English coastline to be open to all

The government is planning to make the English coastline open to everyone in a move that could make England more popular as a walking holiday destination.

Environment secretary David Miliband set out plans to open up all parts of England's coast yesterday, as well as access to headland, coves and beaches. The plans aim to give walkers a continuous route as close to the coast as possible.

Mr Miliband explained: "We are an island nation. The coast is our birthright and everyone should be able to enjoy it. I want families to have safe and secure access to walk, climb, rock scramble, paddle and play all along our coastline.

"The coast is also vitally important for nature conservation and wildlife and for tourism, so our vision for greater freedom and rights for people will take into account the need to safeguard habitats and heritage sites.

"Improving public access will enrich people's enjoyment and understanding of the varied seaside landscapes and environments around the country."

The government will be conducting a public consultation with around 400 organisations until September 2007 on the issue.

For more information on the consultation see www.defra.gov.uk