As the Future Coast Bude project enters its final six months, work continues to help Bude prepare for the impacts of coastal change. Over the past two months, progress has been made across a range of projects, including transport, community engagement, coastal planning and education.

Future Coast Bude Project Delivery

In August, the project shared an update from Cllr Loic Rich, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change. The update confirmed that Future Coast Bude would be progressing plans to provide two new modular toilet blocks, one at Summerleaze and one at Crooklets.

On 9 September, Bude-Stratton Town Council considered the proposals and resolved that it would not accept responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of any modular toilets built by Cornwall Council at Crooklets or Summerleaze. Following this decision, Future Coast Bude confirmed that the proposed toilet project would not proceed.

Park & Ride Pilot 2026

During the summer holidays, the second year of Bude's Park & Ride pilot took place. This was made possible thanks to the continued support of a local landowner, who again provided the land free of charge.

The 2026 pilot was designed to:

• Build on lessons learned from the 2025 pilot.
• Increase passenger numbers.
• Improve awareness and stakeholder engagement.
• Gather evidence to assess whether a permanent seasonal service could be justified.

Improvements introduced in 2026

Service Changes

• Earlier start time of 8am (previously 10am).
• Route extended to Crooklets Beach.
• Car park capacity signs installed.
• Permanent fold-down Park & Ride signage installed.
• Formal bus stop introduced.

Ticket Prices

• Adult ticket: £2.50 (previously £2.00).
• Child ticket: £1.50 (previously £1.00).
• Family ticket: £7.50 (previously £5.00).
• Discounted block booking options available.

Additional Incentives

• Free travel for children throughout August.
• Concessionary bus passes accepted.

What we learned

Between 5,000 and 6,000 passenger journeys were made during the pilot. Although the service was well used and highly valued by those who travelled on it, income generated was not sufficient to make the service financially viable.

Feedback from passengers was extremely positive, with 95% of users saying they would either use the service again or recommend it to someone else.

At the same time, the number of parking tickets sold in Bude's main car parks has increased by around 10,000 since 2024, suggesting visitor numbers continue to grow.

As visitor numbers increase and coastal change places additional pressure on parking provision in the future, finding sustainable ways for people to access Bude will be increasingly important to support the town's economy and visitor experience.

Next Steps

The 2026 pilot showed that a seasonal Park & Ride service can operate successfully and is highly valued by users.

However, despite improvements to the service, stronger promotion and high customer satisfaction, passenger numbers were lower than in 2025 and usage remains too low for the service to operate without financial support.

Future Coast Bude is now exploring whether community transport could play a role in addressing Bude's future transport challenges. The full findings from both Park & Ride pilots, along with the Travel and Access Study, will be shared with Bude-Stratton Town Council, Connect Bude and Cornwall Council's Transport Team.

Coastal Vision

Over the past 12 months, a wide range of engagement activities have taken place through the Future Coast Bude project, gathering views from residents, businesses, young people and stakeholders about Bude’s changing coastline. Bude-Stratton Town Council is now bringing together what has been heard, alongside evidence gathered through the project, to create a Coastal Vision for the town.

The Coastal Vision will set out a shared long-term vision for Bude’s coastline – what the community values, the future it wants to work towards, and the principles and priorities that should guide decisions as the coast changes.

The Coastal Vision will also help inform the Coastal Change Management Plan (CCMP), which will focus on how Bude can plan for and manage the practical impacts of coastal change over time. The completed Coastal Vision will be supported by a short film.

Youth Board

The Future Coast Bude Youth Board has continued to play an active role in the project.

Members have been working with a local filmmaker to produce a short film about their involvement in the project and the importance of including young people in decisions that will affect future generations.

The film is available to view online and will be used with communities across Cornwall and beyond to demonstrate the value of youth participation in decision-making.

Youth Board members have also been invited to speak at the South West Coastal Monitoring Group's annual meeting, where they will share their experiences of being involved in the project.

Planning for the Future of the RNLI Lifeboat Station and Surf Life Saving Club

Community engagement carried out through the project identified both the RNLI Lifeboat Station at Summerleaze and the Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) at Crooklets as important community assets.

Both facilities are expected to face increasing challenges from coastal erosion and sea level rise in the future. Understanding where these services could be located in the long term is therefore an important part of planning for coastal adaptation.

It is worth remembering that the last relocation of the lifeboat station took around 20 years to deliver. Starting these conversations early helps ensure that essential facilities can continue to operate when they are needed.

Future Coast Bude is working with the RNLI, the Surf Life Saving Club and Dune Architects to identify the most suitable future locations for both facilities.

Wave Modelling

Future Coast Bude has part-funded a detailed study into how waves affect Bude's coastline both now and in the future.

The work has examined how features such as the breakwater, sand dunes and sea pool influence wave behaviour today, and how their role may change as sea levels rise and coastal conditions evolve.

The findings were presented to the project's Critical Friends Group in late September, and the presentation is available to view online.

