Jamie Canham, Pennant 10

Thoughts on Benacre

As a family we’ve walked these paths for years. I have fond memories of exploring Benacre and neighbouring Covehithe as a child with my Dad and Sister and now, as a Dad myself, I do the same with my Wife and our Daughters. On this particular mile, whilst you can’t always see the sea, you can hear it, smell it, even taste it. Every bend along the route that skirts the landward side of Benacre Broad draws you into the next with the ever present and impressive silhouette of the partially derelict St Andrews church at Covehithe providing you with a clear landmark, as if one was needed, signposting the ocean.

The broad oaks that line these paths lead me to reflect on the fragility and constant change we see on our coast. The remnants of once mighty trees strewn along the beach as a result of coastal erosion. Will the long-standing giants we walk amongst today still be here when my children retrace the steps of their youth, with their children? Or will they, as I do now, call words of caution to our Grandchildren as they climb on the horizontal carcasses of these very trees, felled by Mother Nature herself, as they line the seashore?

There’s a calmness here, despite the every shifting sands, the ever changing coastline. A quite unique tranquility that does wonders for tuning out and recharging ones batteries. Oh how we are blessed to have this on our doorstep.

We love and we’ll continue to love it.