 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2015) |
| Hayle Estuary | |
|---|---|
| Heyl (Cornish) | |
 Looking towards Lelant from the causeway | |
  Hayle Estuary Location in Cornwall | |
| Location | Hayle, Cornwall |
| Coordinates | 50°11′31″N 5°26′06″W / 50.192°N 5.435°W |
| River sources | Angarrack and Hayle |
| Primary outflows | St Ives Bay |
| Designation | Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) |
The Hayle Estuary (Cornish: Heyl, meaning estuary) is an estuary in west Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is one of the few natural harbours on the north coast of south-west England and during the prehistoric and early medieval periods was important for trade and the movement of people and ideas.
The estuary of the River Hayle consists of a main channel, with several other nearby tidal areas, including Lelant Saltings, Copperhouse Creek (Cornish: Est Logh, meaning eastern inlet) and Carnsew Pool (also known as Carnsew Basin). It is included in the Hayle Estuary and Carrack Gladden Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds manages a nature reserve at the site.