Dunes trial is worth a go

There were several people who lived and fished in the area with whom we had long conversations about changes to that bit of coast and its history.

Walls, we were told, were battered severely some winters and sand levels changed as a result. For example, the causeway to the fort seemed to stand up high some summers and at others was a short step onto the northern side – as it has been recently.

Mr J. Lenfesty explained these changes. He told us the rough seas in winter effectively scoured out the sand, taking it down the beach, to be redistributed somewhere else. This caused the varying levels, and rocky beaches where there used to be sandy ones, such as at Rocquaine.

He said when dunes were there, they managed themselves. Some years the dunes were different heights, some low, some high.

He told us it was a pity the walls were built in the first place.

I guess the need for strong reliable roads was a response to the need for coastal forts and batteries, and the need to move troops in a hurry around the early 1800s in order to repel Napoleon and Co, and for speedier communications and equipment access.

I am sure the dunes at Pembroke would settle – there might be a small change in heights to start with, but if there could be even just a trial period before expensive reconstruction and disruption, noise and chaos, it might be worth a try, at least – one year or two perhaps?

RACHEL MEINKE,

Kenilworth,

Salt Pans,

St Sampson’s,

GY2 4NA.