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.

Future Coast Bude Youth Board (YB) Questions and Answers

What is it?

The Future Coast Bude Youth Board will be a group of young people who would like to make a positive impact on their community. The Youth Board will be tasked with working with professionals to co-design community engagement events to capture feedback from the people of Bude as to what their priorities are for the future of the coast.

To achieve this, the Youth Board will receive training on how to work with a range of stakeholders, facilitate discussions, capture and analyse data and produce a written document setting out the aspirations of the community. The Youth Board members will be paid for their time (with vouchers for local or national businesses).

By investing in our young people, we can provide them with skills to increase their employability in the future, give them confidence, and real-life work experience. They will have a genuine opportunity to shape the delivery of community workshops in the spring. We hope these young people will become ambassadors for the project and inspire the project on how best we can hear the voices of young people, so that their views are adequately represented in the process.

We want to hold up the Youth Board in Bude as an example of how best to work with young people when we are planning for the future. We hope that the Youth Board will then be used to recruit to a Youth Council (made up of young people aged 11-18).

What’s the time commitment and when is it?

We anticipate needing around an average of 6-12 hours of your time a month, depending on what projects and ideas you would like to get involved in.

Training (required)

One evening session and 3 weekend day sessions in March (expenses paid).

Planning (optional)

• 2 hours a week, in the evening in March (paid).

Workshops (optional)

• Approximately 5 events delivered in the second two weeks of April (paid).

Data analysis and report writing

• Approximately 2 hours a week, throughout May and June (paid).

How much will it cost me?

Nothing. The group is funded. Expenses to attend training can be covered and your time to deliver work on behalf of the project will be paid for.

What will I need?

For online meetings and communication:

• Access to a phone, tablet or laptop with internet access (Get in touch with us for support if you need help with equipment or internet access).
• A quiet place that you’re happy to engage in conversation

For live meetings and events:

• The ability to get into and out of Bude (we can cover travel expenses).
• To ensure that someone you live with, or trusted friend, know where you’re heading to and what time you’ll be back

To be part of the group:

• To be aged between 16 and 30, as of 1 March 2026.
• To live in Bude, or the surrounding area and able to travel in to Bude to support with events and attend training.
• A positive character who is happy to engage in conversations with small group discussions
• A desire to share your views and represent those of others, regardless of background
• A keen interest in supporting creative and effective projects which in turn will have a significant impact on shaping the future of Bude
• An inclusive nature, welcoming the views of everyone around them

What will the board achieve?

The board will help to the Future Coast Bude project team deliver a Coastal Vision for Bude. This will be an accessible, aspirational document setting out what the community want to see in the future on the coast in Bude, taking into account the impacts that sea level rise and coastal erosion will have on the town. The document will be co-designed with the community and the board will lead on this co-design, putting particular emphasis on ensuring the voices and views of young people are heard.

How do I apply?

The form is here: Youth Board application form | Let's Talk Cornwall (just press submit).

If you would like a paper copy or support filling in your application please email Liz 📧 futurecoastbude@cornwall.gov.uk or ask at 📍 Bude-Stratton Town Council, The Parkhouse Centre for a copy.

If you would like to submit any answers in video or voice note format they can be sent to Liz 📧 futurecoastbude@cornwall.gov.uk

What if I have questions first?

Great! It’s good to have questions. You can either simply email Liz Taylor at futurecoastbude@cornwall.gov.uk with your questions or to arrange a phone/video call convenient to you.

Additionally, you can attend our information sessions, which will be advertised, to hear more about this opportunity and ask any questions you might have!

Fill in the survey here: Shaping Bude's Coast Together | Let's Talk Cornwall

Sand recycling and actions to reduce sand on the car park at Summerleaze

Background

The Future Coast Bude project is funded through the Defra Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme. The focus of the project is about promoting adaptation actions to help communities transition away from eroding coastlines.

