'Coast For Most' Formed

Way back in the dim and distant past of November 2006, we wrote about the BMC's campaign to establish permanent public access to the sea cliffs and foreshore.

It's an issue that concerns sea cliff climbers and coastal walkers in particular. If you fall into either category, you may already have had the odd weekend fix of sea air dragged away from your (chalky) grasp by access agreements gone wrong. At the moment, agreements are often localised and de facto, and hence retractable, but the BMC now wants to see them replaced by guaranteed rights of way everywhere. So, it's joined a coalition of representative bodies to press the point.

The coalition includes the Ramblers' Association, British Canoe Union, British Caving Association, Equestrian Access Forum, International Mountain Biking Association UK, and others, to lobby for public access along the coast.

The Current Situation

Kate Ashbrook, Ramblers' Association chairman comments: "We are an island nation and the coast is a precious part of our heritage, yet 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."

The situation for cyclists is even worse, with Richard George, CTC Off-road campaigner telling us: "Cycling around England's coast should be a pleasure but only 33 miles of coastline are open to cyclists, and half go underwater at high tide!" A layer of Gore-tex won't quite solve the problem then:-)

The Future of Coastal Access

The combined organisations are asking for a 'coastal zone' where recreation rights are guaranteed, and where a code of practice is in place to protect wildlife. They also want new grant schemes to improve the management of coastal land, and planning guidance for the coast.

DEFRA is due to issue a public consultation paper outlining options for increased public access to coastal areas shortly. We'll keep you posted. Also, check the BMC website for further information.