Penhale Sands, Protected coastal dunes in Cornwall, England
Penhale Sands is a coastal dune system on the north Cornwall coast, stretching for several kilometers as the region's largest expanse of dunes. The landscape features rolling sandy terrain with hollows and ridges, dotted with marram grass and salt-resistant plants that stabilize the shifting sand.
The site was developed in 1939 as Penhale Camp, a training ground for anti-aircraft gunners during the Second World War. Military occupation shaped the dune landscape, and remnants of the camp infrastructure remain visible today on the terrain.
The dunes hold local legends about a submerged settlement whose bells supposedly ring out during storms, connecting the landscape to stories passed down through generations.
Access to the dunes is available from several points, including Perranporth Beach and a parking area near the adjacent holiday park. The site is protected, so some areas may have restricted access to preserve the habitat and wildlife.
The sandy soil is rich in shell fragments that support plant species rarely found elsewhere in Cornwall. This calcium-rich environment allows specialized vegetation to thrive, creating a habitat unlike any other area in the region.
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