Salcombe is known for its stunning coastline, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re a sailor, a holidaymaker, or a local, you’ll know how special this place is. But with increasing footfall, boating activity, and environmental challenges, it’s more important than ever that we take care of the estuary and surrounding shores.
At Stones Boatyard, we’ve always believed in preserving the natural beauty of Salcombe for future generations. In this blog, we’ll explore the threats facing the coastline, the conservation efforts in place, and what we can all do to help keep Salcombe as beautiful as ever.
What Makes the Salcombe Estuary So Unique?
On a summer’s day, with the Salcombe Yawls racing and the sun dancing on the water, you could almost believe you were somewhere in the Mediterranean. But the magic of the estuary runs much deeper than its picturesque surface…
With two tidal flows a day and no river input, this stunning ria is a rare and thriving marine ecosystem home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Its mudflats are alive with marine creatures—worms, snails, and shellfish—which provide a rich feeding ground for wading birds and an array of fish species.
And speaking of fish, we may be slightly biased, but it’s widely accepted that Salcombe crab is the sweetest and tastiest around! The estuary is also an important breeding ground for sea bass, alongside populations of gilthead bream, flounder, plaice, and mullet (which our Labrador, Lola, loves to chase!).
Beyond the estuary itself, Salcombe’s waters attract some spectacular visitors. Dolphins and bluefin tuna are often spotted just offshore, while seals occasionally pop up near the surfers, watching them with curiosity. Out on a paddleboard, we love to spot "Jack the Heron," a regular around the creeks, and once counted an astonishing 76 jellyfish in a single trip from Ditch End to Mill Bay (we all tried very hard not to fall in that day!).
With such a wealth of marine life, it’s no surprise that the Salcombe Estuary is part of The South Devon National Landscape and holds Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status. It’s a place worth protecting, and we’re proud to play our part in looking after it.
The Challenges Facing Salcombe’s Coastline
Like many coastal destinations, Salcombe faces pressure from both human activity and natural forces. Here are some of the main concerns:
Pollution and Marine Litter
- Plastic waste, fishing gear, and general litter can quickly accumulate in the estuary and along the coastline.
- Run-off from boats, land, and sewage systems can negatively impact water quality.
- Microplastics and chemicals threaten marine life, including fish, seabirds, and seals.
Erosion and Climate Change
- Rising sea levels and increased storms are accelerating coastal erosion.
- Higher tides are impacting beaches and cliffs, reshaping Salcombe’s coastline. For example, the new beach just further up from Ditch end - this gorgeous sundowner spot was all mud when we were younger!
- Warmer sea temperatures are affecting marine habitats, including the eelgrass beds that provide a home for seahorses and juvenile fish such as gilthead bream, trigger fish and tuna.
Overcrowding and Environmental Disturbance
- The influx of visitors, particularly in summer, can put pressure on local ecosystems.
- Disturbance to wildlife from increased boat traffic, noise, and human interaction can cause stress to animals like seals and seabirds.
- Anchoring in sensitive areas can damage fragile seabeds, particularly eelgrass meadows (which are incredible underwater jungles!)
Conservation Efforts in Salcombe
Thankfully, there are many fantastic organisations and initiatives working to protect Salcombe’s coastline and waters:
Salcombe Harbour Authority’s Environmental Commitment
- The Harbour Authority has implemented eco-friendly boating guidelines, including waste disposal facilities and mooring recommendations to protect sensitive areas.
- They actively monitor water quality to ensure the estuary remains a healthy habitat for marine life.
South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
- This organisation works tirelessly to protect and enhance Salcombe’s coastline through conservation projects, education, and habitat restoration.
- They support initiatives to safeguard important environments like sand dunes, salt marshes, and eelgrass beds.
Till the Coast is Clear
- A brilliant community-driven organisation that cleans up plastic waste and debris from the estuary and coastline using boats and volunteers.
- Their work not only improves the natural beauty of Salcombe but also protects marine life from harmful pollutants.
Friends of the Salcombe and Kingsbridge Estuary
- A community group that aims to reduce pollution and increase biodiversity in aquatic species such as sea horses. They often organise citizen science projects alongside some other quirky projects such as beach cleans followed by cyanotype printing!
What You Can Do to Help
Protecting Salcombe’s coastline isn’t just down to conservation groups—we can all participate in it. Here’s how:
Keep the Waters Clean
- Never throw litter overboard; pick up any floating rubbish you see while on the water.
- Use designated waste and recycling facilities at the harbour.
- Be mindful of what goes down the drain—oils, detergents, and chemicals can end up in the estuary.
Anchor Responsibly
- Avoid dropping anchor in sensitive seabed areas, particularly eelgrass meadows, which are vital marine habitats.
- Use mooring buoys where possible to reduce seabed damage.
- If you’re unsure where to anchor, ask at the harbour for guidance.
Respect Wildlife
- Give seals, seabirds, and other marine life plenty of space - if they change their behaviour because of your presence, you’re too close.
- Reduce engine noise when travelling through wildlife-rich areas.
- Avoid feeding wild animals, as this can disrupt their natural behaviours.
- We love fishing on the estuary - it’s one of life’s simple pleasures - but always check the current restrictions surrounding catch and release laws.
- Crabbing is always a favourite with the kids - but remember a crowded bucket will use up all the oxygen very quickly - so don’t put too many in the bucket and remember to always return our crustaceous friends to their home!
- Leave no trace!
Join a Beach Clean or Conservation Project
- Organisations like Till the Coast is Clear and South Devon AONB regularly organise beach cleans and conservation events.
- Even spending a few minutes picking up litter on your local beach makes a difference.
- You can also join the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary Forum, who meet twice a year and are open to anyone to discuss how best to preserve and protect our estuary.
- Join the Friends of the Salcombe and Kingsbridge estuary on one of their sustainable escapades!
Support Sustainable Businesses
- Choose local businesses that prioritise sustainability, from eco-conscious cafés to marine service providers.
- Take your YETI cup into the Salcombe coffee company for your brew and reduce waste!
- At Stones Boatyard, we do our part by using sustainably sourced materials in boat building and promoting electric-powered boating solutions like Torqeedo engines.
Our Commitment at Stones Boatyard
We take sustainability seriously and work hard to protect the local marine environment. Here’s what we do:
- Promote sustainable boating – we guide our customers on eco-friendly sailing, from waste disposal to responsible anchoring.
- Use environmentally-friendly materials – our boatbuilding and repair services prioritise sustainably sourced timber and marine-safe coatings.
- Encourage electric boating – as retailers of Torqeedo electric engines, we offer cleaner alternatives to traditional petrol outboards, helping to reduce emissions and noise pollution in the estuary.
- Support Local Conservation – we actively engage with community initiatives that protect Salcombe’s coastline and waters.
- Sustainable events - we never use single-use plastics at our parties, instead choosing to gift all of our guests a YETI cup which is built for life!
Let’s Keep Salcombe Beautiful
Salcombe’s coastline is one of the most stunning in the UK, and it’s up to all of us to keep it that way. Small actions can make a big difference whether you’re a sailor, a swimmer, a paddleboarder, or someone who loves the sea.
If you’d like to know more about sustainable boating and electric engines or how to minimise your impact while enjoying the water, visit us at Stones Boatyard. We’re always happy to help you make greener choices for the future of our coastline.