Coastal Access Bill In Lords Today

The House of Lords vote on new coastal access laws, which have been the subject of vigorous lobbying from outdoors and conservation bodies takes place today, Wednesday 11 November.

Most relevant to walkers and climbers are proposals to give better access to coastal areas and, in particular, plans to add around 1400 miles of new or improved coastal paths at a cost of £50 million creating an English Coastal Path within the next ten years.

According to Natural England, of 2748 miles of England's coastline, some 66% or 1827 miles has 'satisfactory, legally secure paths' in place with 34% or 921 miles lacking such paths. You can find downloadable maps showing the situation in different regions and emphasising the disjointed nature of access at www.naturalengland.org.uk.

The Marine and Coastal Access Bill was debated in the Commons on 26 October and the outcome was broadly positive for outdoors people with the Minister for the Environment specifically starting that:

“The interests of walkers and climbers, and of the organisations that represent the interests of those who walk or climb - for example, the Ramblers Association and the British Mountaineering Council - will be fully taken into account before any proposals for the route are finalised.”

More at news.bbc.co.uk and at the Ramblers' Coastal Access FAQ at www.ramblers.org.uk.