Protecting coast from threat of development

Many of us love trotting off to the beach when the sun shines – and to wrap up against the cold and witness when the coast is wilder in winter – but what about keeping it safe from buildings, restrictions and keeping wildlife abundant? The Neptune Coastline campaign was set up in 1965 to protect the coast from threat of development. It is being celebrated this year with a year-long festival, which along with celebrating our glorious coast, also aims to raise awareness of the work still needed to protect it.

Since 1965, the public and partnership support have raised over £65 million safeguarding 745 miles of coastline across the England, Wales and Northern Ireland (300 miles of which are in the South West), which is enjoyed every year by more than 22 million people. However, ongoing protection of these places is essential if our coast is to remain beautiful and accessible for future generations.

Throughout the year coastal events will be taking place at National Trust places across the South West, which will help tell the stories of our coastline.

Nick Lawrence, Assistant Director for the National Trust in the South West said: “The South West coast is a fantastic asset and a great shared achievement. It’s a big part of why so many of us love the South West, but it wouldn’t be as beautiful as it is without 50 years of public support for the Neptune campaign.

“As a charity, it costs us £3,000 to look after each mile of coast each year most of which was acquired through generous donations, gifts and legacies.  That’s a cost of £1million pounds just to manage our existing coastline in the South West and ensure access is maintained.

“Public support is vital to protecting the coast in the future, which us why we are offering lots of opportunities this year to join in coastal events, volunteer on the coast, or support coastal conservation through joining or donating,” he added.

Alex Raeder, Head of Conservation in the South West, said: “The South West coast has stunning landscapes, great heritage and archaeology, award-winning beaches, a mosaic of coastal and marine habitats, and lots of open access for the public to enjoy it all.

“With our partners, we’ve seen some great conservation successes on the coast, but we know we have much more to do. Long term, the best way to respond to the challenges of a changing climate and sea level rise, declines in biodiversity and damage to the marine environment, is to make space for nature and people, so that our coastline functions as naturally as possible.

“We want to use the opportunity that 2015 presents to look at how we work together towards a South West coast that is rich in wildlife and culture, with space for people to enjoy it. We’ll be talking with our partners, farming tenants, neighbours and local communities to explore opportunities to extend and connect nature-rich coastal habitats, while at the same time increasing access for people, building on the fantastic success that is the South West Coast Path.”

More info on Neptune Coastline campaign