Shades of Brown,

After days of constant rain silt from the many rivers that flow into the Bristol Channel has turned the water brown. However the colour suits the dereliction that is Birnbeck Island and it's pier that links it to the mainland.
The good news is that a group which includes North Somerset Council, Historic England and the RNLI,who were forced to abandon the lifeboat station on safety grounds in 2008. have now bought the whole complex with a view to restoration, but what a job that will be. (pier built in 1867)

The island of Flat Holm complete with lighthouse (rear left) and the coast of South Wales in the far distance.

Large please, Wish you HFF and a safe weekend.

SV1XV, Nouchetdu38, Phil Sutters, natureoncam aka Greg and 71 other people have particularly liked this photo

108 comments - The latest ones

Fred Fouarge ^club

Een Echt Spookeiland HFF Roger-wat als het flink stormt?

2 years ago. Edited 2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Fred Fouarge ^club

Thank you Fred, Most of the damage has been caused by storms.

2 years ago.

Laura Perinelli

Una piccolissima isola che va trattata bene per la sua bellezza e con il suo piccolissimo nucleo e il suo anche bel campanile e chiesa!! Bella foto grazie di averci fatto vedere la piccola isola! Ciao buona serata ..Laura

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Laura Perinelli

Thank you for the lovely and interesting comments Laura

2 years ago.

StoneRoad2013 ^club

I wish them all the best with the proposed restoration - they've certainly got a mammoth project on their hands.
The whole of Birnbeck Island needs a lot of time, money and work devoted to it, to overcome the dereliction and damage from the weather.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to StoneRoad2013 ^club

Thank you, The majority of damage has been caused by the weather although a barge that broke from it's mooring didn't help, I read yesterday that the RNLi which has a temporary home on the esplanade had equipment damaged by vandels so I guess a return to the lifeboat house cannot come quick enough for them.

2 years ago.

Stephan Fey ^club

Wow, this is amazing. HFF!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Stephan Fey ^club

Thank you Stephan.

2 years ago.

Loose_Grip/Pete ^club

Very interesting view Roger. Clearly seen much better days!
HFF & have a great weekend.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Loose_Grip/Pete ^club

Many thanks, One day perhaps it may return to former glories,

2 years ago.

Marije Aguillo ^club

Excelente toma. HFF and have a great and healthy weekend.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Marije Aguillo ^club

Vrery kind Marije, Thank you.

2 years ago.

William Sutherland ^club

Exceptional capture! HFF! Stay well!

Admired in: www.ipernity.com/group/tolerance

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to William Sutherland ^club

Thank you William.

2 years ago.

LotharW ^club

Sehr beeindruckend. Es hat seinen Charme, aber schöner fände ich, wenn sich Investoren gäbe, die dieses kleine Reich renovieren würden. HFF, Roger!

2 years ago. Edited 2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to LotharW ^club

Thank you Lothar, we can but hope!

2 years ago.

Steve Paxton ^club

Rather very bad sate of repair but it all fits those shades of brown, HFF big job ahead I fear , have a great weekend.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Steve Paxton ^club

Thank you Steve, We live in hope.

2 years ago.

FarbFormFreude ^club

wow, this could be a place to be

HFF for now and you're Right, the colouring fits very well

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to FarbFormFreude ^club

Thank you appreciated.

2 years ago.

gezginruh ^club

Very interesting and impressive!

HFF and have a nice weekend,Roger! Stay safe

Best wishes
Füsun

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to gezginruh ^club

Really appreciated Fusun, Thank you.

2 years ago.

Wierd Folkersma ^club

would love to visit the place, HFF Roger!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Wierd Folkersma ^club

Thank you, We hope it will be open once more quite soon.

2 years ago.

Herb Riddle ^club

A vey interesting take here Roger, echoing to some degree what I saw last year too (I must post that at some time!) . We never got this close to the old pier though. Well done.

HFF, enjoy the weekend. Herb

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Herb Riddle ^club

Thank you Herb, Sadly I heve watched this deterioration over the years and really do hope this is the start of a recovery

2 years ago.

Jaap van 't Veen ^club

Beautiful and interesting image and note.
HFF and stay well.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Jaap van 't Veen ^club

Many thanks Jaap, really appreciated.

2 years ago.

tiabunna ^club

A fine image and interesting notes, Roger. I hope the restorers of this have very deep pockets!
HFF and have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to tiabunna ^club

Many thanks George, The Lifeboat needs to get back soon as they are camping out on the esplanade and suffering vandelism problems.
This was once a meca for Steamers that left on trips across to Wales or down the coast as far as Lundy Island.

