Dawlish Warren dune path closes

Danger of being cut off by tides

A key path onto Dawlish Warren has closed suddenly, with no scheduled date for reopening, all due to long-term erosion. Although the beach will continue to be accessible, it will be cut off for an hour either side of high tide, meaning people need to check before going onto the Warren.

Storm damage and erosion over the last year along the narrow neck section along Dawlish Warren spit has led to sections of the dune path have been lost. The most recent storm has resulted in such severe erosion to the dunes and beach, that further parts of the dune path that provide access to the bird hide are now unsafe and unfortunately must be closed immediately, for the foreseeable future.

Teignbridge District Council says the measures "haven't been taken lightly, but are necessary to ensure public safety, to reduce further damage to the exposed geotube flood defence infrastructure and to avoid disturbance to internationally important bird populations that rely on the Warren and within the estuary.

"We are working with the Environment Agency to try to plan alternative access arrangements for the immediate future across the dune ridge and beach.

"Access from Groyne 10 to Groyne 15 will be only be via the beach and there is a risk of being cut off for approximately one hour either side of the high water or in poor weather conditions. Members of the public are advised to check the onsite notices for up to date information."