Future Coast Bude

Films

Watch short films that help explain what’s happening along Bude’s coastline, why it’s changing and what that could mean for the future. Click below to view.

Interactive Map

Explore how Bude’s coastline has changed over time through an interactive map, bringing together local stories, archaeological information, images and artwork. Click on the image below to begin exploring.

Understanding Coastal Change

Read short guides that explain some of the key processes shaping the coastline, helping to build a clearer understanding of the challenges and changes taking place. Click on the name to view.

Coastal Change at Key Locations

ExploreContinue reading

Films

Watch short films that help explain what’s happening along Bude’s coastline, why it’s changing and what that could mean for the future. Click below to view.

Interactive Map

Understanding Coastal Change

Read short guides that explain some of the key processes shaping the coastline, helping to build a clearer understanding of the challenges and changes taking place. Click on the name to view.

Coastal Change at Key Locations

Explore the history of familiar places along Bude’s coastline and how they have changed over time, helping to connect the past with what we see today. Click on the name to view.

We’re working with the community to create a Coastal Vision for Bude.

This will set out shared priorities for how our coastline should adapt to the challenges of coastal change, now and in the future.

To help shape this, we’re inviting residents to take part in a series of Community Conversations.

The Coastal Vision will reflect what matters most to people living and working in Bude.

It will help guide future plans and decisions about our coastline, including how we respond to coastal change.

Before asking for your views, we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing our coast.

Community Conversations are relaxed, drop-in sessions where you can:

learn more about coastal change
explore information at your own pace
speak to people involved in the project
ask questions
share your thoughts and ideas

In the lead up to these events, you may also see us out and about in the community sharing information and starting conversations in different locations.

You don’t need any prior knowledge. Just come along, learn something new and take part in a way that suits you.

Upcoming Events:

More Future Coast Bude events and opportunities to get involved will be announced soon — stay tuned for updates.

Previous Events:

Thursday 23 April, 4pm - 7pm

Ivor Potter Hall, Parkhouse Centre

Join us to explore the history of the coast, find out how our coastline is changing and learn more about the Future Coast Bude project.

You’ll be able to watch short films, explore interactive maps, speak to experts, ask questions and share your initial thoughts.

Saturday 9 May, 10am - 2pm

Ivor Potter Hall, Parkhouse Centre

Join us to take the next step in the conversation and have your say on the future of Bude’s coastline.

You’ll be able to explore key locations, take part in interactive activities, ask questions and share your views on what matters most and how the coastline could adapt in the future.

Thursday 14 May, 6pm - 9pm

The 2 Minute Foundation HQ, Crooklets Road Bude, EX23 8HN

Come along for a relaxed evening of creativity, conversation and free food as Future Coast Bude hosts a special Community Conversation Social for people aged 16–35 living in Bude.

The evening will include creative activities, short films, pizza, an optional coastal walk and opportunities to share ideas about the future of Bude’s coastline and how the town adapts to coastal change. There will also be the chance to contribute to a collaborative mural celebrating what young people love most about Bude.

Places are free, but booking is encouraged:
Book free tickets on Eventbrite

About the Future Coast Bude Project

The Future Coast Bude project is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme (FCIP), which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programme will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate. Future Coast Bude is one of several projects around the country funded through the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP) portion of this fund.

The approach to how we address a changing coastline for Bude (and the country) are set out in national plans known as the Shoreline Management Plan. The aim of Future Coast Bude is to encourage the more sustainable use and development of the coastal fringe in line with the national plan, whilst considering the social and economic challenges presented by a naturally changing coastal environment.

What is the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP)?

The Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP) helps communities to plan for coastal change in the long term, including:

interventions such as improving and replacing damaged community infrastructure like beach access or coastal transport links,
repurposing land in coastal erosion zones for different uses, and
restoring and creating habitats to include green buffer zones.

Local authorities in the South West have been allocated £6 million in funding to improve the resilience of communities to the effects of coastal erosion and benefit the local economy. Bude is one of only two communities in the South West who will share this funding. For Bude the project will be delivered by Cornwall Council supported by the Environment Agency.

What can the £3 million funding be used for?

The funding can be used to promote adaptation actions to help communities transition away from an eroding coastline. Things the Future Coast Bude funding can be spent on include:

Moving structures, amenities and properties away from risk at the coast
Changing land use in areas vulnerable to coastal erosion
Making changes to community infrastructure, such as car parks or toilet blocks, so that the impact of coastal erosion on them is minimised
Looking into how funding can be secured for changes that will need to be made to adapt to a changing coastline
Working with the planning authority to ensure coastal change is taken into account
Working with businesses, community groups, as well as the wider public to help inform decisions.

