Searching for a balance on a coastline to treasure
Oct 24 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
A STRATEGY which is a UK first aims to protect one of the best coastlines in Britain. Environment Editor Tony Henderson reports.
A PIONEERING management plan has been launched for a coastline hailed as a national treasure.
The strategy, unveiled at an event in Berwick before more than 60 representatives of a wide range of organisations and groups, covers the Northumberland Coast area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site (EMS).
For the first time in the UK, the integration of the management of the two sites links the land and the sea across the intertidal area and also crosses the Scottish border.
The AONB runs from Amble to Berwick while the EMS covers the adjoining marine area from Alnmouth to Fast Castle Head, north of St Abbs in Scotland.
Together, they include some of the most dramatic coastal scenery and marine features in the country , and are recognised internationally for their landscape features, wildlife and historical and cultural heritage.
The themes in the plan cover the natural and historic environments, environmental quality, enjoyment, living and working and land use and marine planning within the sites.
Natural England’s chief executive, Dr Helen Philips, said: “The Northumberland and Berwickshire coast is a nationally important environmental treasure and a uniquely important natural asset for northern England and the Borders.
“This pioneering management plan is the first of its kind in the UK to take into account the future management of both the area’s coastline and its inshore waters. I congratulate everyone involved on a ground-breaking approach to the future management of a beautiful coast.
“As well as being an amazingly beautiful part of the country in its own right, this coastline contributes to the regional economy by attracting thousands of visitors, creating employment, and delivering many far reaching public benefits. This new plan will ensure that this superb natural asset remains well-managed for future generations to enjoy.”
