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First Lincolnshire stretch of England Coast Path
opens
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National trail stretches from Skegness to
Mablethorpe
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New Chapel Point boardwalk improves access during Year
of Green Action
Natural England will today open the latest
stretch of the England Coast Path, increasing access to the
magnificent Lincolnshire coastline with a new 16-mile route from
Skegness to Mablethorpe.
Encompassing the tourist hotspot of Skegness, wild sand dunes and
the world’s first official cloud spotting area, Lincolnshire’s
first open stretch of the England Coast Path will enable people
to explore the route’s natural and diverse wildlife that have
made the area their home.
Home to a long-established coastal tourism industry, the new
Lincolnshire route will benefit from improved access and
signposting to allow visitors and locals alike to enjoy the
diversity of the coast, with a new boardwalk at Chapel Point
improving access to the North Sea Observatory.
Rural Minister ,
said:
“England’s beautiful coastline is a sight to behold, and I am
delighted that more people than ever before will be able to enjoy
its striking scenery during this Year of Green Action.
“With Lincolnshire home to some of our most precious coastal
habitats, the new stretch of path announced today will open up
access while boosting valuable tourism for rural communities and
businesses”.
Interim Chief Executive of Natural England Marian Spain,
who is attending today’s event at the North Sea Observatory,
said:
“The England Coast Path plays a key role in
helping people connect with and access nature and it is a
privilege to open the first Lincolnshire stretch.
“From wild dunes to sandy beaches, the public
will now be able to easily enjoy the countless beautiful habitats
between Skegness and Mablethorpe”.
The new route takes into account the area’s important coastal
habitats, including the seascapes and unique habitats of Anderby
Marsh, Chapel Pit and Wolla Bank Reedbed. Walkers will be able to
enjoy the adjacent sand dunes, clay pits and beaches, where a
range of bird species such as the bearded tit and reed bunting
thrive.
Users will also enjoy views of Woola Bank Site of Scientific
Special Interest (SSSI) at very low tides – a submerged forest
dating from the Neolithic Period – and access to the world’s
first official cloud spotting area at the Anderby Creek Cloud
Bar.
Natural England is currently establishing a 2,700-mile path
around the entire English coastline, with today’s stretch the
eleventh to open. When completed, it will be the longest
continuous coastal walking route in the world. It will also
become a National Trail – the nation’s finest and most popular
long-distance paths.
Today’s launch comes during the government’s Year of Green
Action, a commitment outlined in the 25-Year Environment Plan to inspire more people to
engage with the natural world.
Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for economic development at
Lincolnshire County Council, said
"I'm delighted that the England Coastal path now runs from
Skegness to Mablethorpe, through our beautiful Coastal Country
Park.
We have such a spectacular coastline with amazing wildlife, Blue
Flag beaches and 'excellent' bathing waters – perfect for people
to explore.
“Tourism is vital to our county's economy and our coastal strip
attracts millions of visitors each year. I'm sure the new coastal
path will encourage many more people to visit Lincolnshire and
explore our brilliant coastline."
