Widemouth Bay, and provides a record of wave height for a seven year period between 18th December 2006 and 30th June 2014. A plot of wave height in Figure 4.8 shows that the predominant wave direction in this area is from the west. The data set also indicates significant wave heights frequently exceed 5m during the winter months and that wave periods of 15 seconds and higher (i.e. powerful well waves generated by storms offshore) are not uncommon (Royal Haskoning, 2011b). Given the distance that the Perranporth Directional Waverider Buoy is located from Widemouth Bay, it is possible that it is not picking up waves from the south‐south‐west direction that could be important for processes here.

Figure 4.7 Map showing the location of the wave data collection point.

22 SECTION 4 COASTAL PROCESSES UNDERSTANDING

Figure 4.8 Offshore wave height recorded by the Perranporth Directional Waverider Buoy between 18th December 2006 and 30th June 2014 (PCO, 2014a).

4.2.2.2 Storm Waves Storm analysis undertaken by PCO (2014d) provides an overview of the storm conditions recorded by the Perranporth Directional Waverider Buoy since 2007. For each wave buoy in the SWRCMP, an individual storm threshold is set. A storm event is defined when significant wave heights equivalent to the 0.25 year return period (i.e. the threshold wave height (Hs) for 2 to 4 storms in an average year) occurs for set period of time (i.e. 16 hours). The significant wave height is calculated when a 5 year time series of data becomes available for the wave buoy and is then reset each year. Prior to that, the height is based on an educated conservative guess from looking at the wave data available. The reason that the 0.25 year return period is used is because the SWRCMP have found that in general there are 3 to 4 storms in any one year that result in the movement significant amounts of sediment. For their reporting, PCO produce a storm calendar. The calendar includes a graph, where each dot represents a storm (i.e. where the Hs exceeds the storm threshold) and shows the Hs for that particular storm. PCO plot the significant wave height for the 1 year return period for that particular buoy on the graph (calculated in the same way as significant wave height for the 0.25 year return period) as a red line. Where storms plot above the red line they are considered to be more severe/extreme and are listed in a separate table. The storm calendar and table for the Perranporth Directional Waverider Buoy are presented in Figure 4.9 and Table 4.1 respectively. The storm calendar shows that eight severe/extreme storms have exceeded the 1 year Return Period since 2007; three of those storms (38 %) occurred between October 2013 and February 2014. The

impact of these storms on beach change is described in Section 4.3.

Figure 4.9 Storm calendar for Perranporth (source: PCO, 2014b).

Table 4.1 Storms exceeding 1 year Return Period at Perranporth since deployment in 2007. Those occurring during the storm season October 2013 to February 2014 are shaded pink (source: PC0, 2014d).

Date Wave Height (m) Return Period

01/02/2014 7.28 Greater than 1 in 20 years

02/11/2013 7.06 1 in 10 years

27/12/2013 6.81 1 in 5 years

15/12/2011 6.75 1 in 5 years

12/03/2008 6.53 1 in 3 years

10/03/2008 6.37 1 in 2 years

11/11/2010 6.3 1 in 1 year

31/03/2010 6.25 1 in 1 year

4.2.2.3 Tides Tidal levels have been extracted from the current Admiralty Tide Tables (UKHO, 2013) for the closest location with the best available data, in this case Bude, and converted to Ordnance Datum (mOD); see Table 4.2. .

24 SECTION 4 COASTAL PROCESSES UNDERSTANDING

Table 4.2 Tide levels (in mOD) for Bude, adjusted from standard port Milford Haven.

Tidal Condition Tide Level (mOD)

Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) Data not available

Mean High Water Spring (MHWS) 3.70

Mean High Water Neap (MHWN) 2.10

Mean Sea Level (MSL) Data not available

Mean Low Water Neap (MLWN) Data not available

Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS) Data not available

Lowest Astronomical Tide (HAT) Data not available

4.2.3 Sediment Dynamics Sediment transport at Widemouth Bay is dominated by the onshore‐offshore movement of material in response to storms and general variation in the wave climate (Royal Haskoning, 2011b). Alongshore transport via littoral drift generally blocked by the presence of the rocky shore platforms (Royal Haskoning, 2011b). Some alongshore transport may occur due to tidal currents, though this is not thought to be significant (Royal Haskoning, 2011b). Much of the sand on the beach at Widemouth originates from erosion of the local geology (Royal Haskoning, 2011b). New sediments are derived from:  Offshore calcium carbonate sources (marine organisms); and  Erosion of the local cliffs, although the volume that the cliffs contribute is not reported on. 4.2.4 Historical Shoreline Change Widemouth Bay was not included as one of the nine locations in the Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy (Halcrow, 2009b) for which a detailed study was completed. Therefore analysis and interpretation of historical change from historical maps, historical aerial photographs and beach profiles is not available. However, for the SMP2, Royal Haskoning (2011b) reviewed previous studies and reported the following:  There have been no significant changes in the coastal plan form and position over the last 100 years (Halcrow, 2002).  Studies of historic aerial photography (Royal Haskoning, 2008) showed that there has been very significant erosion and degradation of the dune system at north Widemouth since 1946, when the dune system was much more extensive and well vegetated. 4.3 New Shoreline and Beach Profile Analysis Beach profile monitoring is undertaken by PCO for the SWRCMP and provides recent data and analysis for the beach at Widemouth. A summary of the findings from the latest annual survey report (PCO, 2014a) are presented in this section and provide an overview of beach profile change in the past year, between Spring 2013 and Spring 2014, and over the longer‐term from the baseline survey in 2007 to the most recent survey in Spring 2014. It should be noted that the assessment of CSA for the profiles at Widemouth Bay exclude the dunes, covering only beach change.  In the past year, between Spring 2013 and Spring 2014 (refer to Figure 4.10), all profiles have lost material, with profiles 7b01355 to 7b01368 all losing over 30m2 of material.

 Over the longer term, between 2007 and Spring 2014 (refer to Figure 4.11), a similar trend of beach loss has occurred, with the exception of profile 7b01365, which has gained around 3% in cross‐ sectional area.  Mapping of the Mean High Water contour (refer to Figure 4.12) between 2007 and 2014 shows that the upper beach position has fluctuated over the survey period, with no clear trend. This reiterates the cross‐shore and dynamic nature of the beach discussed in Section 4.2.3.  Observations made during the site visit on the 10th March found the dunes to be generally eroding, with accumulations of wind‐blown sand across access routes to the beach and against beach‐huts (refer to Figure 4.13). The dunes to the south shows signs of erosion, which dune cliffing evident. Although some of this erosion may be attributed to recent storms, pedestrian pressure is also thought to be a cause and there are various access pathways which cross the dunes (refer to Figure 4.14) As part of the SWRCMP, PCO have also prepared two reports (PCO, 2014d and 2014e), which examine the change to a selection of the beaches along the south‐west coast, with a view to identify how beach change occurring as a result of the 2013/2014 winter storms compares to the longer‐term behaviour of the beach. For the first report (PCO (2014d) have undertaken analysis of beach profile data to assess beach volume change over the longer term (typically between 2003 and 2013), the 2013/2014 winter storm period (typically between October/September 2013 and February 2014), and over a post‐storm period between winter 2013/2014 and summer 2014. The second report (PCO, 2014e) provides the results of topographic difference modelling undertaken by the Environment Agency. The modelling compares the last available LiDAR flown sometime before the 2013/2014 winter storms and LiDAR flown after the 2013/2014 storms. Where this analysis has been completed for the BMP sites, a summary of the changes are described below.  The long‐term volume change between the baseline survey in 2007 and Summer 2013 was 35,000m3. The net change over the 2013/2014 winter period (from December 2013 to March 2014) was ‐71,819m3, but the net change from Winter 2013/14 to Summer 2014 was 16,886m3. The percentage of beach volume recovered by Summer 2014 was therefore +24% (refer to Figure 4.15).  A topographic difference model plot has not been prepared for Widemouth Bay.