The coastline at Summerleaze is evolving, and rising sea levels will increasingly place pressure on nearby buildings and the car park. This project aims to work closely with the community and key partner organisations to explore future options for the area, ensuring that vital public facilities and amenities are preserved and planned for in a sustainable, managed way.

The immediate challenge

One of the challenges at Summerleaze car park, owned by Cornwall Council, is the area south of the RNLI lifeboat station where dunes have been unable to establish. Because this space must remain clear for the RNLI to launch their boat, the sand is exposed to prevailing south‑westerly winds, which blow it into the car park and cause it to accumulate there.

The policies

The coastal sand dune at Summerleaze is categorised as a priority habitat by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the Bude Neighbourhood Development Plan policy intent is to 'protect and enhance' the dunes at Summerleaze.

The Shoreline Management Plan policy for this location is Managed Realignment. This means changing the position of the shoreline in a controlled way, such as by slowing down erosion or creating habitats to help manage flooding.

A Marine Monitoring Organisation licence would be required for any work taking place below mean high water.

Feedback from the community

The project has listened to feedback from the community on their concerns about sand accumulating on Summerleaze car park, including receiving responses from over 250 people on an online survey.

Around half of people who responded to this survey had experienced problems caused by sand in the car park, and people felt very strongly that this wind-blown sand should be moved.

In particular, those with disabilities were particularly affected by this sand, with it causing issues with accessing the beach.

What the project is doing

The Future Coast Bude project team have agreed to facilitate conversations between internal Cornwall Council teams, as well as wider stakeholders, to understand whether there are any short-term options that can be considered to:

a) remove sand from the car park and

b) reduce the amount of sand that blows on to the car park in the future.

These discussions have been guided by four key principles:

• Sand dunes intercept energy from storm tides and waves, in turn helping reduce flood and erosion risks in areas behind them. As such, the Summerleaze dunes provide these benefits to parts of Bude. This is recognised and set out in the Shoreline Management Plan for Summerleaze beach.
• Sand should be retained in the coastal cell to support a healthy beach (i.e. no off-site removal).
• Sand can only be relocated to areas above mean high water spring, negating the need for licences.
• Any parts of the dune adjacent to the car park with established vegetation should not be disturbed.

A number of options were considered by a range of stakeholders who have involvement in the Summerleaze car park.

The agreed proposal is:

1. Cornwall Council Car Parks will fund Cormac to clear wind-blown sand from several spaces in Summerleaze car park in March 2026. The work will take place after the high spring tides but before the tourist season begins. Sand will only be removed from areas where dunes are not established, ensuring that the dune remains stable and that RNLI operations and public safety are not affected. The cleared sand will be placed at the front of the dune, above the high-water mark, along the exposed rock armour. No licences are required for this activity. This approach is considered the best way to protect existing vegetation and habitats while allowing the sand to naturally reintegrate into the dune system over time. Updates and information about the project will be shared on the Future Coast Bude website.
   
   
2. Sand will be cleared on a more frequent basis, for the 12 months from March 2026 – March 2027 by Bude-Stratton Town Council Facilities Team. The Town Council will be reimbursed for the work by Cornwall Council car parks team.

This process will be undertaken for the period of the project, up until March 2027. Community consultation will be taking place in parallel to this work, the outputs of which will help to guide any long-term plan for the car park.

As well as recycling the sand back on to the sand dune, the project team have been working with a coastal engineering specialist, the RNLI and Bude Dunes Group to co-design some options to reduce the amount of sand that reaches the car park. Options that have been considered include:

• Narrowing the path back to 2001 size, with a greater area established and stabilised with grasses.
• Reducing public access to this area and encouraging use just for RNLI access.
• Realigning the direction of the path so that it is not exposed to the prevailing wind.
• Putting in options which would help stabilise the dune, for example a boardwalk or matting that would help hold sand in placed.
• Moving the RNLI access way to another location.