Is there anything the funding can't be spent on?

The funding has been allocated to allow communities to adapt to change. It can be used in locations where the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) policy is for Managed Realignment (MR). i.e. Summerleaze and Crooklets

The programme will not fund:

The building of any new flood defences
Any activity in areas where the Shoreline Management Plan policy is for ‘Hold the Line’ (HTL) i.e work to the breakwater
Activities that should take place as Business as Usual or routine maintenance
Any work to address damage caused by storm
Any work to undertake coastal clean up

What sort of thing might Future Coast Bude deliver?

Future Coast Bude will explore with the community a plan for coastal change. This will include:

The development of a Coastal Change Management Plan (CCMP). This is designated through the Local Plan and is required where changes are expected to the coast in the next 100 years.
The introduction of a Coastal Change Management Area (CCMA) in areas not identified as ‘Hold the line’ in the Shoreline Management Plan. This can then be used to inform planning and management decisions in the future.
Undertaking a transport and accessibility study which will help to determine how and when people access the beaches and local areas in Bude and how this can be improved in the future.
Making plans for the future for infrastructure on the coast that may be impacted by sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Other opportunities that will be explored with the community include the potential:

Relocating of public facilities to alternative locations to make sure they can still be used by the public in the future
Relocating emergency services facilities, so that they can remain operational in the future
Designing facilities in the future in a way that will help them adapt and respond to climate change (for example the Gig Club has been designed so it can be relocated)
Decommissioning parts of the carpark which are currently covered by the dunes
Improving accessibility to and at the coast.

New coastal additions bring science, heritage and community together along Bude canal

A number of exciting new additions have appeared along the canal in recent days, offering both locals and visitors new ways to enjoy Bude’s unique coastal environment. Two of the most eye‑catching features are the newly installed Coast Snaps cradles - simple but powerful tools that invite everyone to take part in monitoring our changing shoreline.

Citizen Science in Action
The Coast Snaps cradles are specially designed posts fitted with secure smartphone holders. By placing a phone in the cradle, taking a photo, and sharing it as instructed on the signage, members of the public can contribute directly to monitoringContinue reading

Each image captures a consistent viewpoint, creating a long‑term visual record of how the coastline evolves. With enough photos taken across different tidal stages and weather conditions, researchers can link erosion and accretion events to storms, seasonal changes, and other environmental factors. These community‑generated images help local authorities, organisations, and coastal managers make informed decisions about how best to protect and care for our beaches.

Deputy Mayor for Bude-Stratton Town Council, Cllr Herbert‑Coulson, who championed the idea of installing Coast Snaps cradles along the canal, said:

“I am delighted that the Future Coast Bude project have been able to fund two new ‘Coast Snaps’ sites in Bude. The photos collected through this innovative citizen science initiative will help the project monitor how the sand dune changes over time, as well as the changes to the river. It turns out they are also very good for holding a phone for a family photo!”

The new cradles can be found halfway along the sand rails path and near the lock, making them easy to spot during a walk.

Honouring heritage with new granite sett benches

Alongside one of the Coast Snaps cradles sits another welcome addition: a beautifully crafted new bench. This is one of two benches created using historic granite setts unearthed during the sand rails restoration work in 2025.

Phil Wooster, Project Manager from Cormac explained:

“Having been very involved in the project to re‑open the sand rails access way to the beach, I know how important it is to the people of Bude for us to preserve its heritage. These two new benches use the granite setts that were unable to be repositioned into the walkway, and allow them to be on display, in the location they were found.”

The benches are designed to be used from either direction—perfect for watching the RNLI trial boat on the river or simply taking in the scenery. Their solid oak seating echoes the look of traditional railway sleepers, helping them blend naturally into the historic setting.

The siting of the benches was informed by Active8, who advised that the midpoint of the upper path was an ideal rest spot and would be especially helpful for those who may need to pause during their walk.

We hope that both the benches and the Coast Snaps cradles can be enjoyed for many years to come.

The project would like to say a big thank you to Evie from the Youth Board, for taking some beautiful photos on a spectacular morning in Bude.

Project update - April 2026

The project has had a very busy April with lots going on.

Educational films launched
Four films, developed in partnership with the 2 Minute Foundation, have made their premiere at the recent Community Conversation events. The films cover a range of topics from erosion to coastal defences and how we plan for the future. We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback about the films and would really encourage you to watch them. They are between 4 and 5 minutes long and can be accessed from the homepage of the website: Future Coast Bude | Let's Talk Cornwall

Interactive map
The

The project has had a very busy April with lots going on.