26 SECTION 4 COASTAL PROCESSES UNDERSTANDING

Figure 4.10 Beach profile change at Widemouth Spring 2013 to Spring 2014 (source: PCO, 2014a).

Figure 4.11 Beach profile change at Widemouth baseline 2007 to Spring 2014 (source: PCO, 2014a).

28 SECTION 4 COASTAL PROCESSES UNDERSTANDING

Figure 4.12 MHW contour change at Widemouth (source: PCO, 2014a).

Figure 4.13 Northern dunes with accretion of wind‐blown sand against the beach huts (taken during site visit 10th March 2015, looking north).

Figure 4.14 Southern dunes showing dune face erosion as a result of storm damage and public access, with. WWII anti‐tank blocks in back ground (taken during site visit 10th March 2015, looking south).

30 SECTION 4 COASTAL PROCESSES UNDERSTANDING

Figure 4.15 Beach volume change at Widemouth Bay (source: PCO, 2014b).

4.4 Summary and Recommendations 4.4.1 Summary The beach at Widemouth is west facing and subject to a dominant westerly wave regime. Alongshore transport is limited, with the movement of sediment generally across the beach. Beach profile monitoring data shows the beach to the north to be accreting and generally stable, but the beach to the south is eroding. Wind‐blown sand is a feature on the dunes to the north and south, and as also shown by the serial photographs at the time when the 2010 photograph was taken the dune vegetation is buried by sand. To the north, wind‐blown sand builds up against the beach huts and is also blown onto the main road. Aerial photographs show the dunes to the north and south of the bay to be eroding; it is likely that this is at least partially due to recreational pressures such as high footfall. 4.4.2 Recommendations The key issues at Widemouth are one of dune erosion and one of wind‐blown sand; the first, caused primarily by day‐to‐day recreational pressure, which is resulting in erosion/dissection of the dunes and therefore leaves them more vulnerable to storm attack as well losing recreational benefit. The latter, is resulting in build‐up of sand in front of the beach huts and buildings to the north of the bay and as well as blowing across the main road which generates health and safety issues, and requires maintenance which is in turn costly. The key recommendation at Widemouth Bay is to help to trap the wind‐blown sand by retaining it on the dunes using dune management techniques before it is blown onto the beach huts and road. This would be helped by carefully managing access routes through the dunes, thereby allowing the dune vegetation to grow, trap sand and for the dunes to stabilise. Planting of new vegetation may enhance this recovery, although the suitability of the dune site should be investigated in the first instance.

32 SECTION 5 SITE SUMMARY 5 Site Summary

5.1 Dune Inventory Summary DUNE SYSTEM WIDEMOUTH BAY

CHARACTERISTICS

LOCATION MAP  See Figure 1.2.

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH  See Figure 4.2.

DUNE EXTENT  See Figure 1.4.

AREA OF SITE  Active 3 ha  Total 3 ha DUNE TYPE  Climbing.  Linear. MORPHOLOGICAL  Small discrete areas of active dunes. FEATURES OF DUNES  Frontal erosion of dunes at north end of bay.  Accretion of dune sediment at south end of bay. PAST (150 YRS)  Analysis of historic maps indicates no significant change to coastal EVOLUTION OF DUNES plan form and position.  Analysis of aerial photography shows very significant erosion and degradation of dune system since 1946.  A car park was previously constructed by flattening dunes; now closed. VEGETATION TYPE  Yellow Dune, Grey Dune

BACKSHORE  Developed land rising behind CHARACTERISTICS COASTAL SETTING  West facing dunes.  Small stream enters sea at north end of bay.  Rocky headlands to north and south of bay, with high cliffs and shore platforms.  High cliffs in centre of bay.

DRIVERS

LINKS TO ADJACENT  There are no significant movements of sand outside of the bay. COAST  Beach sediments are frequently and rabidly redistributed under storm conditions although the bay headlands retain material within the local area. WIND ENERGY  No contemporary data identified. Refer to SMP1 (Halcrow, 1999) for historical data. WAVE ENERGY  See Sections 4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2.

WATER LEVELS  See Section 4.2.2.3.

SEDIMENT BUDGET  Majority of sediment derived from erosion of local cliffs.

 Carbonate material is also a source of contemporary beach sediment.

PRESSURES

ENVIRONMENTAL  Tintagel‐Marsland‐Clovelly Coast SAC. DESIGNATIONS  Boscastle to Widemouth SSSI (biological and geological).  Potential UK BAP Priority Habitats with management objective (Coastal Sand Dunes; Maritime Cliff and Slope; Old sessile oak woods; European dry heath).  See Section 3.3 also. ARCHAEOLOGY/  Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). HERITAGE  Heritage Coast.  Archaeological and Cultural Heritage designated features including the nationally designated Two bowl barrows Scheduled Monument (situated on the headland directly north at Widemouth) (refer also to Section 3.3.4). LAND USE  Land behind dune system developed for tourism and residents.  Car park within dunes. RECREATIONAL  Popular with tourists and residents. PRESSURES  Dunes restricted and fragmented by tourism development.  Beach huts experience sand accretion in front of them.  Erosion along access route between car park and beach as well as ‘undefined’ paths. SAND EXTRACTION/  None. DREDGING

COASTAL DEFENCES  None. CURRENT MANAGEMENT  Manual beach cleaning. PRACTICES  Blown sand cleared car park removed from site (and so coastal system) due to pollution issues.

SHORELINE  Policy Unit 39.2 (Black Rock / south Widemouth): MANAGEMENT PLAN o Short term = Managed Realignment; medium term = Managed POLICY Realignment; long term = No Active Intervention. (from Royal Haskoning, o Policy intent = “Realignment efforts to re‐establish naturally 2011a) functioning dune system – provide improved natural defence and buffer zone, improve habitat status. Roll‐back may require support from land use planning system.”  Policy Unit 39.3 (North Widemouth): o Short term = Managed Realignment; medium term = Managed Realignment; long term = No Active Intervention. o Policy intent = “Realignment efforts to re‐establish naturally functioning dune system – provide improved natural defence and buffer zone, improve habitat status. Roll‐back may require support from land use planning system.” MANAGED BY  Cornwall Council.

