England Coast Path: Access to the Solway Coast Introduce us & roles England Coast Path National Trail – 2700 miles, whole coast of England, longest coastal path in world Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 – Natural England’s duty Standalone project – funded directly

Not just a path – Coastal Access England Coast Path England Coast Path is actually just one part of what comes under the umbrella heading of coastal access. There is also the Coastal Margin: everything between the trail and the sea – pink wash like yellow open access wash. Sometimes access is automatically excepted or restricted, but sometimes it can come inland too like here at Workington. Rollback Coastal margin

What have we done so far in the north west? Gretna to Allonby – awaiting Secretary of State decision Allonby to Whitehaven – open to the public Whitehaven to Silecroft – open 2019 Walney Island – open 2019 Silecroft to Welsh border – proposals due 2019 So – where are we up to in the north west? Where can you already go?

Key principle – fair balance. Need to take into account Gretna to Allonby Consultations with partners and landowners. Route planning. 2014 – 2016 Key principle: Fair Balance Walkers – coastal route, safe & convenient Landowners & occupiers – land/business management Nature conservation – Access & Sensitive Features Appraisal Key principle – fair balance. Need to take into account needs of landowners and occupiers including land management walkers - a coastal route which is safe and convenient nature conservation, landscape and heritage designations

Gretna to Allonby Storm Desmond 2015 Report was published in July 2016 Storm Desmond – caused us to have to reroute some sections, without the help of Cumbria County Council as they were all involved in flood recovery work.

Nearly 63 Km of new access rights proposed 4.8km of shared path with Hadrians Wall National Trail 1.3 million estimated capital cost

Gretna to Allonby Consultation period July to mid September 2016 Report approved….2019? Establishment works Establishment works may involve some realignment due to erosion 1.3 million estimated capital cost There are two main elements to the overall cost:  a significant number of new sleeper bridges would be needed on the trail, in particular on route sections where the proposed route crosses various marshes; and  a substantial new footbridge would be needed to provide a new crossing of the river Waver therefore avoiding the need for a significant inland detour to use an existing road bridge.

Coastal Access Rights Commence South West Coast Path attracts 17.5m visitors who spend £436m and support 9,700 jobs 313m visits to coast ~ 60% of coast/NTs specifically for outdoor exercise 94% calm & relaxed after ~ poor mental health is largest source of disability in UK - & is increasing Hard to put value but has been done – ‘welfare value’ of National Trails in UK £348m – ECP to add. Context – nearly a fifth of regular Welsh CP users wouldn’t have walked at all otherwise – proof it’s not just existing walkers. Project example – Living Coasts Project This is where the fun starts! Trail partnership Business opportunities New projects …..and great walking!

Any questions?