BEACH
Beach Rehabilitation Fund
The beach fund was established in order to re-establish and maintain the beach and dunes area. This project is a co-ordinated effort between a marine engineer, the municipality and ratepayers. This includes establishing and maintaining a barrier to ensure that the Pringle Bay beach does not lose all its sand. The project also includes ensuring that the natural vegetation takes over the dunes and stabilises them. The last phase which is required to complete the restoration of the dunes for which funding is still needed is the movement of the back dunes to the foredunes. This is critical to both restore the natural balance of the dunes as well as stop encroachment of the dunes into the residential area.
Beach and Dune Maintenance
Management Plan
The Beach and Dune Maintenance Management Plan (MMP) was approved by the authorities in 2016 and is to be completed in 5 phases ideally over 2 to 3 years. The key objective is to reinstate the natural beach and foredune volume of sand that forms the natural buffer against sea storms and especially to combat future sea level rise and climate related changes.
Beach sand has been gradually lost to the system due to the development of Pringle Bay town which effectively cut-off the sand supply to the beach from the historic dunefield. Of significance is that the position of the waterline of the typical summer beach moved landwards at a rate of almost 3 m per year totalling 130 m between 1938 and 1987, as determined through historic aerial photo analysis.
Start of Project
Start of project by digging trenchesDune Rehab
Planting of the obstacles to catch the sandDune Rehab
Rows of obstacles to ensure a nice broad duneDune Rehab
Sand accumulated behind the branches after one stormDune Rehab
This is how the dune has developed after one winter seasonDune Rehab
Close-up of the dune, currently 6m from sea level to the top of the duneBEACH FOOTPATHS
The public is again requested to help protect our sand dunes by adhering to the pathways and not creating new paths when visiting the beach. Please do not interfere with the natural growth on the dunes.
ANN ROAD FOOTPATH
Before
4 Augustus 2015The path closest to the lagoon, Ann Road path
After
7 June 2019The path near the lagoon has re-established well thanks to good design, maintenance and adherence by beach goers
Before
4 August 2015The Ann Road footpath
After
7 June 2019The Ann Road footpath, this is the shortest path to the beach
MAIN BEACH FOOTPATH
Before
4 Augustus 2015The middle section of the main beach parking path
Before
4 August 2015Sea section of the main parking path
After
7 June 2019The footpath from the main parking to the beach, drastic transformation from only a few droppers in vast open sandveld
BARBARA ROAD FOOTPATH
Before
4 August 2015Sea section of the Barbara path
Before
This is how the green section behind the new dune looked on 4 August 2015, just after the storm water pipe was opened up the first timeAfter
7 June 2019The grass is getting a chance to stabilise the sand. In the background is the storm water outlet
After
7 June 2019The wetland behind the dune
SAVE OUR BEACH
Ratepayers and their family members are encouraged to join in, lend a helping hand and ensure that the picturesque Pringle Bay pocket beach is sustained for future generations to also enjoy.
WANT TO SAVE THE BEACH? Please contribute to the Beach Fund to help us do just that!