34 SECTION 6 REFERENCES 6 References

 ERCCIS and Cornwall Wildlife Trust (2010). County Geology Site Criteria for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  Frampton, A.P.R. (2010). A review of amenity beach management. Journal of Coastal research, 26(6), 1112‐1122, November 2010.  Halcrow (2009a). Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy. Report produced by Halcrow Group Limited for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory Group, September 2009.  Halcrow (2009b). Sand Dune Inventory. Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy. Report produced by Halcrow Group Limited for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory Group, September 2009.  Halcrow (2009c). Sediment Budget Report. Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy. Report produced by Halcrow Group Limited for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory Group, September 2009.  Halcrow (2002). Futurecoast CD. Produced by Halcrow Group Ltd for Defra.  Halcrow (1999). Land’s End to Hartland Point Shoreline Management Plan. Volumes 1 to 4. Report produced by Halcrow Group Limited for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Group.  Plymouth Coastal Observatory (PCO) (2014a). Annual Survey Report. Land’s End to Hartland Point. Report Number AR43. Report produced for the South West Regional Monitoring Programme, September 2014.  Plymouth Coastal Observatory (PCO) (2014b). Review of South West Coast Beach Response to Wave Conditions During the Winter of 2013‐2014. Report Number SW SR01. Report produced for the South West Regional Monitoring Programme, June 2014.  Royal Haskoning (2011a). Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Shoreline Management Plan Review (SMP2). Report for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Group. February 2011.  Royal Haskoning (2011b). Cornwall and Isles of Scilly SMP2. Main Report, Final. Report produced by Royal Haskoning for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory Group, February 2011.  Royal Haskoning (2011c). Cornwall and Isles of Scilly SMP2. Appendix C, Review of Coastal Processes and Geomorphology, Final Report. Report produced by Royal Haskoning for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory Group, February 2011. Report reference 9T8801.  United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, UKHO (2013). Admiralty Tide Tables. Volume 1. United Kingdom and Ireland. Reference NP201‐13.

Appendix D Options Appraisal

Stage 3 Report: Future Management Options for Widemouth Bay

Cornwall Beach & Dune Management Plans

Prepared for Cornwall Council

22 January 2016

Ash House Falcon Road Sowton Exeter Devon EX2 7LB

Contents

Section Page 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Project aim, objectives and approach ...... 2 1.3 About this document ...... 4 2 Widemouth Bay ...... 5 2.1 Options Appraisal ...... 5 2.2 Options Summary ...... 15 3 References ...... 17

III

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1 Introduction

1.1 Background Many of the sand dunes and beaches around Cornwall’s coast 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: 1. Their role in providing protection against the risk of coastal flooding due to the dynamic nature of beach‐dune interactions and their sheer size preventing the sea from impacting upon the hinterland behind the dune systems. 2. Their role in providing important biologically diverse habitats that cannot be easily recreated elsewhere if it were to be lost to coastal erosion or inappropriate development. 3. Their role in providing access to the sea for residents and visitors alike, which is vital to the holiday industry upon which a significant proportion of Cornwall’s economy depends. It is vital therefore that the sand dunes and beaches around Cornwall’s coast, that represent some 15% of the total sand dune habitat in Britain, 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 that combined make up the beach‐dune system. The approach to managing the beaches and sand dunes in Cornwall (refer to Figure 1.1) was investigated in between 2006 and 2009 by Halcrow (now CH2M) on behalf of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Group, and led to the production of the Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy (Halcrow, 2009). The main focus of the strategy is the management of flood and coastal erosion, although the habitat and tourism value of the dunes are also considered. This 2009 project delivered an Inventory of Beaches and Dunes; a Best Practice Management Guide and two pilot Beach and Dune Management Plans (BDMPs) for Harvey’s Towans and Fistral Beach. It is this 2009 work that this current project is building upon to develop six new BDMPs and review the two pilot BDMPs (see Section 1.2).

Figure 1.1 Map showing location of all dune locations in Cornwall assessed as part of the Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy (Halcrow, 2009).

1 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.2 Project aim, objectives and approach The purpose of the project is to develop six new long‐term strategic BDMPs for Constantine Bay, Porthtowan, Summerleaze, Par Sands, Widemouth Bay and Praa Sands; and review the need (or otherwise) to update the two pilot BDMPs produced in 2009 for Fistral Beach and Harvey’s Towans [NB: following Stage 1 of this project – see below – it was confirmed that the two 2009 pilot BDMPs will be updated though this project]. This will be achieved by: 1. Identifying the best management approach; in terms of monitoring and intervention (when trigger levels are reached) requirements for beach and dune systems at each individual site, based upon the best practice framework developed as part of the Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy produced by Halcrow in 2009. 2. Providing a long‐term (50 year) approach to each site that is based upon an up‐to‐date understanding of the beach‐dune system and coastal processes at each site, as well as predictions of future coastal evolution. The locations of these eight sites is shown in Figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2 Map showing location of the eight BDMP locations.

2 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

Stage 1 – Baseline Understanding

Inception Meeting and Develop Engagement Plan

Data collation and review Site visits (with stakeholders)

Environmental baseline Coastal processes understanding

Confirm findings with Cornwall Council

Stage 2 – Define Issues and Objectives Identify issues for each site

Define objectives for future management of each site

Confirm issues and objectives for future management of each site with Cornwall Council and Stakeholders

Stage 3 – Develop Future Management Options

Identify appropriate management options to address issues identified

Appraise options (including environmental assessment and determination of trigger levels)

Discuss and agree preferred management approaches for each site with Cornwall Council and Stakeholders

Stage 4 – Reporting

Produce Draft Beach and Dune Management Plans

Cornwall Council comment and review

Produce Final Beach and Dune Management Plans and Leaflets for informing general public

Figure 1.3 Overview of the staged approach to developing BDMPs for the eight locations around Cornwall; current stage highlighted by red box.

3 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.3 About this document This report identifies and appraises potential management options to address the issues and objectives identified in Stage 2 (CH2M, 2015b) as being ‘in scope’ for the Widemouth Bay BDMP area. These issues were identified from the baseline understanding developed for this location as part of Stage 1 (CH2M, 2015a). The potential management options to appraise have been identified using the Sand Dune Management Techniques Decision Support Tool (Halcrow, 2009), updated with additional techniques identified as part of Stage 3 of this current project. The updated tool and associated user guide will form part of the final project deliverables at the end of Stage 4 (refer to Table 1.3 above). Each potential option is appraised technically, environmentally and economically in the following way:  Technical Appraisal considers the likely performance of different options giving consideration to the understanding of coastal processes determined in Stage 1 of the project for the BDMP location. This aspect also considers likely trigger points when either management intervention should occur or when a change in management approach will likely to be implemented.  Environmental Appraisal considers potential impacts of options upon features of environmental designation and amenity, drawing upon baseline information defined Stage 1 of the project for the BDMP location.  Economic Appraisal is based (where appropriate) upon a broad assessment of costs of each option (low: £0‐£5k per 100m run; medium: £5k‐£50k per 100m run; high: £50k + per 100m run) as informed by ‘costs’ contained in the updated Sand Dune Management Techniques Tool referred to above. The level of maintenance required for each option (None: No maintenance required; low: Maintenance required within a 10 year period; medium: maintenance required every 1 to 10 years; high: maintenance required at least yearly) is also provided, as informed by ‘maintenance’ contained in the updated Sand Dune Management Techniques Tool. Where information is available, the Present Value1 (PV) ‘SMP2 stated costs’ for implementation of the stated policy and ‘SMP2 stated benefits’ (value of properties protected) for the policy (Royal Haskoning, 2011), and associated benefit cost ratio’s2 (BCR) are also given. The appraisal of options for Widemouth Bay is presented in the remainder of the document. The appraisal of all options is presented in tabular form, followed by a short summary discussion of what is considered the preferred approach to future management for the location, referring back to the project aims (refer to Section 1.2) and site specific objectives identified for Widemouth Bay in Stage 2 of this project (CH2M, 2015b).

