Birnbeck Pier

 

Had a stunning day by the seaside today. Really dramatic skies at Weston-super-Mare in Somerset.

(panoramic - click to enlarge)

It was really something to be by the sea again. Living in a landlocked country, you sometimes forget what it's like to come from an island. Even though Lake Kivu is practically an inland sea, you just don't get the tidal to-and-fro in quite the same way, or the smell of saltwater on the breeze. It calls to the soul.

I was there to visit the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust, taking a look at the pier they are trying to raise the funds to renovate. You can read all about the history on their website. It's a really special structure. Not just a pier, but a pier leading to a natural island with buildings on it, and a second platform. Unfortunately it's reached a level of dilapidation now that it is unsafe to walk on. The only way to reach there is at low tide when you can set foot on the sand for up to two hours before the sea reclaims it.

I also had a nose around two of the out buildings which might make a nice museum and café.

A truly fascinating adventure. I was extremely privileged to get the guided tour and to meet such an enthusiastic group of people fighting to preserve their local heritage. Hope to one day walk along the pier myself.