Coastal Access

The coast is an important part of our national identity - valued for its scenery, wildlife, for its sense of freedom and as a place for relaxation and enjoyment.  Lincolnshire has a long established coastal tourism industry, focused around Skegness and the coastal resorts, providing traditional holiday enjoyment for generations of seaside visitors. But how accessible is the coast in Lincolnshire and the rest of England?  In spite of the long traditions of public use, none of us has a secure right to walk around England’s coastline and people are often surprised to find this is often not the case.

The Government’s vision for coastal access is to provide:-

‘A coastal environment where rights to walk along the length of the English coast lie within a wildlife and landscape corridor that offers enjoyment, understanding of the natural environment and a high quality experience; and is managed sustainably in the context of a changing coastline.’

The draft Marine and Coastal Access Bill aims to improve public access to, and enjoyment of, the coastline by creating a long-distance walking route around the English Coast and creating a margin of accessible land where people will be able to spread out and explore, rest or picnic should they wish too.

For more information visit Natural England’s website via the Websites tab above.