1 Present value is the estimated current value of a future amount of money to be received or paid out, discounted at an appropriate rate.

2 Benefit cost ratio is a technique to value a project, directly comparing benefits and costs. The higher the BCR, the greater the benefits relative to the costs.

4 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY 2 Widemouth Bay

Widemouth Bay is located on the north coast of Cornwall, approximately 4km south of Bude (refer to Figure 2.1).

Figure 2.1 Map showing the Widemouth Bay BDMP location and extent (red outline).

2.1 Options Appraisal The following Table 2.1 contains appraisal of a range of possible options for future beach and dune management for Widemouth Bay to address the issues and objectives identified for this location as part of Stage 2 of this project (refer to Section 1.3).

5 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

Table 2.1 Options Appraisal Table for Widemouth Bay ID Issue Description BDMP Objective for Issue Current Sand Dune Management Category and Short (0‐20 Comments / Additional Technical Appraisal of Options Environmental Appraisal of Economic Appraisal Management Technique (identified from the Sand years), Medium Categories / Options of Options Practice related Dune Management Preliminary (20‐50 year) or Techniques To Be to issue Decision Assistance Tool (Halcrow, Long Term (50‐ Investigated 2009); UPDATED 2015) 100 years) Action

1 The front face of the dunes is eroding, posing Work with natural processes Maintenance of STABILISATION Short term Note that hard The rock armour would have STABILISATION Planting access difficulties where resulted in steep to minimise risk in the rock armour. protection measures sustainability issues in the long term.  Planting (and to prevent Long term positive benefits to Cost: low/medium, cliffing of the dune face. In places, rock future, through promotion has been added here as Cliffing and undermining of the beach access to planted/ thatched improvement of designated site (medium armour has been placed at the dune toe, of ongoing dune restoration areas maintenance of rock would be an ongoing problem in features and BAP habitat. Assuming maintenance) though this is unlikely to be sustainable over using methods that armour is an front of the hard defences. native plants are used and  Thatching (and to prevent Thatching / Mulching 50 years. encourage sediment issue/objective. Maintenance would be acceptable represent species on site. access to planted/ thatched etc Storm events can cause reversal (erosion) of entrapment and dune under the SMP policy, but growth. areas replacement would not be an option. Possible impacts from stabilisation Cost: low, (high dune stabilisation measures that otherwise works on designated (SAC, rMCZ  Mulching/ Matting/ Sand Would inhibit the natural interaction maintenance) work with some success in the area to and SSSI)/rare/protected species, Binders between the beach and backshore / stabilise the dunes and encourage dune re‐ although can be mitigated by best Control fencing growth. dunes.  Control Fencing (see also practice methods being applied. Cost: low, Defined access pathways ACCESS MANAGEMENT) (medium/high (boardwalks) should be incorporated HRA screening may be required to ACCESS MANAGEMENT establish no likely significant maintenance) Short term to restrict access to certain areas,  Zoning combined with information signage. effects on the SAC (and rMCZ Zoning assessment if becomes Cost: medium, (high  Boardwalks Stabilisation measures in the short designated). and medium term could be maintenance)  Control Fencing ACCESS MANAGEMENT incorporated, to address erosion Boardwalks MORPHOLOGICAL MODIFICATION issues, such as willow fencing and Positive impact to designated site Short term Cost: medium, planting, which has worked well in features and BAP habitat from  Dune Fencing (medium the past. This will also help to ensure access management. maintenance)  Planting (see STABILISATION). sediment is kept within the system as Advantages: natural processes can much as possible. Bulldozing /  Bulldozing / Contouring (see continue; eroded areas are able to contouring STABILISATION). recover; zoning limits trampling HARD PROTECTION METHODS and erosion to zoned pathways and Cost: low, (medium Short term boardwalks encourage use of maintenance)  Rock Revetments designated paths. Rock revetment Disadvantages: Existing access High costs, but with routes may need to be redirected relatively low or closed; relocation of access maintenance routes and SW coastal path needs to be considered carefully as not to impact on other designated features present; may impact upon natural dune processes An HRA screening may be required to establish no likely significant effects on the SAC (and rMCZ assessment if becomes designated). This will need to be confirmed with Natural England. MORPHOLOGICAL MODIFICATION Long term positive benefits to improvement of designated features and BAP habitat. Possible impacts from fencing/planting works on designated features/protected species, although can be mitigated by best practice methods being applied. HRA screening may be required to establish no likely significant

6 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

ID Issue Description BDMP Objective for Issue Current Sand Dune Management Category and Short (0‐20 Comments / Additional Technical Appraisal of Options Environmental Appraisal of Economic Appraisal Management Technique (identified from the Sand years), Medium Categories / Options of Options Practice related Dune Management Preliminary (20‐50 year) or Techniques To Be to issue Decision Assistance Tool (Halcrow, Long Term (50‐ Investigated 2009); UPDATED 2015) 100 years) Action effects on SAC (and rMCZ assessment if becomes designated). This will need to be confirmed with Natural England. Fencing can be destroyed by storm‐ wave action. Fencing, when damaged, can be visually unattractive with possible impacts to setting of designated landscape features and setting, of archaeological/cultural heritage features. Best practise maintenance management can mitigate this. HARD PROTECTION METHODS Possible impacts from construction works to designated/protected species. Possible impacts from construction works to rMCZ features by possible direct impacts and potential release of sediment into the water column to potentially smother subtidal habitats Possible negative impact to designated geological features by inhibiting natural processes The presence of plant on the beach may cause disturbance to birds (designated feature) Temporary presence of plant associated with implementing any works could have a temporary adverse impact on landscape character and visual amenity. Possible impact to designated site (SAC, SSSI and MCZ) features (geological, plants and birds) from works HRA screening may be required to establish no likely significant effects on SAC (and rMCZ assessment if becomes designated Jan 2016). This will need to be confirmed with Natural England.

2 Cliff and dune erosion at the north end of the Reduce the risk of future ADAPT BACKSHORE Short/Medium SMP policy is MR. Investigate ADAPT BACKSHORE SMP2 bay are eroding, posing risk to highway coastal erosion to MANAGEMENT/USES term relocation of the highway and coastal MANAGEMENT/USES Minor MR works infrastructure and the coastal path (NB: development and path (implementation will be  Adapt Backshore Positive impact to designated site Total costs: £73k (PV) access route via bridge destroyed by 2014 infrastructure through Management/ Uses dependent on local planning policy features and BAP habitat by storms). coastal adaptation measures and landownership) to allow erosion allowing natural processes and Total benefits: £15.3k (e.g. rollback of existing of the cliff and rollback of the dunes, development/improvement of (PV) development) and directing leading to NAI in the future. native species. BCR: 0.21 future development away

7 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

3 Beach and dune levels vary regularly over Ensure existing coastal Monitoring by MONITORING Short term Specify locations, Requires ongoing commitment from MONITORING The regional coastal short periods of time. Monitoring as part of monitoring is continued, the South West landward extents pf coastal monitoring programme monitoring  Monitoring Schemes Will inform management decision the South West Regional Coastal Monitoring modified as necessary to Coastal profiles and frequency (funded nationally) and the council. that can assist in the promotion of programme is funded Programme does not occur frequently provide greater coverage Monitoring of beach profiles Increased extent (beach and dunes) these features to ensure a positive nationally by enough to detect these rapid variations. and frequency of survey to Programme required. Landward and frequency of surveys (including long term impact on designated Government. Funding Monitoring has also only been occurring provide greater levels of since 2007. limited particularly post storm) will help understand sites and BAP habitat. for the next 5 years consistently since 2007 so longer‐term data to inform future important to define dune and beach behaviour, monitor (to 2021/22) has trends are not necessarily apparent in the management decisions. dune extent being the performance of management recently been available data. Continuation of monitoring is monitored. methods and inform future committed. needed. The extent/coverage of monitoring management decisions to address Monitoring and the frequency with which it occurs could erosion issues. both be increased to ensure it provides Cost: medium, (high sufficient information covering both the maintenance) beach and sand dunes to inform future management decisions.

