Join The BMC's Campaign For Coastal Access

The BMC is asking climbers and walkers to write to their MPs asking for better access rights along the British coastline. A public consultation period on the issue is currently underway, which will culminate in a report from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in early 2007. So, it's important that you have your say now.

The BMC is concerned that public rights of way along the coastline are dwindling in many areas. In others, there's a linear right of way along the cliff top, for walkers, but no access to the cliffs and foreshore for sea-cliff climbing. Although Natural England are currently considering improvements to coastal access, some of the options simply involve improving the network of coastal paths, without taking climbers into account.

Climbing in Cornwall, by Eddie Stephenson
from Chris Brooke's Climbing, Bouldering album

The other concern is that coastal rights of way often depend on the good will of landowners, which means they can be cut off at any time. To ensure more established, permanent access rights the BMC wants an agreement at national level - the other, more piecemeal, alternative being a reliance on local authorities in different areas.

So, if you've got a moment, drop your MP a line asking for permanent access to the cliffs, foreshore, and an area along the cliff top all over the UK. If you're short of inspiration, the kind folks at the BMC have written a sample letter that you can simply print off and sign. If you aren't sure who your MP is, find out here.

If you're feeling conscientious you can also drop the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs a line:

Rt Hon David Miliband MP
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR

Alternatively, ask your MP to pass on your comments...

More information from the BMC.