Bournemouth’s seven miles of golden sands are some of the best in the world, offering something for everyone. Maintained to the highest international standards for beach cleanliness and environmental management, the beaches are a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. In this guide, we will delve into the specifics of Bournemouth beach sand, providing you with all the information you need for an informed and enjoyable beach touring experience.
Beach Sand Replenishment
To ensure the seafront remains able to withstand extreme storm events, Bournemouth and Poole beaches undergo a £7.5 million sand top-up project. This project involves re-nourishing beaches with material dredged from an offshore licensed area, with strict requirements ensuring the dredged sand closely matches that of the native beach. The multi-million project, carried out by Boskalis Westminster Ltd, sees a pipeline used to pump around 350,000 cubic metres of sand ashore before it is distributed by bulldozers.
Beachfront Groynes
In addition to sand replenishment, beachfront groynes are also replaced in a £1.9 million project. These groynes, such as the Long Groyne at Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, protect the cliff top from erosion and maintain a suitable beach profile in combination with the seawall.
Beach Safety
To enjoy your time at the beach safely, follow the RNLI’s beach safety messages. These messages include swimming at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags and never swimming alone. For exact locations and patrol times of the lifeguarded beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, visit the RNLI website.
Awards and Recognition
Bournemouth’s beaches have received numerous awards for their high standards in water quality, environmental management, safety, and services. These awards include 12 Blue Flag awards and 14 Seaside Awards for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, recognizing the outstanding natural environment and commitment to sustainability.
Accessibility
Bournemouth offers accessible beach huts, designed for disabled individuals, available for hire at Boscombe seafront. These huts incorporate high-quality design, visual flair, and unique function, providing a comfortable and enjoyable beach experience for all visitors.
Beach Activities
Bournemouth’s beaches offer a variety of activities, including sports courts, water sports, bouldering, slack lining, and more. Stretching over 1km either side of Boscombe Pier, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Bournemouth Beach Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Ice creams bought on the seafront annually | 750,000 |
| Deckchairs hired out on a busy weekend | 3,000 |
| Frequency of beach raking and manual litter-picking | Raked daily, litter-picked twice a day in summer |
| Number of groynes along the beach | 53 |
| Number of Blue Flag awards for Bournemouth beach | 4, including Durley Chine which has held the accolade every year for 30 years |
Bournemouth’s beaches are truly a gem, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for beach touring enthusiasts. From the carefully maintained sand to the wide range of activities and amenities, there is something for everyone to discover and explore. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to experience the beauty and wonder of Bournemouth beach sand.