Crantock Surf Life Saving Club is delighted to be joined by Dr. Tim Poate on new research conducted by the University of Plymouth through the Making Space for Sand project. Sand dunes are an iconic feature of Cornwall’s coastline and an essential, natural element of the county’s coastal flood defences.
However, new research has suggested they could face an uncertain future in the face of the sea-level rises and increases in extreme storms predicted under future climate change.
The study, by experts in coastal processes at the University of Plymouth, focused on 31 sites along Cornwall’s north and south coasts. The researchers developed a method through which they could quantify historic changes in the dunes, with the ultimate aim of providing coastal managers and other agencies with predictions about how the dunes might behave in the future.
The results painted a varied picture of how the dunes have been impacted over recent years by some of the most energetic storms ever to hit the Cornish coast.
Dr. Poate will share the findings of the study, which focused on 31 sites along Cornwall’s north and south coasts, including Crantock.
The results from the study offer a varied picture of how the dunes have been impacted by recent energetic storms. For example, at Par Sands on the south coast, the dunes have advanced by around 1 metre per year, as sand from the beach is blown into the dunes, causing them to grow. However, at Crantock on the north coast, the dunes have retreated inland by approximately 3 metres per year, likely due to changes in the position of the river channel and the powerful
Event Details:
Date: 23rd April 2025
Time: 6.30pm
Location: St. Carantoc Church, The Old Albion, Langurroc Rd, Crantock, Newquay TR8 5RB
This event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Tickets are £8 and include a pasty. You can buy tickets at the Crantock Post Office (cash only) or by bank transfer, please email info@crantocksurflifesavingclub.org.uk for our bank account details. All funds raised from the event will go to Crantock Surf Life Saving Club and the Church.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the future of Cornwall’s sand dunes and the vital role they play in protecting our coastline.
