SANDBANK

• GBHLO
• Latitude: 55.9836
• Longitude: -4.94649
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: UK

Port Name: Sandbanks, Poole Harbour

Location: Sandbanks is a small peninsula at the mouth of Poole Harbour, on the English Channel coast, in Dorset, southern England. Sandbanks is known for its stunning scenery, luxury properties, and its sandy Blue Flag beach.

Specifications:

• Type of Port: Natural Harbour
• Primary Use: Given its location and size, Sandbanks itself isn’t a commercial shipping port. However, it’s part of the broader Poole Harbour which serves multiple purposes including leisure, fishing, and commercial activities.

Key Features:

• Coordinates: Approximately 50.6833° N Latitude and -1.9333° W Longitude.
• Depth: Poole Harbour, which encompasses Sandbanks, has varying depths, but the main navigable channels are dredged regularly. The depth can range from 0.5 meters in shallow areas to over 7 meters in the main channels.
• Tide: The port area is subject to significant tidal movements. The tidal range in Poole Harbour can be around 1.8 meters at neap tides and up to 2.5 meters at spring tides.
• Facilities:
  • Ferries: A chain ferry (Sandbanks Ferry) operates regularly, connecting Sandbanks to Studland across the mouth of Poole Harbour.
  • Marinas: Local marinas offer berthing facilities for pleasure craft. For instance, Poole Quay Boat Haven and Salterns Marina are in nearby Poole.
  • Leisure Activities: Sandbanks is famous for recreational activities like sailing, windsurfing, and other water sports.
  • Safety and Navigation Aids: The harbour area, including Sandbanks, is well-marked with navigation aids, managed by Poole Harbour Commissioners.
• Management: Poole Harbour Commissioners are responsible for the safety and management of Poole Harbour, including the Sandbanks area.

Accessibility:

• Road Access: Connected by the A35 and the B3369, leading to and from the Sandbanks Peninsula.
• Public Transport: Bus services link Sandbanks with Poole and Bournemouth.
• Air: The nearest airport is Bournemouth Airport, located approximately 15 kilometers from Poole.

Environmental Considerations:

• Protected Areas: Parts of Poole Harbour, including areas near Sandbanks, are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Ramsar sites, and are within a Special Protection Area due to their rich biodiversity.
• Wildlife: The harbour supports a range of wildlife, including various bird species, making it important for both local ecology and conservation efforts.

Additional Notes:

• Economic Impact: While Sandbanks itself is more residential and leisure-focused, its position as part of Poole Harbour contributes to the local economy through tourism, leisure activities, and light commercial enterprise.
• Cultural Significance: Sandbanks is also known for its high property values and is often regarded as one of the most desirable places to live in the UK due to its natural beauty and premium real estate.

It's important to contact Poole Harbour Commissioners or local authorities for the most up-to-date and detailed information about port specifications, particularly for navigation and marine activities.