Educational films launched Four films, developed in partnership with the 2 Minute Foundation, have made their premiere at the recent Community Conversation events. The films cover a range of topics from erosion to coastal defences and how we plan for the future. We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback about the films and would really encourage you to watch them. They are between 4 and 5 minutes long and can be accessed from the homepage of the website: Future Coast Bude \| Let's Talk Cornwall
	Interactive map The Maritime Archaeological Trust have finished developing the 'Story map' for Bude. This interactive tool allows you to explore the coastline and look through hundreds of photos, paintings, maps and charts as well as archaeological data in one place. This tool was also launched at our Community Conversation events and is available on our website for you to explore: Future Coast Bude
Quick guides We have also developed ten topic papers which allow you to read about key information related to the project. These short guides explain some of the key processes shaping the coastline, helping to build a clearer understanding of the challenges and changes taking place. Topics include Sea Level Rise, Tide Locking and the Shoreline Management Plan. We also have short guides to changes that have been experienced in different locations, such as the sea pool, the dunes and the river. These can be accessed from the homepage of the website: Future Coast Bude \| Let's Talk Cornwall
	Community Conversation event - Thursday 23 April We were overwhelmed with the interest in the project from the local community, with 100 people attending our first Community Conversation event, held in the Ivor Potter Hall. As well as accessing the resources above, the community were also able to explore Coastcraft (a version of the computer game Minecraft, set in Bude), learn more about what the project has delivered so far and find out more about getting involved in planning for the future. The event was supported by the project's Youth Board.
Community Conversation event - Saturday 9 May The second Community Conversation event allowed people to provide their feedback on what their priorities are for which projects they would like Future Coast Bude to deliver. Displays provided information about proposed projects for the coast path between Crooklets and the sea pool, the over flow car park at Crooklets, toilets at Crooklets and Summerleaze and beach huts. Over 70 people came along to provide their feedback. To have your say on these options, you can fill out this survey: Future Coast Bude Project Funding - Have Your Say \| Let's Talk Cornwall The deadline for the survey is midnight on Thursday 28^th May 2026 . After this, the Youth Board will be analysing the data, and then the proposals will be discussed with the organisation that owns or runs that facility. The deadline for delivering any projects is the end of March 2027.
	Sand recycling Work to move some of the wind-blown sand on Summerleaze car park onto the front of the dune started on Monday 30 March and was completed before the Easter weekend. This is a Cornwall Council Car Parking Services project, which Future Coast Bude have helped to facilitate. The work ensured that the sand remained within the dune, whilst buying time to come up with a plan for the future as part of the Coastal Vision. Work was undertaken by a local contractor, who had to work carefully to ensure that the RNLI's trial lifeboat, which is bigger than the existing lifeboat, was still able to access the beach safely. You can read more about sand recycling here: Future Coast Bude \| Let's Talk Cornwall
Dune stabilisation Following the work to move sand to the front of the dune at Summerleaze, work has been done to try and reduce the amount of sand that blows back into the car park. Hay bales have been used to secure sand in place and marram grass has been planted. Over time, the roots should help to stabilise the dune, reducing the amount of sand blowing into the car park. Bude Dunes Group, Cornwall Council, the Environment Agency and the 2 Minute Foundation beach school were all involved in work to the dunes at Summerleaze.
	Launch of coast snaps sites and two new benches Two new 'Coast snaps site', which can be used to monitor movement of the sand dune, whre opened by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Herbert Coulson. She also opened two new benches, made using the granite setts that were unearthed during the sand rails access way work. Both the coast snaps cradles and the benches are located along the canal, between the Castle and the lock. You can read more about this event here: New coastal additions bring science, heritage and community together along Bude canal \| Future Coast Bude \| Let's Talk Cornwall
Youth board training with Akumen The Youth Board were lucky enough to be offered training from local company, Akumen. Akumen, are a global company based in Bude and ran some fantastic training for the group on data analytics. This will be incredibly helpful for the Youth Board to support their work in helping the project review the outputs of Community Conversation events. You can read more about the Akumen training here: Youth Board receive training from local company Akumen \| Future Coast Bude \| Let's Talk Cornwall
	Upcoming event - Community Conversation for young people aged 16-35 The Youth Board are hosting their own event on Thursday 14 May from 6-9pm at the 2 Minute Foundation HQ (old pitch and putt building). This event will involve a mix of creative activities, walk, food and an interactive discussion about the project. It provides a safe space for young people to express their views about the future and help shape what Future Coast Bude will deliver.
Movement of sand from lock gates Sand has been moved from in front of the lock gates to allow them to be operational again. Future Coast Bude has supported this project by paying for an ecology survey to help understand the impact of sand being put back onto the moorings; this keeps the sand in the local ecosystem. Ascent for this work has been granted for this year, and it is hoped that Natural England will allow this to continue in the future.