4 Wind‐blown sand onto roads and car parks Seek to minimise loss of Sand removal SEDIMENT MODIFICATION Short term Relocation of the car park in the SEDIMENT MODIFICATION Beach recycling / behind the dunes requires regular clearance sediment from the from car park. short to medium term reprofiling  Beach Recycling and Beach recycling/profiling has the by Cornwall Council. Sand removed from site beach/dune system via (implementation will be dependent Reprofiling (see potential to smother designated Cost: medium, due to pollution risks thus reducing overall clearance of sand blown STABILISATION). on local planning policy and features/protected species/BAP (medium volume of sediment in the coastal system. onto road and parking areas. landownership) would reinstate habitat. maintenance)  Beach Nourishment natural processes at the back of the HRA screening may be required to Beach nourishment STABILISATION dune system, allow rollback in this Short term location and negate the wind blow establish no likely significant Cost: high, (medium  Planting (and to prevent sand issue in this location. However, effects on SAC (and rMCZ maintenance) access to planted/ thatched short term measures to reduce sand assessment if becomes designated areas Planting blown onto roads and car parks, such Jan 2016). This will need to be  Thatching (and to prevent as fencing could be used, combined confirmed with Natural England. Cost: low/medium, (medium access to planted/ thatched with redistribution of accumulated STABILISATION areas material along these fences (i.e. maintenance) Long term positive benefits to recycling), to ensure sediment is kept  Mulching/ Matting/ Sand improvement of designated site Thatching / Mulching within the system as much as Binders features and BAP habitat. Assuming etc possible. Signage/safety native plants are used and Cost: low, (high  Control Fencing (see also messages/education boards would represent species on site. maintenance) ACCESS MANAGEMENT) also be needed to discourage ACCESS MANAGEMENT Short term vandalism of fencing and access over Possible impacts from stabilisation Control fencing rock armour. Defined access works on designated (SAC, rMCZ

8 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

ID Issue Description BDMP Objective for Issue Current Sand Dune Management Category and Short (0‐20 Comments / Additional Technical Appraisal of Options Environmental Appraisal of Economic Appraisal Management Technique (identified from the Sand years), Medium Categories / Options of Options Practice related Dune Management Preliminary (20‐50 year) or Techniques To Be to issue Decision Assistance Tool (Halcrow, Long Term (50‐ Investigated 2009); UPDATED 2015) 100 years) Action  Zoning pathways (boardwalks, designed for and SSSI)/rare/protected species, Cost: low, disabled access also) should be although can be mitigated by best (medium/high  Boardwalks incorporated to restrict access to practice methods being applied. maintenance)  Control Fencing these areas, combined with HRA screening may be required to Zoning information signage. establish no likely significant Cost: medium, (high Would require ongoing commitment effects on the SAC (and rMCZ maintenance) to maintain safe access routes, assessment if becomes signage etc. designated). This will need to be Boardwalks If sediment in the system become confirmed with Natural England. Cost: medium, overly diminished then beach ACCESS MANAGEMENT (medium maintenance) nourishment may need to be Positive impact to designated site considered at a point in the future. features and BAP habitat from However this is unlikely to be access management. economically viable and lead to further encroachment of sand on Advantages: natural processes can roads and car parks. As such, it is not continue; eroded areas are able to considered appropriate at this time. recover; zoning limits trampling and erosion to zoned pathways and boardwalks encourage use of designated paths. Disadvantages: Existing access routes may need to be redirected or closed; relocation of access routes and SW coastal path needs to be considered carefully as not to impact on other designated features present; may impact upon natural dune processes An HRA screening may be required to establish no likely significant effects on the SAC (and rMCZ assessment if becomes designated). This will need to be confirmed with Natural England.

5 Beneath the beach car park, and extending Ensure future management Cable NONE PREVIOUSLY DEFINED Make sure This would need to be taken into No specific actions to assess but N/A seawards beneath the beach/dunes, is a of the beach and dunes does maintained by management options consideration if the beach car park is designated sites and BAP features trans‐Atlantic sub‐sea communications cable. not adversely impact the communications assessed take this into relocated. However, options will need to be considered The cable is marked by signage. sub‐sea communications company. consideration. considered here should actively cable. encourage sand to be retained in the dune system to limit cable exposure.

6 Access paths covered by sand and/or eroded Ensure safe access to site for ACCESS MANAGEMENT Short term Measures to reduce sand blown onto ACCESS MANAGEMENT Zoning inhibits/hinders safe access for all visitors. all visitors along defined access paths, such as fencing could  Zoning Positive impact to designated site Cost: medium, (high paths and that sediment be used, combined with measures to features and BAP habitat from maintenance) cleared is retained within  Boardwalks retain sand on the dune system, access management. Boardwalks beach‐dune system.  Control Fencing using stabilisation measures such as willow and planting, which has Advantages: natural processes can Cost: medium, SEDIMENT MODIFICATION Short term worked well in the past. This will help continue; eroded areas are able to (medium  Beach Recycling and with health and safety issues with recover; zoning limits trampling maintenance) Reprofiling (see blown sand on access paths and will and erosion to zoned pathways and Control fencing STABILISATION). help to ensure sediment is kept boardwalks encourage use of designated paths. Cost: low, STABILISATION within the system as much as Short term possible. Occasional sediment Disadvantages: Existing access (medium/high  Planting (and to prevent recycling from path to dune may be routes may need to be redirected maintenance) access to planted/ thatched required. Defined access pathways or closed; relocation of access areas (boardwalks) should be incorporated routes and SW coastal path needs

9 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

ID Issue Description BDMP Objective for Issue Current Sand Dune Management Category and Short (0‐20 Comments / Additional Technical Appraisal of Options Environmental Appraisal of Economic Appraisal Management Technique (identified from the Sand years), Medium Categories / Options of Options Practice related Dune Management Preliminary (20‐50 year) or Techniques To Be to issue Decision Assistance Tool (Halcrow, Long Term (50‐ Investigated 2009); UPDATED 2015) 100 years) Action  Thatching (and to prevent to restrict access to key areas, to be considered carefully as not to Beach recycling / access to planted/ thatched combined with information signage. impact on other designated reprofiling areas Would require ongoing commitment features present; may impact upon Cost: medium, natural dune processes  Mulching/ Matting/ Sand to maintain safe access routes, (medium Binders signage etc. An HRA screening may be required maintenance) to establish no likely significant  Control Fencing (see also Planting effects on the SAC (and rMCZ ACCESS MANAGEMENT) assessment if becomes Cost: low/medium, designated). This will need to be (medium confirmed with Natural England. maintenance) SEDIMENT MODIFICATION Thatching / Mulching etc Beach recycling/profiling has the potential to smother designated Cost: low, (high features/protected species/BAP maintenance) habitat. The presence of plant on the beach may cause disturbance to breeding birds. HRA screening may be required to establish no likely significant effects on SAC (and rMCZ assessment if becomes designated Jan 2016). This will need to be confirmed with Natural England. STABILISATION Long term positive benefits to improvement of designated site features and BAP habitat. Possible impacts from stabilisation works on designated (SAC, rMCZ and SSSI)/rare/protected species, although can be mitigated by best practice methods being applied. HRA screening may be required to establish no likely significant effects on the SAC (and rMCZ assessment if becomes designated). This will need to be confirmed with Natural England.

