Why Bantham Matters

1. National treasure valued by thousands
It has been visited by people from all over the country and overseas, often for generation after generation. With about a thousand car park spaces there could be 4,000 visitors at any one time at the height of the summer and is often full by 11.00 am during summer holidays. “Devon attracts nearly six million visitors per year and there are twice as many tourism business in Devon than the national average.”
http://www.devonomics.info/devon-story

2. Beautiful, unspoilt and protected
It is a beach, dunes and common land, village and estuary that is unspoilt and an outstandingly beautiful part of the South Devon AONB
“Within easy driving distance of Salcombe and Kingsbridge, Bantham beach is situated in a designated AONB, it offers beautiful scenery with panoramic views over Bigbury Bay and the famous Burgh Island.
http://www.banthamdevon.co.uk/

3. A world class beach that appeals to all
The estate and world class beach provide relaxation and leisure activities for families, surfers and other water sports participants, boat users, walkers, fishermen, birdwatchers, photographers etc
“Bantham among best in Europe. Bantham Beach has been named number 6 in The Lonely Planet's 2015 guide to the 10 best beaches in Europe - the only English beach on the list.”
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-beaches-in-europe-2015

4. Individuals’ joy creates local employment and income
Tourism in not only about the joy our visitors experience, but it is arguably the largest part of the private sector local economy, when considering its contribution to food and drink, retail, boating services, construction work on holiday homes etc.
“The high quality natural environment found in South Hams and its location within Dartmoor National Parks boundaries, makes the area an attractive visitor destination and the district has responded to tourism by ensuring there is a large accommodation and food services sector to meet demand.” http://www.devonomics.info/sites/default/files/documents/South%20Hams%20Area%20Profile.pdf

Bantham is an area of outstanding natural beauty - the Save Bantham campaign believes it should stay that way for future generations.

We are deeply concerned about the possibility of the Bantham Estate being turned into a 'playground for the wealthy'. We fear this may lead to car park and beach access being restricted at certain times.

We need your help to stop this from happening.