National News

National Coastal Tourism Academy publishes UK Coastal Tourism 2015 Report

NWCF

The National Coastal Tourism Academy has recently published a report entitled “Coastal Tourism in the United Kingdom 2015”. For the first time the report presents coastal consumer research on a local and national level with the analysis of academic papers, government statistics, data from VisitEngland and other relevant tourism organisations to address opportunities and challenges […]

UK Government consents construction of Tidal Lagoon in Swansea Bay

NWCF

A £1 billion tidal lagoon project within Swansea Bay will become a reality as the UK government has given consent for its construction.  The tidal lagoon will generate multiple benefits, providing clean renewable energy and recreational, leisure and tourism facilities for cycling, walking, angling, rowing and sailing to help create investment and job opportunities. The […]

The Good Beach Guide – 2015

NW Coastal Forum

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has recently published its 2015 online Good Beach Guide. The guide includes a range of useful information including projected water quality, tide times, whether or not the beach is dog-friendly, has lifeguards, etc. in place, wildlife you might expect or be lucky enough to see and where and how to […]

Award winning beaches – The Seaside Awards

NW Coastal Forum

Keep Britain Tidy recently announced the 2015 Seaside Awards. 111 beaches across England have achieved the award, which is given for high standards of cleanliness and facilities. This year 14 of the North West’s beaches have the award. These are (from north to south): Copeland Borough Council: St Bees, Silecroft, Haverigg Lancaster City Council: Morecambe […]

ABPmer reviews the cost of managed re-alignment schemes within the UK

NWCF

Marine Consultancy ABPmer has carried out a review for the cost of managed re-alignment schemes within the UK. The investigation was conducted using their OMReg coastal adaptation database and cost data from 45 out of 64 managed re-alignment schemes within the UK. The review indicates that the process can be costly due to intervention and engineering […]

Wildlife Trust and RSPB proposes “Nature and Well-being Act” – 2015

NWCF

The Wildlife Trust and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have teamed together to propose a piece of legislation entitled “Nature and Well-being Act” to facilitate the recovery of nature and enhance human well-being. The proposal is supported by more than 20 partner organisations, all believing that the restoration of nature should be a […]

Conservation advice for Marine Protected Areas in the North West – Marine site packages

NWCF

Natural England has produced a series of marine site packages for the North West providing advice to help identify the impacts of marine activities within sensitive areas. Each package provides a site overview within a Marine Protected Area (MPA), its conservation objectives and advice for restoring, conserving and protecting its environmental features. Site packages include the […]

Coastal Access Updates

NW Coastal Forum

Natural England’s Cumbria Area Team has produced the May Cumbria Coastal Access Monthly Update. It covers progress on the 2nd length of coast to be developed: Whitehaven to Silecroft and the 3rd stretch (Gretna to Allonby). In addition the national team has published the April England Coastal Path Update, covering progress across England and detailing the […]

Scotland’s National Marine Plan Published

NW Coastal Forum

Scotland’s first National Marine Plan was adopted on 25 March 2015 and laid before the Scottish Parliament on 27 March 2015 Setting out a single statutory planning framework for all marine activity – existing and emering, including devolved and reserved functions – within Scottish waters, the plan covers Scotland’s seas to the 200 nautical miles boundary and has a 3 […]

MMO publishes report – Integration of the Ecosystem Approach into Marine Planning in England

NWCF

On behalf of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), marine consultancy ABPmer and environmental economics consultancy eftec have recently produced a report providing research into how the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach (EA) can be improved within marine planning. The Marine Policy Statement requires the MMO to adopt an ecosystem approach in planning to reduce human pressures […]