Latest Gwithian Beach zoning system !

There was talk earlier this year of excluding sports on the beach from Godrevy to Peters Point.  Many local wind sports enthusiasts and business owners objected, and the Gwithian Beach owners group have seen some sense and agreed to allowing a zoning scheme that does not stop wind powered sports on the beach, so don’t cancel you holidays !

On a trial basis from July 12th to September 7th 2008, there will be no horse riding or wind powered beach sports allowed in the area from Godrevy to a transit line from Bessack Rock through the stack towards the south western end of the main Gwithian Towans car park to an onshore marker to be erected by the county council.  From this line south and west all sports will be unrestrained except of course by the usual codes of conduct and common sense.  Horse riders are requested to lead their animals through the zone to the line and can then ride as usual to the south and west of the line.  The zone will operate from 10am to 6pm, and is advisory.

This zone is a far better solution than the previous proposal.  While any restriction may be seen as less than perfect, the competition for beach space has got so great on busy days that some separation probably has to be accepted.

This zoning is on a trial basis.  It remains the case that at the time of writing some would see all sports entirely banned from the beach and for longer than 2 months, so this website remains important as a route for feeding back the success or otherwise of the trial, and the need for it.  The information gathered this summer will have a direct bearing on what happens in the future, so we need accurate information to help the process.

In the first 2 weeks of this site being in place, we confirmed our impression that the size of the question was far bigger than the landowners appeared to realise.  That was imperfect information, and we have redesigned the form to give better information still.

It is important that you visit the site again after your holiday or summer visit during the zoning period to tell us how it was for you.  We do want an accurate picture.  We believe that the problem is far smaller than some would have it, and the potential impact of a ban or zone is far greater than perceived.  We could be wrong on both counts though all information has confirmed our impression so far, so please tell us !

This summers arrangements are a temporary advisory trial zone, designed primarily to test the situation and plan the future.  We don’t think there is a need to extend restrictions at all, but extension remains a possibility so lets feed back and make sure we get the right result.  Whatever your sport or reason for visiting the beach, please tell us, go to the form on this site !