Hayle Estuary and Carrack Gladden SSSI

The Hayle Estuary and Carrack Gladden SSSI is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, noted for its biological interest, in west Cornwall, England, UK.

It consists of three distinct parts, each of which is covered in a separate article:
 the Hayle Estuary 
 the sand-dune system of Porth Kidney Sands
 the coastal headland at Carrack Gladden

Geography
Hayle Estuary and Carrack Gladden SSSI is on the southern shore of St Ives Bay and to the west of the town of Hayle. The estuary of the River Hayle is the most south-westerly in Britain and adjacient to important bird migration routes which cross the Land's End peninsula. Part of the estuary, at Ryan's Field and Carnsew Pool, is owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Two long distant footpaths transverse or are close to the boundary of the SSSI. The South West Coast Path follows the coast from Carrack Gladden to North Quay, Hayle, while St Michael’s Way also follows the coast at Carrack Gladden as far as Griggs Quay. The St Ives Bay Line also follows part of the boundary.

Industry
Hawke's Point mine (also known as Wheal Fanny Adela) was in operation between 1851 and 1870, producing 670 tons of copper, 1 ton of ochre and some tin. The main workings were at Carrack Gladden and tunnels can still be seen from the beach. The workings at Hawke's Point was reopened in 1883, employing nineteen men. An old adit narrowly missed a copper lode and cobalt was also found.

References

External links

 English Nature SSSIs site
 Summary and site details

Category:Hayle
Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Cornwall
Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest notified in 1951