A CAMPAIGN has been launched to stop ‘sand mining’ at Hayle Beach following fears it will destroy the award-winning scenic spot.
Residents have raised concerns the beach, which was voted the best beach in 2024 by The Times, is “losing its beauty” following the tonnes of sand being removed.
Authorities claim the sand is excavated to keep the channel clear for fishermen, but campaigners believe it is detrimentally impacting wildlife and biodiversity.
The campaigners have started a petition in a bid to get the ‘sand mining’ operations ceased immediately, and a protest will be held at the sand spit in front of Gilbert’s on Sunday, February 2 between 1pm and 3pm.
The Cornwall SOS protest is calling for ‘no more selling off ‘Britain’s best beach’ sand.’
The petition will be sent to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Cornwall Council as well as Camborne and Redruth MP Perran Moon.
Sophie Daniels said: “My roots are deeply ingrained in this beautiful place we call Hayle Beach. I grew up here and witnessed the rich biodiversity of our local ecosystem.
“This is an important area not just for me but for the entire community of Cornwall.
“In recent times, our once tranquil beach is suffering as tonnes of sand are removed day and night, sold for profit with no thought of the environmental repercussions.
“Authorities justify the mining, claiming it is necessary for keeping the channel clear for fishermen. But the reality is clearly different. Excavation is taking place on the beach, far from the central channel they declare to keep clear.
“The ill effects of this relentless mining are evident. Night-time operations disrupt peace, and the incessant excavation poses a risk to our children's safety on the beach.
“Furthermore, it's a serious threat to the delicate ecosystem and local wildlife that call this beach home.
“The often-cited study in the Journal of Coastal Research has consistently shown that sand mining impacts coastal and marine biodiversity and flood defences.
“Hayle Beach, a gem of Cornwall and voted Best Beach in the UK by The Times, deserves to be protected and nurtured, not exploited. Our plea is simple: cease the sand mining immediately.
“This isn't merely about preserving our beach for recreational purposes. It's about safeguarding our ecosystem, our local community, and our future.”
Chelsie Hoxby added: “The best beach in the UK in 2024 is literally being destroyed.
“For months and months huge trucks have been illegally removing thousands of tonnes of sand and selling it.
“Apparently to profit those signing off the action under the guise of dredging the inlet.
“The devastation is shockingly visible.
“The wildlife is affected, the beach dangerous, wheelchair access has gone, the disruption for locals is endless, the beach is losing its beauty, and the protection for the properties on the cliff has been removed with the dunes.
“This will affect all beaches in St Ives Bay as the sand is redeposited over time.”
A spokesperson for the protest said: “Raise your voice and stand together for those too afraid to speak out. Enough is enough. Hayle deserves better.”
To sign the petition visit ?
