AS WORTHING residents learned what had happened on their doorstep, thousands flocked to the beach to take a look at what many believed was a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
Hundreds could be seen taking photographs and many just stood watching in amazement at the sheer scale of what had happened.
Helen Moules, 50, of Thalassa Road, Worthing, said: "It is just absolutely fascinating and the smell the wood is giving off is gorgeous – it certainly makes a change from seaweed.
"When we got to the bottom of our road and turned the corner we couldn't believe what we were seeing.
"I've certainly never seen anything like it."
Her neighbour, Margaret Finley, 64, said: "We've seen people carrying wood off home.
"It just goes to show how strong the tide and winds are to bring all this wood here."
Sian Brady, 51, travelled down from East Grinstead to view the unusual spectacle.
She said: "We keep trying different coastlines as we only moved to the area recently, but this is certainly the most different.
"You see the pictures on the news but nothing can compare to seeing it in person. It just stretches for so far."
Robin Knowles, 65, of Boundary Road, West Worthing, said: "There are so many people down here with cameras. I suppose everybody wants to remember this.
"I've never seen the beach so busy but I guess everyone wants to come and have a look."
What do you think?Have you been down to the beach to look at the wood?
What did you make of it all?
Let us know, comment in the space below or email your comments to
sarah.booker@worthingtoday.co.ukCommentsI went to see the beach yesterday it was an amazing site.
There is an air of excitement and amazement, it is like the aftermath of a air raid bombing almost, the landscape has dramatically changed overnight and people are coming out of there own lives to share in it.
It was really sad to see the machines picking up the wood in huge bundles, to move it further up the beach and then dropping it and breaking 80 per cent of the planks.
What is the point of that?
Michelle Cope-------------------------------------------------------------------
I live in Buckinhgamshire and both my daughters live in Worthing and sent me news via internet.
Oh my goodness, I have never seen so much wood.
And as one lady said, it makes a change from sea weed, it certainly does that.
As for the wood, wouldn't it better to sell it off cheap and donate the money?
Also if I lived in Worthing I would certainly buy some.
Mrs S. C. Manzie
Buckinghamshire-------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe that 'Plankton Beech' is an Arts Council funded stunt.
If so they are to be congatulated.
It does show up much of the other pompous precious Art which surely costs so much more.
Even Anthony Gormley's figures staring out to sea do not have the energy that this wonderfully heaved up expression of natural forces conveys.
Whoever builds a new shed or layeth down new decking or other Plankton construction is clearly a participant in the work, displaying the dynamics of time and transition.
They must be protected from any unnatural ideas of 'justice'.
All those who took photo's reveal the creative instincts of the Worthing Worthy.
They must also be congratulated.
A great exhibition of pictures really must be organised now and, even if it is Albanian softwood, called PLANKTON BEECH.
Morris Mosart
London-------------------------------------------------------------------
It's just a pity that the receivers of all this wood can not set up a "trade counter" at the beach.
Having seen how this wood is just being destroyed by the crane grabber could they not sell it off for say 50p a metre.
I am sure there would be a load of takers and the receivers will be getting some money...
Lee-------------------------------------------------------------------
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