These options are being worked up with the hope that some of them will be implemented in Spring 2026.

Cornwall Councillor, Peter LaBroy said, “Wind blown sand on Summerleaze car park has become an increasing challenge. I am delighted that through the work of the Defra funded Future Coast Bude project, a short-term arrangement has been agreed. This will alleviate the existing pressure on parking at Summerleaze and give the community of Bude time to get involved in the consultation events that will be happening in 2026. These events will outline the priorities and direction for the coastline in Bude in the long-term, including decisions about how to adapt to future pressures.”

Show Us Bude Through Your Eyes!

Our coastline is always changing – and so is Bude. From dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches to everyday life by the sea, we want to celebrate what makes our coastal town special.

Before we begin a wider community conversation next year, we’re starting with something creative. The Shifting Shores postcard competition invites residents to share their vision of coastal Bude – past, present or future – through photography, painting, drawing, digital artwork or mixed media.

The winning design will be printed on postcards delivered to every household in Bude and Stratton in early 2026, helping to kick-start the next stage of the Future Coast Bude project – working together to build a resilient future for our coast and community.

Enter today and help shape how we tell the story of Bude’s changing coast.

Entry Guidelines

1. Eligibility

• The Competition is open to residents of Bude and Stratton of all ages.
• Entrants under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian to take part.
• The competition is open to everyone — whether you’re a professional, hobbyist, or first-time creator. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, and how well they capture the spirit of coastal Bude, not on technical skill.
• Each entrant may submit one entry only.

2. Theme

The theme “Shifting Shores” invites you to capture what coastal Bude means to you – in spirit, scenery, people and places, past, present or future.

Your artwork might reflect:

• Bude’s coastal heritage – landmarks, history, or traditional seaside life.
• Bude today – beach scenes, surf culture, community events, or daily life by the sea.
• Bude’s changing coast – creative reflections on how our shoreline and community evolve over time.

3. Accepted Formats

• Digital submissions: JPEG or PNG format, 300dpi resolution.
• Physical submissions: Flat A4 artwork (no 3D materials) suitable for scanning or photography.
• Accepted media: photos, paintings, drawings, digital artwork or mixed media.
• The winning design will be reproduced on an A6 postcard (148 x 105 mm / 5.8 x 4.1 inches), so entrants may wish to consider this size and proportion when creating their artwork.

4. How to Enter

• By email: Send your entry to futurecoastbude@cornwall.gov.uk with your name, contact details, and optional caption (max 50 words).
• In person: Drop off physical artwork at the council offices in the Parkhouse Centre (EX23 8LD) during opening hours.

Each entry must include:

• Entrant’s full name
• Entrant's postcode
• Contact details (email or phone)
• Optional short caption or description (up to 50 words)

5. Closing Date

Entries must be received by Friday 14 November 2025.

Late entries cannot be accepted.

6. Judging and Selection

• Entries will be judged by representatives from Bude-Stratton Town Council and Future Coast Bude.
• Judging criteria: creativity, relevance to the coastal theme, visual appeal and suitability for postcard format and printing.
• One winning design will be selected.
• The judges’ decision is final.

7. Prizes

• The winning design will appear on a community postcard delivered to every Bude & Stratton household in early 2026.
• Winners will receive recognition on the Future Coast Bude website, social media and local press where possible.
• Selected entries may also feature in a local display or online gallery.

8. Copyright and Permissions

• Entries must be the entrant’s own original work.
• By entering, participants agree that Future Coast Bude, Bude-Stratton Town Council and Defra may use their artwork (with credit) in project materials including, but not limited to, postcards, websites, exhibitions and social media.
• Intellectual property rights in any materials created through the project are owned by Defra, in line with the programme’s funding conditions.
• Entrants will always be credited wherever their work is used.

9. Data Protection

Personal data will be used only to administer the competition and contact winners. Information will be handled in line with Bude-Stratton Town Council’s Privacy Policy.

