South West stretch of England coast path gears up for the Olympics
15 October 2010
Natural England begins public consultation on plans for improved coastal access in Dorset
Proposals for an improved coastal access route from Lulworth to Portland are published for consultation today (Friday 15th October), marking the first stages of the England Coast Path set in motion by the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009.
Natural England has set out proposals for an enhanced route to be created along the Lulworth to Portland stretch of the Dorset coast in time for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – providing greater access for the many people expected to watch the Olympic sailing events that will be held around the Weymouth area.
The plans have been drawn up in partnership with Dorset County Council and will now be put forward for public consultation inviting people with an interest in this South West section to comment on the proposals.
Ciaran Gannon, South West Regional Director for Natural England, said: “For the next three months we are inviting local people, landowners and businesses to have their say on how we secure this landmark route. Their views will play a key role in designing coastal access for the Weymouth area in time for 2012.
“By increasing and improving public access along this stretch of coast, we want to deliver a local coastal access route that is fit for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and that creates a lasting legacy, enabling people to enjoy this fabulous stretch of coastline to the full.”
Robert Gould, Dorset County Council cabinet member for environment, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to improve upon access to the Jurassic Coast that is currently provided by the popular South West Coast Path. It will help to safeguard public access in the future and, in places, broaden the way people can experience some of the finest coastline in the country.
“The consultation is about people being able to have their say on the draft proposals to make sure Natural England and ourselves get things right."
The public consultation period will last three months, closing on the 10th of January 2011. The proposals will then be finalised and submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.
To see the proposed route and take part in the consultation please visits the consultation web pages at: www.naturalengland.org.uk/coastalaccess
Following on from the work now underway in Dorset, 2011 will see work begin to deliver 30km stretches of improved coastal access in 5 lead areas in Cumbria, Kent, Norfolk, Somerset and the county of Durham (including Sunderland and Hartlepool authorities).
Notes to editors:
1. Natural England will discuss the detailed start and finish points of the lead stretches with the relevant Access Authorities before identifying proposed routes in early 2011. We expect the lead stretches to be in the following areas:
Cumbria
Whitehaven to Allonby
The county of Durham, Sunderland and Hartlepool
Norfolk (Sheringham to Happisburgh Common)
Kent (Dover to Ramsgate)
Somerset (Minehead to Stert Point)
2. About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent advisor on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run England’s Environmental Stewardship green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
For further information contact: The National Press Office on 0845 603 9953/ press@naturalengland.org.uk / out of hours 07970 098 005 / www.naturalengland.org.uk