Youth Board receive training from local company Akumen

The newly formed Future Coast Bude Youth Board has successfully completed its mandatory training programme, equipping the group with the skills and confidence needed to support the project’s development. Following their training, Youth Board members have been paid for their time and contributions, recognising the value they bring to the project.

In addition to the core training, the group received an exceptional opportunity to take part in a bespoke Data Analytics session delivered by local technology company Akumen, based in Bude. Akumen works to blends advanced technology with human insight - supporting the growing convergence of people and machines. They are also a company driven by a commitment to making a positive impact on communities and environments - hence their interest in the Future Coast Bude project. Although they have their headquarters in Bude, Akumen operates on a global scale.

The 90‑minute session was personally led by Akumen’s Chief Executive, Rob Horton, who introduced the Youth Board to practical data analysis skills that will directly support their work on the project. The training was hosted at Akumen’s offices, where the team were warmly welcomed — complete with drinks and cake to keep energy levels high.

Rob said: “Introducing young people to data analytics is always rewarding. When they see how data can shape better decisions, improve services and spark new ideas, you can almost feel the momentum build. This generation has the potential to use data in ways we’ve never seen before. What impressed me most was how quickly the group connected with the idea that data is ultimately about people. If they keep asking good questions and stay curious, they’ll be able to turn information into real‑world impact. It was a pleasure to meet the group and at this early stage of what sounds like a truly inspiring journey with Future Coast Bude.”

Youth Board member Gideon added: “We are incredibly fortunate to have a company like Akumen on our doorstep. The training provided by Rob will be especially helpful when it comes to processing all of the information we collect as part of the Youth Board project, and I look forward to working more with Akumen in the future.”

The Future Coast Bude project team team are hugely grateful to Akumen for their incredibly generous support for the project.

Project update - March 2026

Coastal Vision

Taking into account feedback from the survey and working with the Youth Board, the project team have been planning for Community Conversation events.

The first of these will be taking place on Thursday 23 April from 4-7pm in the Ivor Potter Hall at the Parkhouse Centre. This first session will:

Give you a chance to come and explore the history of the coast in Bude, using the Maritime Archaeological Trust’s story map.
Watch the Premiere of the films produced by the 2 Minute Foundation.
Find out more about the Future Coast Bude project and what we have beenContinue reading

Coastal Vision Taking into account feedback from the survey and working with the Youth Board, the project team have been planning for Community Conversation events. The first of these will be taking place on Thursday 23 April from 4-7pm in the Ivor Potter Hall at the Parkhouse Centre. This first session will: Give you a chance to come and explore the history of the coast in Bude, using the Maritime Archaeological Trust’s story map. Watch the Premiere of the films produced by the 2 Minute Foundation. Find out more about the Future Coast Bude project and what we have been working on. Learn about how we want to work with you to plan for the future. Look out for more information about the events, coming soon.
	2 Minute Foundation Films At the Community Conversation event on 23 April, you will be able to watch films about: How the same storms are causing bigger problems How the coast naturally responds Defences, trade offs and coastal squeeze Adaptation planning and the future Look out for a trailer for the films coming out very soon.

The Youth Board The Youth Board have now completed their training and are fully involved in the project. They are: Helping us deliver the Community Conversation events. Developing ideas for getting younger people involved in the conversation about the future of the coast in Bude. You can read more about the Youth Board here: Future Coast Bude \| Let's Talk Cornwall
	Sand recycling Work to move some of the wind-blown sand on Summerleaze car park onto the front of the dune started on Monday 30 March. This is a Cornwall Council Car Parking Services project, which Future Coast Bude have helped to facilitate. The work is being done to ensure the sand remains within the dune, whilst buying time to come up with a plan for the future as part of the Coastal Vision. The project is also working closely with the RNLI and Dunes Group to try and make adjustments to the southern access route. Work will be undertaken by the Dunes Group and other volunteers from April, to try and stabilise parts of the dune to reduce the amount of sand that is blown into the car park. You can read more about sand recycling here: Future Coast Bude \| Let's Talk Cornwall

