Carsethorn Community Development Group

09/07/2026

🌊 Out and about in Abbey Ward last Friday 🌊

It was a pleasure to visit Carsethorn and meet with Linda and Ailsa from the Carsethorn Community Development Group last week.

The Group has been leading important work to tackle coastal erosion, helping to safeguard the future of this beautiful coastal community while also protecting valuable habitats for wildflowers and wildlife, including the sand martins that nest along the shoreline.

I was impressed by the dedication and commitment being shown by local residents to address these challenges and ensure that Carsethorn remains a thriving place to live, work and visit for generations to come.

I was pleased to be joined by local Councillor Kim Lowe – a positive example of cross-party working focused on achieving the best outcomes for our communities. By working together, we can make sure local voices are heard and that communities receive the support they need.

02/07/2026

Thanks to Portling and Annan Coastguard who recently held a successful training day at Carsethorn beach following reports of several people becoming stuck in the mud in front of the village. After recreating the scene they used a winch attached to the rock armour to pull team members to safety. The Coastguard reported that the mud was very dangerous and people could easily be put at risk if they became stuck and the tide was incoming. Life Buoys have since been erected. If people find themselves in difficulty they should not delay in dialling 999 and contacting the Coastguard. With thanks to local resident Mark Foley for assisting with this and providing the pictures.

22/06/2026

Our next meeting is Monday 29th June 7pm at the Steamboat. All welcome.

17/06/2026

26/05/2026

With thanks to Dumfries and Galloway Council Coastal Benefit Fund and the Third Sector First Community Led Local Development Fund the board have now shovelled and sweated 9 tonnes of topsoil into the rock armour in front of The Steamboat Inn and the public car park. We have then planted it with over 100 sea thrift and sea campion plants. These native deep rooted species will knit topsoil and rocks together making a stronger coastal defence. Phew! Anyone for beer?

14/05/2026

Please be aware we have had a few people getting stuck in a particularly nasty patch of muddy quicksand in front of the village. The advice from the RNLI is to spread your weight and call 999 and ask for help from the Coastguard.

20/04/2026

Public meeting tonight 7pm at The Steamboat

10/04/2026

Phew! 4 tonnes of soil deposited in the rock armour in front of The Steamboat and the public car park. In only two hours! Top team work. Thanks everyone who helped. We are now waiting for plants to arrive and then we will be planting 275 Marram/ Lyme grass/ Sea Thrift and Sea Campion. The grass should help stabilise the sand and reduce erosion on the foreshore and the Thrift and Campion will knit the land bound rocks and soil. The flowers of the Campion and Thrift will soften the look of the rock armour and cover it in pink flowers. Well that’s the theory anyway! Fingers crossed.