Hardwood tree on a noisy stretch of sand (5)

I believe the answer is:

beech

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'hardwood tree' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for beech that I've seen before include "Timber tree" , "Common forest tree" , "Deciduous tree with smooth grey bark" , "Copper or silver tree" , "Nut-bearing tree" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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