New coastal access rights have come into force on 23rd July between Foxfield and Greenodd in Westmorland and Furness. These rights are brought into force by an Order made under section 3A of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Some restrictions or exclusions were proposed in Natural England’s reports and approved in 2022. These […]
On 10th July 2026 the UK Government formally ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement (also referred to as the High Seas Treaty), which was adopted by UN member states in 2023. In doing so the UK joined a growing number of countries that have ratified this key international Agreement to help to protect […]
A Marine Management Organisation (MMO) byelaw prohibiting anchoring within the Allonby Bay Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA) in Cumbria comes into force on 30th July 2026. The byelaw’s purpose is to protect and allow full recovery of all species and habitats and associated ecosystem processes within the Allonby Bay HPMA, from the shore to seabed, […]
This paper explains how the government will deliver its commitment to protect 30% of land for nature in England by 2030. It sets out how the Government will work with and support stakeholders and landowners to manage and protect their land for nature for the long term and contribute towards the Government’s 30by30 commitment. It complements […]
This report builds on the work of a Rural Taskforce established in 2025 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), comprising external partners and departments across Whitehall to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities and how government can support rural businesses and communities, tackle rural disadvantage, and […]
Running from 25th July until 9th August (to ensure everyone in the country gets to explore at the best low tides) National Marine Week 2026 is starting shortly! In order to celebrate the best our fabulous North West Coast has to offer there are a number of exciting events for you to get involved with. […]
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced, subject to Parliamentary approval, the implementation of a proposal for 4 unitary councils to be established in Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool. A statutory consultation took place earlier this year (closing 26 March 2026) on a range of proposals from local authorities […]
Part One of the UK Marine Strategy has been updated. The Strategy was first published in 2019. The UK Marine Strategy provides the framework for achieving and maintaining Good Environmental Status (GES) in UK seas over the next six years. This latest update includes: an updated assessment of the condition of the UK’s seas revised […]
Coast-R Network Annual Forum 2026: Investment for rejuvenating coastal communities Date: June 25, 2026 Location: The Spine, Liverpool Coast-R is a UKRI-funded network of academics, local government, regulators, businesses, and community groups dedicated to the development of resilient coastal communities. The Year 3 COAST-R Network Annual Forum (25 June 2026, The Spine, Liverpool) brings together […]
Booking is now closed for North West Marine Ecosystems 2026. More information about the presentations, etc. from the event will be loaded onto the website in due course. North West Marine Ecosystems 2026 will take place at the University of Liverpool on 24 June 2026. If you are interested in the latest research, projects, and […]