Summerleaze Sand Recycling & Dune Care Plan (2026–2027) – March 2026 update

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25 March 2026
Sand recycling work will be starting at Summerleaze week commencing Monday 30 March 2026
Cornwall Council and Bude & Stratton Town Council are working together on a short‑term programme to manage wind‑blown sand at Summerleaze Beach while strengthening the long‑term health of the dune system.
This work forms part of the Future Coast Bude project and will run from March 2026 to March 2027.
Community consultation about the future of the coast will be taking place during this time and will help shape the long-term plan for the coastline here. For background about this work information canContinue reading
25 March 2026
Sand recycling work will be starting at Summerleaze week commencing Monday 30 March 2026
Cornwall Council and Bude & Stratton Town Council are working together on a short‑term programme to manage wind‑blown sand at Summerleaze Beach while strengthening the long‑term health of the dune system.
This work forms part of the Future Coast Bude project and will run from March 2026 to March 2027.
Community consultation about the future of the coast will be taking place during this time and will help shape the long-term plan for the coastline here. For background about this work information can be found here: Summerleaze Sand Recycling & Dune Care Plan (2026–2027) – January 2026 update | Future Coast Bude | Let's Talk Cornwall
What work is happening?
Local contractors JB Groundworks and Utilities will be moving the wind blown-sand off a number of the car parking spaces in Summerleaze car park and moving this sand onto the front of the sand dune.
The work is expected to take around 4 days with work planned to be completed in advance of the Easter weekend.
During this time, machinery will be used to move sand which has blown onto car parking spaces and will be moved through the beach access way to the south of RNLI building. It will then be relocated onto the rock armour (large boulders) which are on the seaward side of the dune. The contractor will work from north to south - placing sand close to the northern access route first, and working southwards along the line of rock armour.
You will see a digger in the car park and a digger on the beach. The southern access route will be fenced off to the public whilst this work is taking place. There will also be parts of the car park that will be fenced off to keep the public safe.
When this work is complete, the contractor will undertake minor works to the RNLI access route to try and reduce the amount of sand blowing onto the car park in the future. Alongside this, work will be undertaken to stabilise the sand in this area, by planting marram grass.
The work is being planned closely with the RNLI and the Bude Dunes Group, and the contract will be managed by Cormac to ensure all health and safety requirements are met. Natural England have also been involved and are supportive of the proposed work.
We remain at mercy of the weather and can’t guarantee exactly how long the reshaped front of the dune will remain looking like it does at completion of the works!
Why is this work happening?
Future Coast Bude are aware of the community's concerns about wind-blown sand on the car park. The project is working with the community to plan for a positive future for the coast in Bude and understands that the sand dunes at Summerleaze are likely to be a key part of the community’s vision for Bude. Sand dunes are not only a protected habitat, they also offer great protection from the waves that come in off the Atlantic. Sand dunes are also a key source of sand that feeds the beach at Summerleaze – making it soft and sandy, compared with Crooklets, which doesn’t have sand dunes.
The project hopes to work with the community to plan for adaptation, but it recognises that until this plan is in place, the pressure on car parking in the town is a concern for local people.
Cornwall Councillor Peter LaBroy said “It is great that the Future Coast Bude project have listened to the concerns of the community and that they have been able to facilitate this work, which buys the community some time to plan properly for a positive future for the coastline of Bude. I would encourage everyone to get involved in the Community Conversation events, which will be being run in the coming months”.
Over the next 12 months, whilst a clear plan for the future is being developed, sand on the car park will continue to be recycled (by moving it to the front of the dune) to ensure it is kept in the sand dunes and offers protection and sediment supply to the beach. As part of the Coastal Vision, a longer-term plan for Summerleaze car park will be developed by the community, which will consider how best to adapt a very man-made environment in the future.

Future Coast Bude Youth Board takes part in coastal change training session

The Future Coast Bude Youth Board, made up of 18 local young people aged 16 to 30, took part in a dedicated training session this weekend. This session was designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge about the coastline in Bude, needed to support the Future Coast Bude project.

The Youth Board was established to ensure younger voices are represented in a project that will have long‑term impacts on the community. Engagement with the project to date has largely come from older residents, who often have more time and confidence to participate in public forums. The Youth BoardContinue reading

A key theme emerging from the project’s community survey earlier this year was the need for clearer information about how the coastline is changing and what drives those changes. In response, Future Coast Bude will soon launch a series of ‘Community Conversation’ events. These sessions will help residents explore how the coastline has evolved, what it may look like in the future, and how the project is supporting adaptation. The Youth Board will play a central role in helping to design, run, and analyse these events, supported by free training and paid work opportunities that aim to build their confidence and future employability.

Bude-Stratton Town Councillor, Tony Gibbs, who has been supporting the project, said: "To see the Future Coast Bude Youth Board come together with such enthusiasm and energy is very exciting. The board are very keen to learn about the coastline, how it is changing and what it means for their future.

I look forward to continuing to work with the board and Future Coast Bude to develop ideas and plans that benefit our entire community.”

On Saturday 21 March, the Youth Board gathered at the new 2 Minute Foundation HQ for an immersive training day focused on Bude’s unique coastline. They were introduced to a new interactive tool developed by the project, which brings together historic photos, maps, charts, and artwork of the Bude coastline. This digital resource, which is soon to be launched publicly, allows users to explore how the coastline has changed over time.

