The sun shone and the media turned up yesterday (9 August) at Brean Down, North Somerset where the BMC and a number of leading recreational organisations and the National Trust hosted a successful event to highlight the fact there is just one month to go in the government’s consultation on improving access to England’s coastline.

Catherine Flitcroft, BMC Access and Conservation Officer had an early morning wake up call from her tent to do a number of interviews with local radio stations from the southwest to the northeast. This was even before we got to the beach.

Throughout the day people from various recreational groups congregated on the beach to demonstrate their support for a coastal access corridor and to raise the issue in the public eye.  Those present included representatives from the National Trust, British Canoe Union, Equestrian Access Forum, British Caving Association, CCPR, CTC, International Mountain Biking Association UK, Open Spaces Society, Ramblers' Association and the YHA.

There were plenty of photo opportunities for the media to capture the enthusiasm of the climbers, walkers, riders and paddlers. The day attracted a lots of media interest including an interview with the BMC on BBC Radio 4 prime time national news and ITV West.

The BMC would like to thanks the National Trust for hosting the event at Brean Down – a location chosen for its exemplary coastal management.

Defra’s consultation period ends on 11 September 2007. The BMC will be responding in full.  There are four options for improving access to England’s coast laid out by the consultation. The Coastal Access Corridor is the BMC’s preferred option because it:

• promotes health and well-being by allowing people access to a more complete coastal experience.
• provides access to enjoy a whole range of recreational activities that would be restricted if access was simply given to a coastal path.
• includes measures to improve and conserve biodiversity along the English coast, allowing for adaptation as our coastline changes.
• guarantees permanent rights on foot to responsible recreation for all.

You can help fly the banner for a Coastal Access Corridor by writing to you local MP. A template letter is provided here.

Read a full press release on the event here.

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