7 Access by visitors through the dunes/over Minimise dune erosion ACCESS MANAGEMENT Short term Restricted routes, designated ACCESS MANAGEMENT Zoning the dune face using non‐defined access caused by human access. pathways (boardwalks), fenced off  Zoning Positive impact to designated site Cost: medium, (high routes causes trampling of dune vegetation areas, clear information signage and features and BAP habitat from maintenance) and erosion of the dunes.  Boardwalks zoning for activities in the dunes are access management. Boardwalks  Control Fencing all technically feasible. Advantages: natural processes can Cost: medium, PUBLIC AWARENESS Short term Would restrict access to areas continue; eroded areas are able to (medium currently experiencing trampling and recover; zoning limits trampling  Signs and Display Boards, help re‐stabilisation and allow maintenance) Guided Walks, Public Talks, and erosion to zoned pathways and natural processes to continue. Control fencing Interpretative Leaflets, boardwalks encourage use of Wardens and Visitor Centres Careful placement of beach huts and designated paths. Cost: low, associated access routes to avoid Disadvantages: Existing access (medium/high damage to the dune system. routes may need to be redirected maintenance) or closed; relocation of access Signage/boards routes and SW coastal path needs

10 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

9 Litter of the beach is an issue, particularly in Reduce impact of human Manual beach ACCESS MANAGEMENT Short term Signage to educate and inform, and ACCESS MANAGEMENT Zoning the summer months when there is a large activity causing pollution of cleaning. increase waste provision (bins) to  Zoning Positive impact to designated site Cost: medium, (high increase in the number of visitors to the the natural environment. There is an start addressing the issue in the short features and BAP habitat from maintenance) area. Manual beach cleaning is unable to  Boardwalks term. Beach / dune rangers / beach active access management. Boardwalks cope with the volumes of litter. community  Control Fencing groups would reinforce the message during the summer months. Advantages: natural processes can Cost: medium, stakeholder PUBLIC AWARENESS Short term continue; eroded areas are able to group called Designated pathways (boardwalks), (medium  Signs and Display Boards, fenced off areas and zoning for recover; zoning limits trampling maintenance) ‘Widemouth and erosion to zoned pathways and Guided Walks, Public Talks, activities in the dunes would help Task Force’ who boardwalks encourage use of Control fencing could be really Interpretative Leaflets, restrict access to some dune areas, designated paths. Cost: low, beneficial in the Wardens and Visitor Centres concentrating access routes, and Short term (medium/high management of MANUAL MAINTENANCE help reduce further littering issues. Disadvantages: Existing access maintenance) the area for the Would however require ongoing routes may need to be redirected  Beach cleaning future. They commitment to maintain fences, or closed; relocation of access Signage/boards routes and SW coastal path needs currently  Ranger/warden signage, management of activities Cost: low, (high to be considered carefully as not to concentrate on  Friends of the dunes group etc. maintenance) beach cleans and impact on other designated Beach cleaning ‘pop‐up’ litter features present; may impact upon picks on other natural dune processes Cost: low, (high beaches. An HRA screening may be required maintenance) to establish no likely significant Warden effects on the SAC (and rMCZ Cost: Medium (high assessment if becomes maintenance) designated). This will need to be confirmed with Natural England. PUBLIC AWARENESS Environmental education provided by the public awareness campaign may help to promote conservation of the dunes which would promote recovery resulting in positive impact to designated site features

11 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

10 The Shoreline Management Plan policy is for Ensure future management FUNDING Short term Make sure Relocation of the car park in the FUNDING SMP2 Managed Realignment to occur in the short of the area is in line with management options short to medium term  Seek funding from An increase in funding could be Minor MR works to medium term, transitioning to No Active SMP policy and identify assessed comply with (implementation will be dependent Environment Agency beneficial if allocated towards the Total costs: £73k (PV) Intervention in the long term. This aims to potential funding streams to SMP policy. on local planning policy and positive long term impact on  Seek funding from Local manage and support natural dune evolution enable economically landownership) would reinstate protection of designated site Total benefits: £15.3k and rollback whilst managing risks to assets sustainable beach and dune Authority natural processes at the back of the features, BAP habitat and setting of (PV) in the backshore by relocating infrastructure management to occur.  Seek funding from sole dune system and allow rollback in landscape, archaeological and BCR: 0.21 and development away from risk areas. This private source this location. The location of the sub‐ cultural heritage features policy means that there will be potential for sea cable would need to be taken some funding to be forthcoming for coastal  Seek match funding into consideration if the beach car ADAPT BACKSHORE

flood and erosion risk management (e.g. (government+ private). park is relocated. Would allow MANAGEMENT/USES dune management) from central ADAPT BACKSHORE Short/Medium natural processes to continue into The policy of MR in short term may Government. However, it is likely that MANAGEMENT/USES term the long term with unhindered potentially impact designated partnership funding will be needed to fulfil natural rollback of the dune system.  Adapt Backshore features through the prevention of all of the required funding for such activities. Management/ Uses To facilitate transition to long term natural processes. NAI policy, planning authority will Positive impact to designated site need to implement adaptation of the features and BAP habitat from NAI coastal area, aided by definition of long term by allowing natural Coastal Change Management Areas processes to expose geological in line with the National Planning features and the Policy Framework. development/improvement of SMP Policy is MR for short to native species. medium term, so some funding for Impacts to carpark from beach or dune management activities rollback/removal related to managing coastal Long term positive benefits to flood/erosion risk is likely to be designated features/BAP habitat available. through encouraging natural Funding for activities beyond FCERM processes will need to be derived from other Relocation of carpark and sub‐sea non‐FDGiA sources (i.e. private/non‐ cable would require careful FDGiA sources). A funding consideration of impact to partnership could be established for designated ecological/geological this purpose. features in new location and impact on setting of landscape, archaeological and cultural heritage features.