This information is now being used to inform both the Coastal Vision and the Coastal Change Management Plan currently being developed.

A second phase of the modelling project will assess a further set of potential management options, to add to those already done, and is being undertaken between now and next March.

2 Minute Foundation Work

The 2 Minute Foundation has continued its excellent work with young people and communities, helping to increase understanding of coastal change and climate impacts.

Over recent months, the organisation has worked with schools, community groups, home-educated young people and individuals across the area to explain coastal processes and the challenges facing the coast in the future.

In addition, the charity has repeated the coastal awareness survey first undertaken last summer. While the results are still being analysed, early findings suggest that public awareness and understanding of coastal processes has improved compared with last year.

Dune restoration update

Following a review of the dune restoration areas after a hot, dry summer, the Dunes Group has reported several positive outcomes. The straw bales installed earlier this year have remained effective, helping to retain sand and support the natural development of the dunes. Some new grasses have also established within the restoration areas.

The fencing and signage have successfully reduced foot traffic through sensitive areas, helping to protect habitats and support dune recovery.

While the initial marram grass planting has had limited success, the team remains optimistic that further growth may emerge next spring. Lessons learned from this year's work will help shape future planting efforts, with additional marram grass already planted in September and further restoration planned for next year.

Looking Ahead

As Future Coast Bude enters its final six months, the project team is focusing on the long-term legacy of the work completed so far.

Alongside delivering remaining activities in Bude, the team is also exploring opportunities to apply the lessons learned through the project in other coastal communities across Cornwall, helping more places prepare for the impacts of coastal change.

If you would like to receive updates on coastal adaptation work taking place across Cornwall, please email futurecoastbude@cornwall.gov.uk and ask to be added to the wider mailing list.

Future Coast Bude project delivery

Programme partners continue to work together on the next phase of Future Coast Bude. Discussions are ongoing and a further update will be shared once these have concluded.

	Coastal Vision workshops Across two dates in June, around 45 individuals, representing groups or organisations involved on the coast, were invited to workshops at the Parkhouse Centre. The aim of these events was to collect community views and ideas to inform a Coastal Vision. This document will build on lots of the information the project has collected already and will set out the community's aspirational plan for the future of the coastline in Bude; how they want it to look and feel as it adapts to changes over the next 30 years. Following an introductory presentation, participants used large maps, with models produced by the youth board, to re-imagine the future of what either Summerleaze or Crooklets could look like. They were then tasked with taking one asset and making a plan for the future - considering what the options could be, what the risks and benefits would be for each option, and when each option might be implemented. Groups then picked a preferred option. The workshops ended with an anonymous voting session, which captured views on what was important to people in the future and how they wanted the coast to look and feel. The workshops got very positive feedback from those who attended. A special thank you to members of the youth board who put their skills into practise and helped to facilitate the events. An additional workshop was run with Year 12 A Level Geography students at Budehaven school.
Future Coast Bude Coastal Vision Bude-Stratton Town Council and the Youth Board have worked with the project to identify the key themes coming out of the visioning work. These are available to view here: Summary of findings v2 (A3) These findings have also been on display at the Parkhouse Centre. The team will be working over the summer to produce the full Coastal Vision report.
	Future-proofing access to the coast Throughout the project, Future Coast Bude has worked very closely with both Active8 and AdSurf - charities working locally to improve access for all. We have also been working with Bude Area Tourist Board. A key focus of the project has been to ensure that those with mobility challenges, can still access the beach in the future, as the coastline changes. As a result of this work, the project has funded two new beach wheelchairs. Crooklets cafe have kindly offered to host the beach wheelchairs. Bookings for both will remain through Ad Surf. More information can be found here: Accessible and Inclusive Bude. The project has also funded a number of ramps that can be used with beach huts to allow them to be accessible to those with mobility challenges. The ramps will be available for use with any ‘accessible’ hut free of charge. There will be two ramps at Summerleaze and two at Crooklets. All the information about the light-weight, foldable ramps will be available on the visitBude website and at the beach office.
Flood and Coast conference Future Coast Bude attended the Flood and Coast Conference in Liverpool in June - the biggest conference in the country devoted to flooding and coastal erosion. The team were involved in running a workshop with other projects who are delivering coastal adaptation across the country. The workshop allowed attendees to consider how they would plan for coastal adaptation, using a scenario based approach.

Written by Holly, photos by Liberty; Youth Board members.

On the 14 May a youth event was organised and run by the Future Coast Bude Youth Board. This a group of fifteen young people, aged between 16 and 30, who have received training and are now being paid to support the project. This helps to ensure that the voices of young people are represented in a project thinking about the future, which will impact younger generations.

The event was hosted at the 2 Minute Foundation HQ, with great views out along the coast. The session was an incredible opportunity for younger voices (people aged 16-35) of the community to be heard on matters affecting Bude’s coastline and infrastructure. A wide range of activities and educational opportunities were provided to spread awareness of the changes to our coastline, gather younger opinions on significant issues and socially connect Bude’s youths.

