National walking charity calls on government to provide new vista of coast
[10 September 2007]
As the public consultation on access to the
coast draws to a close (11 September 2007), the Ramblers’
Association (RA) is calling on the government to back the 94%*
of the population who want a legal right of access to the
coast.
The consultation launched by DEFRA (Department of Food and Rural
Affairs) in June is possibly one of the most significant public
consultations by the government for this and future generations.
Visiting the coast is an enormously popular activity, yet one
third of our coastline is inaccessible and many walking routes
are diverted inland, either because of coastal erosion or
development.
Natural England – the government’s advisory body on
biodiversity, recreation and wildlife – presented wide-ranging
proposals to DEFRA. At the heart of these recommendations is a
coastal corridor that will enable the public to walk all the way
around the English coast; an impossible feat at present. The RA,
the national walking charity, is supporting Natural England’s
recommendations and believes that a coastal corridor will
enhance coastal landscapes and wildlife as well as improving
access for the public, away from a mere path.
Celebrity gardener and columnist Monty Don, who is supporting
the RA’s coastal access campaign said: “I am a confirmed land
lover and regard the sea as an alien place. My holidays have
been spent by the sea and it is the British coastline, with its
incredible variety, that is the true joy of the sea side. It is
a pleasure and we should all share its riches.”
Ken Livingston, Mayor of London, also supporting the campaign
said: “The coast means so much to me because of its amazing
natural beauty and its accessibility to everyone. It is a
perfect place to spend time with family and friends and you
always leave with good memories.”
Kate Ashbrook, chairman of the RA, said: “We are an island
nation, yet access to the English coast is poor or impossible in
many places. In order to provide genuine public benefits, any
new access must have a legal basis and be permanent, and of
course, include provisions for wildlife protection.
She added: “Through these far reaching proposals, the government
can roll back the arable land so that a healthy range of flora
and fauna can flourish. This will mean that England can boast of
the type of access that countries like France, Scandinavia and
Portugal provide for their citizens”.
The RA also believes that landowners stand to gain from
increased funding for management and reduced liability. Those
who operate coastal businesses such as B&Bs, shops and
restaurants will benefit from the increased tourism. Opening up
access to the coast is an opportunity for the public, and in
particular young people, to develop an improved understanding of
rural life and farming.