Gwynver Beach is approximately 3 kilometres northeast of Lands End in Cornwall. It
is a secluded sandy beach, approximately 380 metres wide, backed by grassy cliffs.
A small streams flows onto the beach and disperses over the sand.
The South West Water sewage treatment scheme for Sennen, which provides secondary
treatment, was completed in 2006. Storm overflow event duration monitoring (EDM) was
installed at the Sennen Cove pumping station by April 2011.
This is a newly designated bathing water. No actions specific to this bathing water
have been identified. However, actions to improve water quality at other bathing waters
nearby will also have improved the quality of this bathing water. The Environment
Agency works with the water companies, local authorities and others to investigate
any sources of contamination and to improve water quality at bathing waters.
For the three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, seaweed
(macroalgae) was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 3% of visits,
with 83% of visits noting the presence of seaweed (macroalgae). This bathing water
does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).
For the three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, phytoplankton
(microscopic algae) was not noted at this site. Phytoplankton (microscopic algae)
naturally increase in number at certain times of the year. This process is known as
a phytoplankton bloom. This bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton
blooms.
The risks to human health from contact, ingestion or inhalation with marine algae
that currently occur in UK coastal waters are considered to be low. However, some
individuals may be more sensitive and display some reactions.
There are no active pollution risk forecasts made at this bathing water. However any
bathing water has the potential to be affected by a pollution incident and if this
occurs a pollution risk warning with associated advice against bathing will be issued
on this website.
The outfall from Sennen STW, discharges to the sea approximately 1.7 kilometres south
west of the Environment Agency monitoring point. This discharge is designed to protect
bathing water quality.
Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every
visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Gwynver for
the three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris
was not noted at this site. Litter was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable,
but was observed as being present on 37% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at
this site.
The catchment surrounding Gwynver is approximately 46 hectares. There is a small stream
500m long that discharges close to the Environment Agency monitoring point. Land use
is mostly arable and includes the hamlet of Escalls. The catchment lies within part
of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Seaweed (macroalgae) and phytoplankton (microscopic algae) are a natural part of the
marine and freshwater environment. Below we note whether these have been recorded
in quantities sufficient to be a nuisance.
The majority of sewers in England are “combined sewers” and carry both sewage and
surface water from roofs and drains. A storm overflow operates during heavy rainfall
when the sewerage system becomes overwhelmed by the amount of surface water. The overflow
prevents sewage from backing up pipes and flooding properties and gardens. An emergency
overflow will only operate infrequently, for example due to pump failure or blockage
in the sewerage system.
Heavy rain falling on pavements and roads often flows into surface water drains or
highway drains, ending up in local rivers and ultimately the sea. The quality of bathing
water may be adversely affected as a result of such events.
It is the Environment Agency's role to drive improvement of water quality at bathing
waters that are at risk of failing higher standards. It is natural for water to run
off the land to the sea. Water quality at a bathing water is dependent upon the type
and area of land (the catchment) draining to the water and the activities undertaken
in that catchment.
