Hampshire Ramblers of all ages took to the skies this Saturday, to kick start a nationwide kite-flying campaign to demonstrate public demand for greater coastal access.
Over 40 campaigners and supporters turned up to Lepe Park to fly the 'No Acess = No Fun' campaign kites, and highlight the fact that "in many areas, you'd need wings to access the coast."
Campaign organiser, Richard Granville, comments: "Toddlers and grandparents alike took to the skies this weekend, reinforcing the message that universal coastal access would be one of the greatest gifts we can give the future generations."
The activity will be repeated in an estimated 20 different coastal hot spots in the run up to the Marine Bill's passage through parliament early next year.
Justin Cooke, Coastal Acess Campaign organiser, comments: " The Ramblers' symbolic kites state that, in many parts of the country , if people want to access the coast, they have to grow wings!
"Currently, access to much of the coastline of England and Wales is sub-standard or out-of-bounds. This not only discourages walkers but also means that rural businesses are losing out on the money that walkers bring, income that can run to millions of pounds per year."
"The amount and quality of access currently available to walkers in England puts it right at the bottom of the European league table, far behind Scotland, for example, which enacted legislation granting extensive coastal access rights in 2005. Thankfully these issues are now being addressed and new legislation due to be confirmed in the Queen’s Speech this December. The Marine and Coastal Access Bill, will create a route and spreading room right around the English coastline."
The Ramblers has supported the Marine Bill from the outset, and is delighted that improved coastal access, with all its social and economic benefits, is finally coming closer.
Alan Marlow, local walker and Ramblers' Area Access Officer comments:
“Locally there are access problems on our coastline. Only 60% of the Hampshire coast is open to the public. Going for a walk along the English coast is a very disjointed experience. In the New Forest, the walk directly along the coast between Lymington and Calshot would be nearly 22 miles. In practice walkers can use less than 7 miles of the coast; this comes in 4 short sections with over 12 miles of road walking ! Hardly an attractive proposition."
"There's effectively no coastal access between Lepe Country Park and Calshot. In flying kites here, we’re making the point that at the moment the only way for people to fully access this coastline would be to grow wings! If this problem was solved, it would open up this area for everyone to enjoy. Walking on the coast is great fun and historically the quality and quantity of access itt been good enough. That’s why we’re welcoming the Draft Marine Bill and the excellent new access that it will introduce right around the coast of England. As an island nation, it must be right that we should be able to visit, walk along and feel part of our coast.”
View coverage of the event http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7740818.stm