12 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

11 There are potential UK Biodiversity Action Confirm presence and ECOLOGICAL MODIFICATION Short term Maintains existing ecological health ECOLOGICAL MODIFICATION Vegetation cut‐back / Plan Priority Habitats (coastal sand dunes, condition of UK BAP priority Maintain existing condition through for of the dunes which is important in Positive long term impact to removal maritime cliff and slope, old sessile oak habitats, and manage example: working with natural processes to improvement of designated site Cost: Low, (high woods, European dry heath) in the BDMP appropriately any that is provide coastal flood and erosion risk features and BAP habitat maintenance) area, as well as non‐native invasive species present.  Regular cutback of management with the aid of sand that should be removed if present, though vegetation. dunes. Possible impact from cut‐ Planting back/removal of non‐native species no ecological survey of the area has been  Maintaining defences that Cost: low/medium, Removal of some vegetation may and planting on designated site completed to verify this. control water levels. make ‘uncontrolled’ access more (medium features/protected/rare species maintenance)  Allowing coastal processes to problematic (i.e. non‐native although can be mitigated by best continue on maritime vegetation hinders access in places) practice methods being applied. and so needs to be undertaken in cliff/slope. combination with access HRA screening may be required to Improve existing condition through for management measures. establish no likely significant example: effects on SAC (and rMCZ  Removal of non‐native assessment if becomes designated invasive species within the Jan 2016). This will need to be dune vegetation. confirmed with Natural England.  Planting with additional vegetation, such as marram grass

12 Future beach and dune management needs Ensure the identified No techniques contained in dune Consider the impact of N/A Environmental appraisal of options N/A to consider the environmental impacts on a environmental features are management preliminary decision potential future is provided above. variety of designated features, including: considered in management assistance tool for this aspect. management measures Consideration is required for: decisions for future coastal Appraisal of environmental impacts on on designated features  Boscastle to Widemouth SSSI. flood and erosion risk difference features have different in this options ‐ Tintagel‐Marsland‐Clovelly Coast  Tintagel‐Marsland‐Clovelly Coast management. requirements depending upon the assessment. SAC: priority BAP habitat, SAC. nature of the designation, and vegetated sea cliffs, Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum;  Hartland Point to Tintagel environmental appraisal should always European dry heaths recommended MCZ. be undertaken when considering management options. An HRA may be required to confirm  Cornwall AONB. no likely significant effect from  Historic environment features, management options. This will including scheduled and non‐ need to be confirmed with Natural scheduled monuments. England. ‐ Hartland Point to Tintagel Recommended Marine Conservation Zone: seabed habitats and intertidal/subtidal species and habitats including reef‐ building honeycomb worms. ‐ Boscastle to Widemouth SSSI: Dizzard Oak woodland, maritime heaths and intertidal zones and geological features; includes five Geological Conservation Review sites ‐ BAP Habitat: coastal sand dunes, maritime cliff and slopes, old sessile oaks woods with Ilex and

13 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

14 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY 2.2 Options Summary Widemouth Bay is bordered to the north and south by rocky headlands, with high cliffs and shore platforms. Lower‐lying cliffs line the backshore between the rocky headlands and a small stream exits to the sea to the north. Within the bay there are also discrete areas of active sand dunes. Both the dune and cliff systems experience erosion. A car park and lifeguard station is situated on top of the dunes towards the centre of the bay and a further carpark fronted by a seawall to the south of the bay. Other sections of hard defence are found within the bay, namely, armour stone along the dune toe to the north, across the stream and along the car park frontage. Cornwall Council manage Widemouth Bay beach and dune systems. The key issues at Widemouth Bay are dune erosion and wind‐blown sand. Dune erosion, caused by recreational pressure and trampling, leaves the dunes more vulnerable and prone to wave attack. The build‐up of windblown sand in front of the beach huts and buildings to the north of the bay and as well as blowing across the main road generates health and safety issues. There are four beach huts in particular that are perpetually threatened by burial and therefore their present location is unsustainable. Previous attempts have been made to trap sand and stabilise the eroding dunes to the north, using willow coppice and Christmas trees. The SMP policy for Widemouth Bay is Managed Realignment (MR) for the short and medium term, transitioning to No Active Intervention (NAI) in the long term. Under a policy of MR, some funding for beach or dune management activities related to managing coastal flood/erosion risk is likely to be available. However, funding for activities beyond FCERM will need to be derived from other non‐FDGiA sources (i.e. private/non‐FDGiA sources). Cliffing and undermining of the beach would be an ongoing problem in front of hard defences as they inhibit the natural interaction between the beach and backshore / dunes. Maintenance would be acceptable under the SMP policy, but replacement would not be an option. Long term management should include the relocation of the car parks and highway (implementation will be dependent on local planning policy and landownership) to allow natural processes and rollback to occur and lead to positive benefits to designated features and BAP habitat, while avoiding any impact on features elsewhere. The trigger for rollback will be when assets are assessed as being at imminent risk of loss to erosion (Halcrow, 2015), guided by ongoing monitoring. Coastal adaptation will require longer term land use planning with relevant land owners and authorities. Implementation will likely require development of Coastal Change Management Areas by the planning authority in line with National Planning Policy Framework. The location of the sub‐sea communications cable, currently under the car park, would need to be taken into consideration if the beach car park is relocated. To work with natural processes, natural stabilisation measures, such as planting, thatching, mulching, matting or sand binders, combined with fencing and signage, would help retain sand on the dune system, and assuming native plants are used, could have long term positive effects on BAP habitats. Although these are relatively low cost measures, they would require ongoing commitment to management and maintenance. Zoning for activities and restricting access to certain areas, with the use of boardwalks and signage / information boards, could help minimise dune erosion and aid recovery of trampled areas. Redirection of existing routes would need to be considered carefully so as to not impact designated features. Environmental education provided by public awareness campaigns may help to promote conservation of the dunes and promote dune recovery. Beach / dune rangers would reinforce the messages during the summer months. Recycling of windblown sand on access routes could be implemented, but there is potential to smother designated features using this method. Fencing would be more beneficial, combined with planting, to retain sand on the dune system, minimise loss and enhance stabilisation of the dunes. To address litter issues and reduce the impact of human activity causing pollution of the natural environment, increased provision of bins would help, combined with best practise methods to prevent possible trampling impacts during beach cleaning operations within zoned areas. The frequency of ongoing monitoring by the regional coastal monitoring programme could be increased or supplemented by local inspection to include post‐storm events/post‐winter surveys and provide

15 SECTION 2 WIDEMOUTH BAY

greater coverage (beach, dune and cliff). This will provide information for later management decisions to inform of any patterns of dune and cliff erosion or lowering of beach levels. Removal of non‐native species would have a positive long term impact on the improvement of designated features and BAP habitat. To feed into Stage 4, the management options discussed here have been divided into short, medium and long term interventions in Table 2.2 below. The short, medium and long terms indicated below, reflect the three SMP epochs (0‐20 years; 20‐50 years and 50‐100 years) to help focus management actions in line with the SMP. Table 2.2 Short, medium and long term management options for Widemouth Bay Short term Maintenance of the hard defences Adapt backshore (relocation of assets) Dune stabilisation (planting, thatching, mulching, control fencing) Access management (zoning, boardwalks, control fencing) Morphological modification (dune fencing, planting) Public awareness (signage, wardens) Manual maintenance (beach cleaning, rangers/wardens) Sediment Modification (sand recycling, reprofiling) Monitoring Funding Ecological modification (vegetation cut‐back) Medium term Adapt backshore (relocation of assets) Long term Adapt backshore (relocation of assets)

16 SECTION 3 REFERENCES 3 References

 CH2M (2015a). Stage 1 Report: Widemouth Bay. Report produced as part of the Cornwall Beach & Dune Management Plans project for Cornwall Council, June 2015.  CH2M (2015b). Stage 2 Report: Issues and Objectives. Report produced as part of the Cornwall Beach & Dune Management Plans project for Cornwall Council, September 2015.  Halcrow (2015). Coastal Change Adaptation Planning Guidance. East Riding of Yorkshire Council, August 2015.  Halcrow (2009). Cornwall Sand Dune and Beach Management Strategy. Report produced by Halcrow Group Limited for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory Group, September 2009.  Royal Haskoning (2011). Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Shoreline Management Plan Review (SMP2): Final Report. Report produced by Royal Haskoning for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory Group, February 2011.