The group also enjoyed a premiere screening of new bite‑size educational films created in collaboration with the 2 Minute Foundation. These short films explain the natural processes shaping Bude’s coastline in an accessible and engaging way.

Claire from the 2 Minute Foundation then led the Youth Board on a guided beach walk, giving them the chance to observe coastal processes first‑hand. The session concluded with a discussion about how Bude’s coastline may change in the future and how the community can adapt positively.
	Evie, 22, said: “I found this session very helpful and informative. It really helped clear up any questions I had and was a great way to learn and digest the information. I enjoyed the beach walk to see physical examples of the changes to our coast. I enjoyed being able to work with people my age for the future of Bude.”
Tom, 17, added: “Growing up in Bude I feel its amazing landscape and community is so unique, and as young people it is our duty to preserve it whilst adapting to the inevitable changes to the coast.”

The next Youth Board training session will take place on 28 and 29 March, delivered by the charity Voice. This workshop will focus on communication and engagement skills, preparing the young people to support the project in sharing information with the wider community.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on Community Conversations.

Facebook: @Future Coast Bude
Instagram: @futurecoastbude

Planning for the future by understanding the current picture

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We know that the coast has changed in the past and that it will continue to change in the future. Erosion of the cliffs will continue to take place – in some places more quickly than others. And as sea levels rise, our beaches and facilities near the coast, will become under increasing pressure.
In Bude, there are a number of public owned building and amenities which will not be able to be kept in their existing location in the future. As part of the Future Coast Bude project, we are looking at what it would take to move orContinue reading
We know that the coast has changed in the past and that it will continue to change in the future. Erosion of the cliffs will continue to take place – in some places more quickly than others. And as sea levels rise, our beaches and facilities near the coast, will become under increasing pressure.
In Bude, there are a number of public owned building and amenities which will not be able to be kept in their existing location in the future. As part of the Future Coast Bude project, we are looking at what it would take to move or adapt some of these things in the future. To be able to understand how this can happen, we need to first gather data about what the current situation is.
To do this, the project has commissioned:
A drone survey of the cliffs, from Maer Cliff down to Mentones. This will give us visual information about the stability of the cliff. This is particularly important for understanding which parts of the coast path might need to be moved.

Ground Investigation surveys and Cliff Stability surveys, to help the project plan for which parts of the cliffs will be most vulnerable to cliff falls. This will also be very useful for future plans for the route of the coast path.

A drone survey, Topography survey and ‘Ground penetrating radar’ survey of the current overflow car park at Crooklets. This will allow plans to be made so that the capacity of the car park can be increased. This means that as increased pressure is put on the Crooklets car park, beachside car parking is still available.

Ecology surveys, which will allow the project to have a clear idea of what the habitat is and what species are present in different locations along the coast. This will help inform decisions about where things like the toilet blocks could be moved to in the future.

By gathering this data now, this information can be fed into our Community Conversation events, which will be happening in April and May. This information can be used to help inform the community’s plan for the Coastal Vision – setting the direction of travel for the coast in Bude in the future.

Project update - February 2026

Shaping Bude’s Coast Together – survey responses

A huge thank you to everybody who completed the survey. This was designed so the project team could better understand what is most important to the community about the coast in Bude, and will be used to shape our future engagement.

Over 250 responses were received – a response rate of 2.8%.

The survey shows a consistent and urgent need for far better communication, education, and public understanding around coastal change and adaptation.

Most respondents felt ill‑informed, uncertain, or unaware of what is happening, despite strong concern about erosion, flooding, and future risks.

Shaping Bude’s Coast Together – survey responses

Over 250 responses were received – a response rate of 2.8%.

The survey shows a consistent and urgent need for far better communication, education, and public understanding around coastal change and adaptation.

Most respondents felt ill‑informed, uncertain, or unaware of what is happening, despite strong concern about erosion, flooding, and future risks.

A full survey report will be shared in March.

Based on the findings of the survey, it is clear to the project team that we need to be able to work with the community to provide better information about coastal change and adaptation. We have been working on a number of key tools which will help us to have this conversation (see below for updates on the story map and films).

Shaping Bude’s Coast Together – competition winners

Congratulations to the prize winners, who were drawn at random, by the Mayor of Bude, Mike Dawes.

Winners are:

First prize: Megan Ross

Second prize: Pippa John

Third prize: Jill Haines

All prize winners received vouchers for local Bude businesses (Electric Bakery, The Refill Shop and Wild Wood). Megan and Pippa were presented with their vouchers by the Mayor of Bude.