10. General

• No entry fee is required.
• The organisers reserve the right to amend or cancel the competition if necessary.
• Submitting an entry implies acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.

CoastCraft launch – explore coastal resilience through a Minecraft world based on Bude!

What is CoastCraft?

CoastCraft is an educational game designed for students aged 9-14 (in England – Upper Primary Key stage 2 and lower secondary key stage 3). This game transports players to the coastal town of Bude in North Cornwall, modelled in MinecraftEducation™ by BlockBuilders. Playing CoastCraft introduces students to the dynamic processes of shaping coastal areas and challenges them to make decisions that balance the needs of various stakeholders while protecting the environment.

Who developed CoastCraft?

Based on the landscape of the town of Bude in Cornwall, the game has been developed in partnership by Minecraft Education, Cornwall Council and the Environment Agency as part of the latter’s £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme.

Is CoastCraft part of the Future Coast Bude project?

Although CoastCraft is based in Bude, it is not part of the Future Coast Bude project. It is funded though Making Space for Sand. This is another project led by Cornwall Council and funded through the Defra Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme. This project covers a number of sites across Cornwall.

The aim of the Making Space for Sand Project is to encourage the more sustainable use and development of the coastal fringe to allow for a more natural, ecosystem approach to coastal management where traditional coastal protection is not possible. To find out more about Making Space for Sand visit their website: Home Page - Making Space for sand

CoastCraft is based on the sand dunes at Summerleaze beach. Does the game affect what is planned for the future of Summerleaze?

No. However, the game is based on real life modelling and shows the actual impacts that different decisions will have on the local area. The aim of CoastCraft is to give young people around the world the opportunity to understand more about coastal processes and what the competing needs are of a range of stakeholders.

CoastCraft places students onto Summerleaze in the present day. The game introduces the processes which are currently shaping the area, and provides the player with an opportunity to make important decisions while developing coastal resilience in the local community.

The Future Coast Bude project will be working with the community in Bude to plan for what their vision is for the coastline in Bude in the future. This will be done by working closely with the community to understand what is most important to them, and how a range of pressures and interests (just like in the game) can be balanced in the future, in the face of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

How were Budehaven School involved in the project?

Students in Years 7 and 8 at Budehaven School were given the opportunity to play the game in advance of the launch. They were filmed playing the game and interviewed about how they found it. This footage was developed in a short film which is being used to promote CoastCraft.

CoastCraft was launched on 3 October and young people from Budehaven school were also involved in the launch.

How can I play CoastCraft?

CoastCraft can be played on the Minecraft™: Education Edition. It can be downloaded free and installed on many different types of device. You will need a Microsoft 365 account and you will need to search for “CoastCraft” in the Library.

The Bude Canal was opened on the 8th July 1823. The purpose of the canal being built was mainly to bring lime rich sand for agricultural fertiliser to the hilly hinterland and the local farms. The Bude Canal system was one of the most unusual in Britain. If was remarkable in using six inclined planes which enabled tug boats, measuring 20ft x 5.6ft x 3.20ft to be hauled to the upper levels. It had a total extent of 35 1/2 miles (56km), and it rose from sea level to the upper levels.
	The original plan had been to use barges to transport sand through the sea lock. However, this was not considered effective and a system of rail tracks designed for trucks pulled by horses was developed instead. Some of the rails are still visible on the beach today, and it is the rails running down the path to the beach that have been incorporated into the newly restored access way.
The sea lock is one of only two in the UK, and was enlarged to its current size in 1838. it is 119ft x 30ft x 30ft and requires a minimum depth of 9ft 6" of sea water to operate. The lock is still in use today and is operated by a volunteer crew. The original breakwater was built in 1820. It was rebuilt in 1838 following a violent storm to the design we see today. The breakwater is vital in protecting the harbour and helping ensure the safe passage of ships.

Photographs courtesy of The Castle Heritage Centre.