Due to natural and unavoidable erosion of the soft cliff, Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services (ACLMS) regrettably advise that the path previously providing access to Divette is dangerously unstable and should no longer be used. The risk to the public of using this path has grown too severe and so Islanders are urged to take this warning seriously.
This path was deemed unsafe some years ago, but the cordoning off attempts by ACLMS has subsequently been torn down by the public and is still used by some.
The footpath runs immediately below an ancient landslip that runs the width of the bay. Further significant landslips can occur without warning and so continued use of the path would be a dangerous endeavour.
Unfortunately, due to the characteristics of the cliff, it is naturally susceptible to severe erosion. There is no easy answer to fixing the path as the soft slope of the cliff is persistently eroding as a result of the continuous and significant volume of rainwater running through it from the higher land above.
As such there are no feasible engineering methods which would be able to cease this erosion and maintain the cliff. However, before coming to this conclusion, alternatives to closure of the path were considered in detail (for example, installation of steps or the potential to manage erosion of the cliff), but no options would be structurally, practically or economically viable. ACLMS is committed to prioritising the maintenance and repair of the coastline wherever possible, but unfortunately in some cases the forces of nature cannot be contended with.
Due to the severity of risk, a more secure, sturdy barrier is now being placed at the entrance to the path to prevent access and the public are urged to heed this warning and refrain from jumping or damaging this barrier in order to access the beach.
ACLMS appreciates fully that this path and beach is used by some Islanders, so it is with regret that work must now take place to close the footpath access to this beach for the safety of the public.
Walking or swimming group organisers are also advised to act responsibly, for the safety of their group members, by avoiding this beach.
Should a landslip or accident occur while someone was using the path, the risk of severe injury or death would be high. Due to the remoteness of this area it could also be many hours or days until that person is located and rescued. Emergency services would also need to be called out at further risk to themselves.
Competent swimmers can access Divette from Marble Bay or Bec du Nez but they should let other people know their plans before setting off.