2 Minute Foundation films

Four short films on the following topics are being filmed and will be ready to share in March:

Why the same storms are causing bigger problems?
Is erosion always bad – or is it just misunderstood?
Do sea wall actually make the problem worse?
How we plan for a coastline that won’t stay still.

We can't wait to share these with you very soon!

Maritime Archaeological Trust Story Map

The Maritime Archaeological Trust have been progressing well with their work to bring together all the available evidence about what the coastline in Bude looked like in the past.

The first draft of the tool that they have produced was shared with the Critical Friends group and, once updated with their feedback, will be available to share publicly very soon! We are working with the team at The Castle to see if we can have it on display there, as well as looking at other opportunities to share with the community in Bude Do get in touch if you have some ideas on groups that might be interested (futurecoastbude@cornwall.gov.uk).

Youth Board: a group of residents aged 16-30

18 applications to be part of the Youth Board have been received. All those who applied have been successful in securing a place.

The group will meet for the first time at the beginning of March to find out more about the project, then there will be 2 training weekends.

The first will be led by 2 Minute Foundation and will be based around the films that they have produced. This will help the group feel confident about coastal processes.

The second weekend will be led by Charity ‘Voice’ who will provide training on how to plan and deliver events, data analysis, report writing and how to be an ambassador for a project.

The group will then:

Be paid to help with wider community engagement events that they get involved in.
Help the project reach a younger audience, to ensure the voices of those most impacted by coastal change are represented as part of the project.

Sand recycling and reducing wind-blown sand – Summerleaze car park

Work to move sand from the car park onto the front of the dune is planned to start week commencing 23 March and is likely to take a couple of weeks. Parts of the car park will be fenced off to enable this work to be done safely.

Plans to re-align the path through the dunes have been modified, to take into account the exciting discovery of lizards (a protected species) in the dune. As much work as can be done to reduce the amount of sand blowing onto the car park will still take place, without causing any disturbance to the lizard’s habitat.

Summerleaze Beach urgent health and safety repairs – undertaken by Cornwall Council

Work will be taking place throughout the beginning of March to remove and repair damaged wire baskets that help keep the river in place. This work is being done by Cornwall Council. The longer-term future of these wire baskets at Summerleaze is being considered as part of the project.

More information about this work can be found here: Urgent health and safety repairs.

Beach huts

Beach hut user drop-in sessions were run in February half term and were well attended. These were invitation only events for people who rent a beach hut.

The project team worked with representatives from the Bude Area Tourist Board to talk to the beach hut users about a range of topics. Key learning included:

The diverse reasons why people have a hut - some for the social side, some for the opposite (for peace and quiet) and everything in between!
Most attendees were in favour of future huts being constructed from more durable composite material which would be much lower-maintenance and have a longer life.
Most attendees were not keen to construct their own huts on a plot, but were concerned about the need for maintenance and investment now.
The importance of proximity to the beach and the view are key - potential sites for beach huts further from the sea were not popular.

Overall, all attendees were in agreement that the Beach Huts are a vital part of the character of Bude’s beaches and should be part of any investment and planning for the future of Bude’s coastline.

Work to repair the damaged boardwalk with beach huts on at Summerleaze is expected to be undertaken in March.

Work with Cormac

Cormac, part of Cornwall Council, is continuing work to look at what would be required to relocated public assets away from vulnerable locations at the coast. A drone survey has been undertaken to better understand which parts of the cliffs are most vulnerable, and ground investigation works are planned to understand more about future locations for the coast path and future parking options.

Cormac are currently working to try and determine what work will require planning permission and what work could be delivered within the time frame of the project (before April 2027).

Summerleaze Beach urgent health and safety repairs – undertaken by Cornwall Council

At Summerleaze beach, wire baskets containing rocks are used to line the banks of the River Neet. These baskets are called gabions and help to keep the river flowing in a particular place.

The gabion baskets run all the way from the slip way at the back of Summerleaze car park, to the Iron Bridge, along the right hand bank (the one on the right as you look downstream). There are a number of baskets stacked on top of one another. Much of the time these baskets are covered in sand.

During a recent inspection, undertaken by Cornwall Council, aContinue reading

At Summerleaze beach, wire baskets containing rocks are used to line the banks of the River Neet. These baskets are called gabions and help to keep the river flowing in a particular place. The gabion baskets run all the way from the slip way at the back of Summerleaze car park, to the Iron Bridge, along the right hand bank (the one on the right as you look downstream). There are a number of baskets stacked on top of one another. Much of the time these baskets are covered in sand.
	During a recent inspection, undertaken by Cornwall Council, a number of failed baskets have been identified. This has led to metal wire sticking out which causes a health and safety risk. Some of the baskets are beyond repair. These are mostly located at the bend in the river. The plan is to remove the top layer of baskets here.
The gabions which are not being removed will be inspected and any metal sticking out will be removed and recycled. Wire mesh will be placed over the damaged gabions to stop any more metal coming out of the baskets and causing a health and safety risk. A rope barrier will be installed along the top of the gabions to highlight the damaged areas, while Cornwall Council evaluate the effect of the whole gabion wall on the dune system. Work is expected to take place during the week of 23 February 2026, for a duration of approximately 3 weeks.

