A new car-free zone has been introduced on the beach next to Brean Down this week.
The zone – which covers the area between the Brean Cove Cafe and the cliffs – was launched on Tuesday (May 4th) by the National Trust.
A long line of wooden stakes which stretches out into the mud, as pictured, marks the edge of the vehicle-free area.
“This will provide a quiet area where people can come and enjoy the beach without the presence of cars,” Mark Courtiour, Countryside Manager with the National Trust, told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“It will also make the beach much safer for everyone. The sand near the cliffs is particularly soft and cars often get stuck here. Drivers get caught out having driven from the firmer sand. If they are lucky their cars are towed out in time, but if not the tide claims them, with all the consequent upset to the owner, financial loss, cost to the rescuers and importantly associated pollution. This has happened regularly over the years on this area of sand.”
He added that cars can still drive onto the beach from the Cove Cafe slipway, and will be able to park on the National Trust beach south of the slipway, as well as in the cafe car park.
The Down itself, managed by the National Trust, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is very important for its nature conservation value and as a sanctuary for wildlife.
“This car free zone will provide a quieter transition from the beach to the Down more in keeping with its SSSI status and Scheduled Monument status.”
A gate allows access for emergency services, warden service, beach cleaning and special events, as required.
