A UK coast path?

The government is undertaking a consultation to see what the public think of a UK coast path. According to the proposal it would give access to an additional 30% of land currently out of bounds.

"We are an island - being close to the sea, being part of the coast is actually part of who we are."

- Barry Gardiner, UK Biodiversity Minister.

I did not know the UK had such a post, not exactly a high profile one. Still the man has a point for almost everyone in the UK the sea and the coast is a part of our soul. Although if you live in the middle of Oxfordshire it is the stuff of myth and legend.

A UK coast path is a fantastic idea, having spent quite a bit of time on the South West coast path enjoying the walking, the sea, the air etc, I can highly recommend. Where else can you see such lovely vistas as this.


Later on it becomes clear why the biodiversity minister is the government front man:

"I think the important thing is that the introduction of a coast corridor will actually help safeguard those wildlife habitats, perhaps more importantly guard against development and protect our beautiful coast."

Although from a media point of view saying "I think..." would suggest you are not sure or have no supporting evidence or that it is your own personal opinion.

Anyway aside from who the minister talking to the press is, the idea itself is solid, a lot of people would use the path and the success of such an idea has been proved by other existing coast paths such as the South west coast path.

The various representative groups all broadly support the idea but have some minor criticisms. Given the obvious success of other coast paths and the lack of associated problems this would seem to be reminders rather than serious criticisms. Groups seem to be keen to be involved in the debate and move the project forward and are just making sure their views are considered.

The RSPB gives a very upbeat statement:

"Our concerns have been taken on board and we are confident coastal access will be increased without harming important sites for wild birds. It is important that people visit and enjoy the coast and part of that is the appreciation of the wildlife that thrives there."

-Gwyn Williams, RSPB head of reserves and protected areas

I think Gwyn Williams beats the biodiversity minister with his job title, a much more appropriate, credible title for the debate.

There are genuine concerns over compensation for farmers. Although I do agree that we cannot just confiscate land and access rights I would take the opportunity to do more than just buy the land from farmers. Any coast path is going to need infrastructure whether it is camp sites, pubs, cafe's, guided walk companies etc. So give farmers a choice they can have either cost of land compensation or access to enterprise funding which could be worth more and given for specific business plans such as creating a camp-site or beach cafe or setting up a bed and breakfast.

Perhaps the government should set up a development agency to oversee both the compensation and involvement of the farming community.

So congratulations to the government for the work they are doing on this and other projects to increase access for the public to our beautiful countryside. Keep up the good work.

If you wish to respond to the DEFRA consultation you have until Tuesday, 11 September 2007.

Full details can be found here,
"Consultation on proposals to improve access to the English coast (DEFRA Site)"