Thursday 06 August 2015
Media Enquiry from Guernsey Press:
I am doing an article regarding the coastal path at Rousse (past Rousse Tower, parallel to the car park and opposite houses), where a significant amount of sand has come onto the path. It appears that it has turned into three paths where people have been walking, cycling.
As it is a very popular area for dog walkers/cyclists, we wanted to ask the department when the path was last cleared and why this sand has not been cleared? Also how often it is cleared? I understand from the douzaine that States Works carries out the works. A resident was concerned, saying that when it is high tide the area turns into a 'lake'.
Environment Department Response:
The Rousse headland is largely comprised of windblown sand stabilised with specialised plants and grasses which grow in very sandy soil. The dune continues to develop just east of Rousse tower as sand is blown up from the little bay adjacent onto the path and surrounding grass every time there is a strong northerly wind. Whilst the Environment Department's contractor has reduced the levels during routine maintenance over the last two years it has become almost impossible to satisfactorily clear it for any length of time and has been noted a considerable area of the grass is covered as well.
The Department plans to repair the boulder bank at the Port Grat/Le Dicq headland nearby and during this work the opportunity will be taken to install some additional boulders at the edge of the bay, where the path is at its lowest, and also build up the banking. It is hoped this work will reduce the volume of blown sand and allow the path to be restored. The work should also reduce the volume of water on the area on the highest tides.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 01481 717200
