The Ramblers’ Association give mixed welcome to Draft Marine Bill, urging ‘coast for most’ clause
06 November 2007
The Ramblers’ Association (RA), the
national walking charity, have cautiously welcomed the inclusion
of a Draft Marine Bill in the Queen’s Speech today, but urged
that it must be accompanied by a coastal access clause.
The Queen’s Speech, delivered from Westminster today, included a
Draft Marine Bill that – if passed –will provide a framework for
UK marine conservation including sustainable planning and
licensing mechanisms and identification of marine areas.
The speech, however, omitted mention of a coastal access clause
to establish a corridor for access and wildlife around the coast
of Britain.
Tom Franklin, chief executive of the RA comments: “Britain
urgently needs better marine and coastline protection. Whilst
the proposed Marine Bill is a sign that the Government is moving
in the right direction, its’ draft form will lead to delays on
marine protection that Britain can ill afford.
He continues: “We are now urging the Government to include a
coastal access clause in the draft bill, to establish a corridor
of access around England’s coastline with provisions for the
protection of wildlife biodiversity in the zone. This was
promised by Hilary Benn at this years Labour Party Conference.
“We are an island nation and the coast is a vital part of our
heritage, yet current access to it is patchy at best. There is
no right to walk on the foreshore between mean and high tides,
so even a child building a sandcastle may technically be
trespassing.
Kate Ashbrook, chair of the RA, comments: “A coastal corridor
will bring many benefits especially the enlarged freedom to
wander off the path to enjoy the views. This legislation will
encourage people to visit and enjoy the coast and spend money
there, bringing much needed income to poorer coastal
communities.”