Making Space for Sand

SWRCMP 2017

33. Hawkers Cove

This dune system lies on the left bank (western) side of the Camel Estuary north of Padstow.

The dunes are on the southern side of the cove, facing northwards.

A small stream marks the western extent of the dunes.

The Active face is well defined. The top is densely vegetated but with some open sand blow outs onto the beach.

There is sparse vegetation along the fore-dune line, which seems to be entirely sea rocket.

The beach has a broad intertidal width with soft and mobile calcareous sand.

There is potential recreational/tourism pressure on the system that could be serious for such a small and fragile dune system.

Behind the dunes is lower-level farmland, rising steeply.

Walkover report and photos of 11 October 2021
DW33_Hawkers Cove_2021-10-11.pdf

Issues
Closed system/sediment starvation. Poor ecological condition. Coastal squeeze. Recreational pressure. Poor interpretation. Possible issue with sediment starvation aggravated by harbour sand extraction.
Potential Actions
 Deliver dune restoration works.

The flood and coastal erosion benefits afforded by the dunes is low due to the lack of defended infrastructure but the environmental value of them is high.  

Hawkers Cove Sand Dunes need to be considered within any wider Camel Estuary studies and assessments. Seaward dune growth could be encouraged given sufficient sediment supply.

Community Groups
 None yet identified
Key Stakeholders
 None yet identified
CCMA potential
Potential (Padstow)
Shoreline Management Plan
SMP Management Area: MA35
SMP Policy Unit: PU35.1
SMP Policies:
  • Present - No Active Intervention
  • Transition - No Active Intervention
  • Target -  No Active Intervention
Link to SMP Chapter 4 assessment for Management Area 35

A link to the Camel Estuary page on the 'Let's Talk Cornwall' website will appear here in due course.


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