Summerleaze Sand Recycling & Dune Care Plan (2026–2027) – January 2026 update

Share Summerleaze Sand Recycling & Dune Care Plan (2026–2027) – January 2026 update on Facebook Share Summerleaze Sand Recycling & Dune Care Plan (2026–2027) – January 2026 update on Twitter Share Summerleaze Sand Recycling & Dune Care Plan (2026–2027) – January 2026 update on Linkedin Email Summerleaze Sand Recycling & Dune Care Plan (2026–2027) – January 2026 update link
Cornwall Council and Bude & Stratton Town Council are working together on a short‑term programme to manage wind‑blown sand at Summerleaze Beach while strengthening the long‑term health of the dune system. This work forms part of the Future Coast Bude project and will run from March 2026 to March 2027. Community consultation about the future of the coast will be taking place during this time, and will help shape the long-term plan for the coastline here.
Why this work is happening
Summerleaze is a naturally dynamic coastline. Wind, waves and tides constantly move sand around the beach and dunes. OverContinue reading
Cornwall Council and Bude & Stratton Town Council are working together on a short‑term programme to manage wind‑blown sand at Summerleaze Beach while strengthening the long‑term health of the dune system. This work forms part of the Future Coast Bude project and will run from March 2026 to March 2027. Community consultation about the future of the coast will be taking place during this time, and will help shape the long-term plan for the coastline here.
Why this work is happening
Summerleaze is a naturally dynamic coastline. Wind, waves and tides constantly move sand around the beach and dunes. Over recent years this has led to:

Sand regularly building up in the car park

Erosion and exposed rock armour along the seaward edge of the dunes

Concerns about the long‑term resilience of the dune system

The aim of this plan is to reduce sand accumulation in the car park in the short term while keeping all sand within the natural beach–dune system, supporting the dunes’ ability to recover and adapt.
Where the work will take place
The project focuses on the mobile dunes and the car park, staying above the Mean High-Water Springs (MHWS) line to avoid disturbing protected intertidal habitats.
How sand recycling works
Excess sand that gathers in the car park will be moved back onto the dunes where it can help rebuild and stabilise them. The work will:

Target only loose, non‑vegetated sand

Prioritise rebuilding the west‑facing dune edge, where rock armour is currently exposed

Maintain safe, stable slopes — especially around the RNLI access route

Support wider dune‑care measures such as fencing, planting and mulching

The first phase is planned for early spring 2026, ideally after the March spring tides and before Easter, to maximise benefits ahead of the summer season.
Fencing and planting to stabilise the dunes
To help reduce wind‑blown sand and guide people safely through the dunes, a series of fencing and planting measures will be introduced.
Fencing
Two types of fencing will be installed:

Post‑and‑rope fencing to mark a new access route and close off the old one

Fencing to act as windbreaks and trap sand in key areas, including behind the rock armour and along the southwest dune edge

These measures help slow sand movement and encourage natural dune growth.
Planting
Once fencing is in place, dune‑friendly planting will help stabilise the sand:

Marram grass in sheltered sand‑capture areas

Lyme grass or couch grass in lower areas that may occasionally be reached by waves

Thatching or mulching (e.g., straw) to help young plants establish

Some bare sand will be intentionally retained to preserve the natural ecological function of the dunes.
Maintaining RNLI access at all times
The RNLI relies on a key access corridor to launch the D‑Class inshore lifeboat. A realigned, more southerly route is proposed to improve safety and reduce wind‑blown sand around the boathouse.
If the new route cannot be created at the same time as the sand recycling work, the existing route must remain fully usable.
Protecting RNLI operations is a core requirement of the project.
What to expect
Even with this work, the dunes will continue to shift — that’s part of a healthy coastal system. Sand may still accumulate in the car park at times, and the dune face will continue to respond to waves and weather. These changes will be monitored closely by:

The Bude Dunes Group

The Future Coast Bude team

The regional coastal monitoring programme

What informed this plan
The approach draws on specialist studies and community feedback, including:

Summerleaze Beach & Dune Management Plan (2016)

Bude Coastal Change Project (2021)

Summerleaze Dune Report (2023)

Summerleaze Car Park Community Feedback Survey (2025)

Further sand sampling will take place to confirm grain size and check for any contamination, though no issues are currently expected.