2 years ago. Edited 2 years ago.

Rosalyn Hilborne ^club

When restored it will be such a beautiful pier and great attraction Roger. I was pleased to read your news. They may need to make a small charge like Clevedon. I would pay it! I have an old Victorian postcard of Birnbeck Pier. A good shot and information.
HFF and wish you a good weekend.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Rosalyn Hilborne ^club

Thank you Rosa , A charge would be acceptable after all they charge on the Grand pier I understand.
I remeber steamer trips from the Island.

2 years ago. Edited 2 years ago.

Andrea Ertl ^club

Eine sehr schöne Aufnahme.
Lieben Dank für die umfangreiche Information, lieber Roger.
Ich wünsche dir ein gesundes und erholsames Wochenende.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Andrea Ertl ^club

Thank you for the lovely comments Andrea, they really are appreciated.

2 years ago.

grobi358 ^club

Wow, what a interesting and historic location! I'm excited!
HFF Roger!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to grobi358 ^club

Very kind, Thank you.

2 years ago.

* ઇઉ * ^club

After restoration, this place will certainly be a little jewel.
HFF, and a great weekend, Roger.
Stay well!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to * ઇઉ * ^club

Thank you, in the past it has been such a popular attraction and it deserves another life.

2 years ago.

Annemarie ^club

Wonderful image!!!!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Annemarie ^club

Thank you Annemarie

2 years ago.

Jocelyne Villoing ^club

A coeur vaillant rien d'impossible ! un endroit qui mérite d'être remis en état sans aucun doute !
H F F Roger.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Jocelyne Villoing ^club

Thank you Jocelyne, it was very popular in my youth.

2 years ago.

Berny ^club

fantastic place and hopefully will not be demolished!
HFF and a sunny weekend, Roger!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Berny ^club

Thank you Berny, Plenty of folk are determined that it will rise again.

2 years ago.

Madeleine Defawes ^club

Belle image !
HFF et Bon weekend. Amitiés

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Madeleine Defawes ^club

Thank you Madeleine

2 years ago.

Gabi Lombardo ^club

HFF and a great WE to you!!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Gabi Lombardo ^club

Many thanks Gabi

2 years ago.

Doug Shepherd ^club

Defiantly seen better days Roger! It must have been quite and attraction in better times. The brown of the water certainly suits the scene of dereliction in this fine composition. Thanks for the interesting notes,

HFF and enjoy your weekend, Doug

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Doug Shepherd ^club

Thank you Doug, In it's heyday Steamers left regularly for the Welsh Coastal ports and trips down the coast to North Devon and Lundy Island. It will hopefully rise again.

2 years ago.

Ecobird ^club

A superb capture Roger. The poor old pier is in a really sorry state. I have wondered for years if anyone would take on it's renovation and bring it back to it's former glory. I do hope they succeed
I can well remember this pier and having a trip on a stem boat from here as a child so it hold good memories for me.
HFF and a good weekend to you

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Ecobird ^club

Nice comments, Thank you, Both the Balmoral and Waverley sailed from here in it's hayday.

2 years ago.

Rainer Blankermann ^club

An interesting image. Thank you for the text!
HFF and a great weekend, Roger!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Rainer Blankermann ^club

Thank you Rainer, A project that is of interest to me.

2 years ago.

Percy Schramm ^club

Impressive shot, Roger ! I think the bridge was in former times a fine construction without destruction. HFF, wish you a nice weekend ahead !

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Percy Schramm ^club

Thank you Percy, it is of cast Iron construction.

2 years ago.

Annaig56 ^club

excellente prise de vue ca donne envie de vacances, bonne fin de semaine à vous

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club

Nice comments Annaig, Thank you.

2 years ago.

Weard Bültena

Moin,
es gibt viel zu entdecken.
Klasse fotografiert.
Weard

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club

Thank you Weard, Hopefully repairs are in hand.

2 years ago. Edited 2 years ago.

Keith Burton ^club

What a mess. The only building that looks remotely salvageable is the lifeboat house............that's going to be a long and difficult job..!!

I'm really impressed with this image Roger..............the subject matter is really fascinating and you've captured the atmosphere of decay and dereliction perfectly. The composition is spot on and the detail is amazing. Even the light has cooperated in bringing out the warm colours left in the buildings.

