Beach Damage After Recent Weather

The calm after the storm …

Recently, Cornwall’s beaches have faced some issues due to the big spring tides and strong winds. These include cliff falls at Towan, Whipsiderry and Porth beaches, which we've inspected to ensure safety. There has been a build-up of too much sand on some sites at Summerleaze and Porthmeor, and our teams will push the sand back where it might pose a danger to access for the public and emergency services, or present a flood risk to properties*.

We've experienced a loss of sand at many beaches, particularly at Praa Sands. As a result, we've temporarily closed a set of steps onto the middle part of the beach due to a 4-foot drop at the bottom. We'll be monitoring the sand levels and will reopen the steps as soon as they're safe.

There has been damage to the slipway at Sennen beach and to the sea wall at Towan beach. Additionally, a set of concrete steps at Porthgwidden have broken away, and we've closed access to them. One set of steps at Summerleaze was also damaged, but we've since repaired them.

Finally, we've lost or had damage to public rescue equipment in St Ives, Towan and Praa Sands. However, we've replaced all the equipment on the same day.

*Please note that the loss of sand is natural after a weather event like we've experienced. Be mindful of where you're walking as there are mainly rocks/boulders where there is usually sand.

Also, please stay away from cliffs and embankments. If you're in trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.