Steve West is also a qualified UK athletics coach, during the summer months apart from treating clients he runs activities at St Ives bay Holiday Park and Beachside Leisure. Steve takes weekly guided tours of Hayle Towans and the Estuary. Why not join him on his ‘walk and talk’ as Steve explains some facinating facts about the history of Hayle.
Join Steve on his ‘Walk & Talks’ on The Towans and along the Hayle Estuary
The second largest dune system in Cornwall – have a dynamic history. One of the oldest Cornish parish churches, St Gothian’s Chapel, has been buried 3 times under the shifting sands.
As with much of Cornwall, the dunes are dotted with deep depressions where mine shafts were dug in search of metal ores.
All that remains of the once thriving National Explosives Company on Upton Towans is a fascinating mosaic of bunkers and tramways; one looming red brick chimney; and the local name of Dynamite Towans.
If you want to know more detail about the dynamite works check out: www.pastscape.co.uk
Wealth of Wildlife
The Towans are important for wildlife – one fifth of the plants that can be found in Cornwall live here, as well as a multitude of insects, beautiful butterflies and birds.
Deep-rooting marram grass traps the windblown sand, derived from shells and rich in calcium. Plants colonise the sand to create dune grassland, kept short by vital rabbit grazing. The grazing also helps to control brambles and other scrubby plants.
I
n late spring, pyramidal orchids and cowslips fill the dunes with colour, attracting insects such as the six-spot burnet moth, spurge bugs and the rare silver-studded blue butterfly.
If you are lucky, glow worms will light your way on warm summer evenings as the skylarks finish their daily singing and sand martins retreat to their cliff nest holes.
People and the Dunes
Marram grass is a remarkable plant, thriving in the most extreme conditions. There is only one thing it cannot tolerate – human feet so Steve always sticks to the recognised paths to avoid the habitat.
In the past, uncontrolled trampling caused erosion on a huge scale. Cornwall County Council recognised the need to protect and manage the Towans, stabilising vast areas of exposed sand by planting marram and using fencing to trap sand.
Today the Countryside Service works together with local communities, landowners, councils, colleges and businesses to conserve the Towans, whilst allowing them to evolve naturally.
In Gwithian, village residents have been trained to survey butterflies, providing vital information to help in managing their local wildlife.
Land reclamation funds have been used to purchase Upton Towans, restore the old chimney and explosives buildings and make mine shafts in the dunes safe. Upton Towans is now managed by the Countryside Service and Cornwall Wildlife Trust as a haven for people and wildlife.
The Countryside Service works to preserve habitats across the whole dune system and ensure people can continue to enjoy this special place.
Getting Involved
Most of the Towans are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – protected by law for their nature conservation importance.
You too can help protect the Towans. Take a closer look as you walk to the beach – you would be amazed what secrets lie within the dunes.
Enjoy the beaches and dunes, and remember:
* Walk, don’t ride;
* No vehicles, bicycles or horses;
* No fires or overnight camping;
* Be a responsible dog owner;
* Dog fouling is killing rare plants. Clear up after your dog
* In restored areas, please use the paths and;
* Take your litter home.
The Estuary
Contact Steve: Treatment Room: 01736 – 752217 Mobile: 077 37 57 27 37