I even like the predominantly brown colour palette.......it seems to suit the scene!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Keith Burton ^club

Many thanks Keith, I imaging the majority of building are beyond repair and they will eventually be replaced either with new or replicas, the decking has been smashed by successive storms but it looks as though the majority of the stanchions are still intact but as others have said what a job it will be.

2 years ago.

Günter Klaus ^club

.........deine Aufnahme ist ja richtig speziell und toll lieber Roger,ich hoffe auch für alle,dass da eine gute Lösung kommt und alles gut ausgeht:))

.......wünsche noch einen schönen Abend,ganz liebe Grüße Güni:))

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Günter Klaus ^club

Thank you Guni:)) we can but hope!

2 years ago.

Ulrich John ^club

HFF and a very nice weekend, Roger !

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Ulrich John ^club

Thank you Ulrich.

2 years ago.

Xata ^club

What a job but worth it, Roger, HFF

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Xata ^club

Thank you Isabel, I hope to provide a few updates If and when they eventually start.

2 years ago.

Armando Taborda ^club

Bimbech entirely deserves restoration! It's a very original place! Great photo, Roger! HFF!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Armando Taborda ^club

I do very much agree Armando, Nice comments thank you.

2 years ago.

@ngélique ❤️ ^club

Excellent ****************bon we Roger /HFF

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to @ngélique ❤️ ^club

Thank you Angelique

2 years ago.

Boarischa Krautmo ^club

broken, but a beautiful picture.
HFF and have a nice weekend!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club

Thank you Boarischa, broken but repairable eventualy.

2 years ago.

Erika Akire ^club

...brown island with a little bit red...HFF Roger...

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Erika Akire ^club

Many thanks Erika, really appreciated.

2 years ago.

trester88 ^club

Ein interessanter Lost Place! Eine Restaurierung würde sich lohnen, aber der morbide Charakter hat auch seinen Reiz.
HFF und ein schönes Wochenende, Roger!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to trester88 ^club

Thank you Wilhelm, lots of time and money will be needed.

2 years ago.

©UdoSm ^club

Very well seen and captured, Roger...

2 years ago.

Than you Udo

2 years ago.

Eunice Perkins ^club

The brown water actually suits this picture very well. I really like it

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Eunice Perkins ^club

Lovely comments Eunice, Thank you.

2 years ago.

David G Johnson ^club

Interesting that - Roger,, I didn't know such a place existed... // Have a good rest of the weekend - (HFF) and keep well - from Dj.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to David G Johnson ^club

Very much appreciated David, Thank you.

2 years ago.

Patrick Brandy ^club

Excellent bon week-end

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Patrick Brandy ^club

Thank you Patrick

2 years ago.

Jean-louis Thiaudier… ^club

Belle prise et infos intéressantes!!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Jean-louis Thiaudier… ^club

Very kind Jean-louis, Thank you

2 years ago.

Peter_Private_Box ^club

Hi Roger
A wonderful and interesting picture, which I like very much!
Very nice composition, especially the pier on the right which is obviously derelict
Great colours too
Best Wishes, (slightly late) HFF, a nice weekend, and stay safe!!
Peter

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Peter_Private_Box ^club

Thank you for the nice comments Peter. they are appreciated.

2 years ago.

Bergfex ^club

HFF Roger!

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Bergfex ^club

Thank you Bernhard

2 years ago.

HappySnapper

Might take a few million pounds but it is easy to see there is a future for this place.
Terrific composition Roger, very precise and sharp throughout.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to HappySnapper

Many thanks Maurice, Once it was one of the most popular places in the West of England and could be again, hopefully.

2 years ago.

Esther ^club

Wow! That will take a lot of work to repair.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Esther ^club

Thank you Esther, Shows the power of Storms.

2 years ago.

Old Owl ^club

Excellent composition. How strange we are that we admire such destruction. We would probably look at a picture of this place in its heyday and say "That looks nice", but then move on; yet we will study and contemplate this so carefully. A wonderful image, Roger.

And yes, large is definitely best.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to Old Owl ^club

Thank you Old Owl, The power of storms and no inclination for immediate repairs has resulted in a long and expensive restoration.

2 years ago.

J. Gafarot ^club

History being written.
Thank you for the data.

2 years ago.

Roger (Grisly) ^club has replied to J. Gafarot ^club

Thank you Jose, It will be many years in restoration sadly.

2 years ago.

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