Small scale sediment removal from beaches in Northern Ireland: environmental impact, community perception and conservation management

Abstract

ABSTRACT1. Small scale sand removal (loads of 0.5 to 10 tonnes) is a persistent environmental problem on beaches within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland.2. This study provides the first objective assessment of the problem in the British Isles, examining both the physical and biological impacts on the beach and the cultural background. These approaches are combined to indicate possible management strategies.3. About 5000 to 6000 tonnes of sediment (sand and gravel) was 'drawn' from the eleven beaches in the study area during 1990. The rate and magnitude of sediment removal varied between and within sites, by day of the week and by season.4. There are two direct impacts to the shoreline environment. First, over a long period, the amount of sediment removed is enough to cause serious erosion on some smaller beaches. Up to 80% of shoreline recession can be explained by sand lost through extraction. Second, extraction appears to lead to an impoverished beach fauna. More indirect impacts include the loss of aesthetic quality (important in an area reliant on tourism), disturbance of wildlife, damage to and possible reduction of access provision, and impairing the ability of the shoreline to develop foredunes. 5. The views of the coastal community are quite polarized. One group (about 55%) wish to see sand removal cease, while the remainder (45%) d o not. lnterviews with people actually taking sand suggest that they d o not see their actions as damaging the environment. 6. Several options for future management are discussed. It would appear that a management prescription for each site, backed by legislation, might relieve the problem.