Appendix E Site Actions Summary Map

Reproduced b y perm ission of Ordna nce Survey on b eha lf of HMSO. Legend © Crown copyright a nd da ta b a se right 2015. All rights reserved. Ordna nce Survey Licence num b er 100049047 J{ Key loca tions to ensure a dequa te signa ge a nd litter b ins a re in pla ce Aeria l photogra phy courtesy of the South W est Regiona l Coa sta l Monitoring Progra m m e. Rock a rm our to b e m onitored a nd m a inta ined Introduce fencing to inhib it wind-b lown sa nd rea ching ca r pa rks Key a ccess pa ths through dunes to ¯ encoura ge use of a nd thus focus a ccess m a na gem ent on Zones in which to restrict a ccess a nd im plem ent dune sta b ilisa tion a nd ecologica l m odifica tion m ea sures in Ca r pa rk a rea s for b ea ch users Approxim a te a rea to recycle sa nd to from Action condition: a ccess pa ths Access point erosion poses hea lth a nd sa fety risk.

J{ Em ergency condition: Pa thwa y erosion a long these key a ccess pa ths.

Action condition: J{ J{ Action condition: Cliffing of dune front a long Una ccepta b le a rea these sections. of b a re sa nd Em ergency condition: within these dune Steep a nd da ngerous cliffing sta b ilisa tion zones. of dune front a long these sections. V isua l condition inspection should a ssess: •Genera l condition of b ea ch, dune a nd other a ssets. •Da m a ge to fencing a nd inform a tion signs. •N um b er of a nd size of b a re sa nd a rea s within dune sta b iliza tion zone. •Erosion a long a ccess routes. •Any structures which need repa ir a nd, if im plem ented, 0 205 410 b oa rdwa lks a long a ccess routes. Metres •V egeta tion covera ge a nd condition within dune J{ J{ sta b iliza tion zone. J{ J{ •Distrib ution a nd a b unda nce (i.e. increa se/decrea se) of Rev By Chkd Apprvd Da te Description inva sive species. •Growth a nd sprea d of vegeta tion in pla nted a rea s if im plem ented. •V olum e of b lown sa nd collecting on roa ds/ca r pa rks/pa ths a nd sub sequently rem oved, a nd how often

rem ova l occurs. CH2M HILL Action condition: Geospa tia l •Considera tion of whether or not trigger levels ha ve b een Burderop Pa rk, Swindon, SN 4 0QD Tel: +44 (0)1793 812479 Fa x: +44 Access point erosion poses rea ched (see a lso overlea f a nd/or Section 4.4.2 of BDMP). (0)1793 812089 hea lth a nd sa fety risk. www.ch2m .com Em ergency condition: Project : Pa thwa y erosion a long Cornwa ll Sa nd Dune a nd Bea ch Ma na gem ent Stra tegy these key a ccess pa ths. Dra wing : W idem outh Ba y

Dra wn By : Rub y Sim m ons Da te: 01/09/2016 Checked By : Em ily Hewitt Da te: 01/09/2016 Approved By : Ala n Fra m pton Da te: 01/09/2016

Dra wing N o. : Revision A

Dra wing Sca le : 1:8,131

Docum ent Pa th: (\\Swin-fs-05\Geospa tia l) T:\Geospa tia l\Projects\Cornwa ll_ BDMPs\MXDs\Designa tions\W idem outh Ba y.m xd ACTION CONDITIONS AND RESPONSES FOR WIDEMOUTH BAY EMERGENCY CONDITIONS AND RESPONSES FOR WIDEMOUTH BAY Criteria Response Criteria Response Unacceptable area of bare sand Steep and dangerous cliffing of dune front

 Area is of significant size and/ or depth to cause concern and  Fence off bare sand areas to prevent access and enable  Cliffing of the dune front leads to unstable dune front,  Re‐profiling of the beach and/or dunes. Bulldozers can be is unlikely to recover without management. recovery. possible with an overhang, which causes a health and safety used to move sand from lower down the beach to eroded  Area of bare sand has been present for more than one year  If vegetation does not establish following fencing, and area issue. areas, to remove dangerous overhangs from the cliffed without recovering. of bare sand is of concern, implement stabilisation planting  Steep dangerous cliffing present during tourist season when dune face or to make the dune face less steep. The following discussion with Natural England. high visitor numbers predicted. requirement for this should be carefully assessed to ensure  Area of bare sand is increasing in size. economic justification and minimum damage to the dune  Implement rotation of access routes to aid recovery. system. Access Points eroded to a level at which they cause a health and safety risk.  Fence off dangerous areas until a solution is implemented or the dune face readjusts.  Access points eroded to form a high step which is not safe for  Construct boardwalks or steps along eroded access paths. pedestrians and is at high risk of causing injury.  Consider re‐routing pathways away from the eroded area Pathways eroded leading to erosion of dune system and unsafe pathways  Access point has been eroded to form a steep cliffed step for where possible. Fence off and stabilise the eroded access more than one season. route to enable it to recover.  Pathways eroded to form a very steep path or significantly  Re‐route access pathways to avoid eroded areas using  Erosion is continuing and access is becoming more difficult  Introduce “dog legs” wherever possible in access routes to cliffed path which causes significant health and safety risk to fencing and signage. Fence off eroded areas to enable and/or a greater health and safety risk. prevent uninhibited wind‐blow. beach users such as the elderly or children. recovery with planting and dune stabilisation methods  Access point/ pathway has eroded to the magnitude stated applied as necessary. Cliffing of dune front when beach visitor numbers are significant.  If erosion is close to beach, and sand is available, carry out  Cliffing of the dune front as a result of wave action is at a  Ensure monitoring of dune front is carried out to provide re‐profiling of pathway by adding sand to eroded areas to height that can cause a health and safety risk and is present information on trends in the dune front position and to remove unsafe cliffing and large steps. along a significant length of frontage which cannot be easily monitor whether cliffing worsens to emergency state. avoided by visitors.  If erosion of beach and dunes is a consistent issue,  Cliffing of the dune front has been present for more than one commission study to assess whether beach nourishment or season and hence is not likely to be a post storm response another soft engineering solution is justified. followed by recovery during calmer conditions.  Fence off area that forms a health and safety issue and  Cliffing is becoming steeper and higher as erosion continues apply dune stabilisation measures such as planting to with no sign of recovery. reduce instability and make the dunes more resilient  Cliffing erodes dune back to a point where there is an against erosion. Most suitable if significant storm conditions imminent risk of loss of assets. are not predicted in the immediate future and dune front is not exposed to constant wave action.  If assets are deemed to be at imminent risk of loss, implement coastal adaptation measures (to be defined in CCMA that Cornwall Council is to produce). Wind‐blown sand

 Sand built up in car park and along roads.  If sand is on road or car park, subject to pilot project, preference is to remove sand from road/car park and place at the back of the dunes so as to not remove sediment volume from system.