Rhosilli Bay- social and economic impacts

The coast has always been an area that has attracted a large number of people for various reasons. More and more development is occurring there to try and cater for the people that are visiting the area. Rhossili is situated in Swansea and is the most westerly point on the Gower peninsula. With three quarters of the Gower protected by the National Trust and the peninsula holding AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) status for longer than anywhere else in the UK, it’s no surprise that the beaches here are so unspoilt. Rhossili is the beach with the most consistent surf on the Gower, with the biggest waves at the north end of Llangennith. The beach is an arc of golden sand and stretches for over three miles.

Worm's Head, is a mile long worm-like headland jutting out into the ocean. It is made up of two rocky islands joined to the mainland by a narrow walkway, which is only accessible at low tide and to one another by Devil’s Bridge, a narrow neck of rock. On the outer island, a blow hole throws up water visible from the village nearly two miles away.

Many people like to go walking over the rugged landscape and take in the spectacular views that can be seen all around. .

Rhosilli beach is one of the best beaches in Europe and it 3 mile stretch is broken only by the skeletal remains of wrecked ships, most notably Gower’s best known wreck, the Norwegian barque Helvetia, which was driven onto the beach in a gale in 1887.
The bay was carved out by the Atlantic Ocean. The sandstone Down, at 633 feet the highest point of Gower, is a favourite launching point for hang-gliders. On a clear day there are fine views of Lundy Island, and on a clear evening there are picturesque sunsets.

With more and more people wanting to visit the coast for either a holiday or just for the day there are going to be implications on the local environment. As the area is protected it is very difficult to get planning permission in order to develop the area. Building in this area have to be painted certain colours so that it fits in with the local environment.

Campsites have been set up to accommodate people. At Rhosilli beach there is a hotel called worms head hotel, here you can enjoy spectacular views of the Gower coastline.

The beaches around the Gower are natural and are there as a result of deposition occurring at the shore.

On a nice sunny day the beach will be filled with hundreds of sun worshippers, but due to its size it will never feel crowded. There is plenty of room for children to play on the white sands and for adults to relax while enjoying the views of worms head.

Facilities include:

  • shops
  • car park (private fee charged)
  • toilets
  • places to eat & drink
  • phone
  • suitable for water sports

Using the information above and by doing your own research come up with a list of economic and social impacts on more people visiting the Gower Peninsula. These can include both positive and negative view points. Once you have done this, you are to choose one or two points and then develop them further by saying what the social and economic would be and then how you get around the impact depending on whether the impact was positive or negative.