Welcomed with pebble painting The social began at 6pm where people arrived for a session on pebble painting. This got people thinking about what the things were in Bude that were most important to the community. It was a great chance for conversations on outcomes for our future to be explored and a creative icebreaker for the evening. Some examples of art included Bude storm tower and the various wildlife that thrives along Bude’s beaches.
	2 Minute Foundation films and a sunset walk 4 short films that were made in partnership with 2 Minute Foundation were shown. These helped to explain coastal erosion processes, climate change and how to plan for Bude’s future. The films helped encourage the group to think about issues they prioritised most along the coast. A walk along Bude’s Downs was then enjoyed giving people a chance to talk as the sun set over the ocean. I think everyone on the Youth board felt that this walk promoted conversations between new people - an important part of the community element of the project. It was also a good reminder of Bude’s natural habitats and social spaces.
Discussions and Polls After watching the films, a blank postcard was handed out to everyone. People were encouraged to note down what they cared most about Bude's shore. There was then a discussion about how these things might be impacted by coastal change. Liz Taylor, Future Coast Bude Communications and engagement lead, then led an interactive presentation on the various projects that the Future Coast Bude project could fund, which would help the community adapt to coastal change. The areas discussed included Summerleaze and Crooklets toilets and car parks as well as the beach huts and coast path that stretches across the Downs. Nia Clarke, from the Marine and Coastal Partnership helped prompt the discussion about priorities. This was followed by an opportunity to anonymously vote on the options - a useful way of understanding what younger members of the Bude community prioritise.
	Mural Art A stunning mural capturing Bude’s shore was created by Hal Murray, a member of the youth board who ‘wanted to create an impression of the coast for the community to build upon, where young people can share their fondest memories of Bude and blend them into the landscape, and to help people reflect on what makes this place so important to them.’ Everyone wrote a short message to express their own interpretations of Hal’s artwork - an innovative way to further give young people a voice in a society built on older generation’s opinions. We’d love to involve every youth's belief, so it will be displayed in later events and workshops as well as put up on social media to gain comments from a diverse range of younger persons within the Bude community. The films shown can be viewed here: Films The survey about projects is open until 28 May and can be completed here: Survey

Running from Saturday 18 July until Monday 31 August inclusive. The service offers a simple and affordable way to access Bude town centre and beaches during the busy summer season.

Key Information
🗓️ Runs from 18 July – 31 August 2026
⏱️ Every 20 minutes from 8am – 7pm
📍 Stops at The Strand and Crooklets
🎟️ Adults £2.50 return Children £1.50 return (children travel free in August) Concessionary passes accepted. Family ticket (up to 2 adults and 4 children) £7.50 return
🐕 Dogs travel free
🏖️ Beach equipment welcome (no surfboards, bodyboards are accepted if space allows)

Where is the Park & Ride
Free parking will be available in the field situated between Bude Business Park and the A39, with access directly from the A39.

what3words: ///gown.lined.acclaimed

Roadside signs approaching Bude will direct visitors to the Park & Ride. A new feature this year is an electronic information board displaying real time information on spaces available in the main car parks in Bude. This is situated on the A39

Where does the bus stop?
The bus will stop at both The Strand and Crooklets, based on feedback from the public last year.

How often will the buses run?
Based on feedback from last year, the buses will be starting earlier, at 8am. This will allow them to be used by people working in the town. They will run every 20 minutes, 7 days a week, including the August Bank Holiday weekend. The buses will run later on Bank Holiday Monday to support the Lifeboat Day.

Tickets and travel information
Tickets will cost:

• Adult return: £2.50

• Child return: £1.50 (Children travel free in August as part of the national government scheme)

• Free travel for those with a senior buss pass

• Family return (up to 2 adults and 4 children): £7.50 (only available in July)

Block booking will also be available through the Transport for Cornwall app, with further information available ahead of launch.

Park & Ride tickets are valid only on the Park & Ride service and cannot be used on any other Go Cornwall Bus services. Concessionary bus passes will be accepted on this service.

Bringing dogs and beach equipment

Dogs are welcome on the Park & Ride free of charge.
Beach equipment is also welcome on board. Small bodyboards may be accommodated if space allows, however the buses are unable to carry surfboards.

Why is Future Coast Bude trialling a Park & Ride?
Future Coast Bude is part of the £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, funded by Defra and managed by the Environment Agency.

The project is working with the community to explore how Bude can respond and adapt to the long-term challenges of coastal change and climate change, including increasing pressure on roads, parking and public spaces during busy periods.

The Park & Ride pilot is funded through Future Coast Bude and is being trialled during the summer season to explore whether alternative parking and transport options could help reduce congestion and pressure on town centre car parks at peak times.

The idea was identified through the Bude Town Team Town Vision work, which highlighted the need to improve how people move around Bude during busy visitor periods while supporting a more resilient future for the town.

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 28th 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.