In a nation renowned for its picturesque countryside and ample green spaces, a surprising revelation has emerged from the east coast of England. According to an exclusive report from the conservative thinktank Onward, large swathes of the region suffer from a pronounced lack of access to nature, primarily due to the dominance of agricultural land. The proposed solution? A new long-distance trail stretching from the Humber Estuary to Norwich, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Uncovering the Access-to-Nature Gap
While most rural areas of England boast extensive networks of public rights of way, allowing people to freely roam and explore, the east coast presents a starkly different picture. The Onward report highlights that in many parts of this region, individuals have little to no designated areas where they can enjoy a countryside walk. This troubling disparity is attributed to the prevalence of high-grade farmland, which limits public access to green spaces.
Compounding the issue is the significant backlog in recognizing historical yet unrecorded rights of way. Lincolnshire, in particular, faces the largest challenge, with over 450 outstanding applications awaiting processing. This administrative bottleneck further restricts the public’s ability to enjoy the natural surroundings in their local areas.
“Half of local authorities in the worst 10% for access to nature are in eastern England, with almost nine-tenths of authorities in the region falling below the national average for green space accessibility.”
– Findings from the Onward report
The North Sea Trail: A Path to Nature
To address this glaring access-to-nature gap, the Onward report proposes the creation of a new long-distance trail—the North Sea Trail. This ambitious route would wind its way from the Humber Estuary, traversing the scenic Lincolnshire Wolds, before crossing North Norfolk and ultimately reaching Norwich. By establishing a dedicated coastal path, the trail would open up vast stretches of the countryside to the public, providing much-needed opportunities for outdoor recreation and communion with nature.
The report emphasizes the far-reaching benefits of improving access to green spaces. Not only does it contribute to the physical and mental well-being of individuals, but it also has significant economic implications. According to estimates, providing good access to nature across England could save the National Health Service over £2.1 billion annually in reduced healthcare costs. The creation of the North Sea Trail, therefore, represents a cost-effective investment in public health and wellness.
Incentivizing Farmers, Preserving Livelihoods
Recognizing the potential concerns of farmers whose land may be impacted by the proposed trail, the report suggests innovative solutions. By incentivizing farmers to dedicate small portions of their land for public rights of way, the trail could be established without compromising agricultural productivity. The post-Brexit Environmental Land Management schemes present an opportunity to compensate farmers for providing this valuable public good, ensuring a balanced approach that benefits both nature and livelihoods.
“Creating a new North Sea National Trail across eastern England will address the country’s most significant access-to-nature gap, while other initiatives such as recording historic rights of way and integrating nature into planning decisions can overcome local nature ‘notspots’.”
– Ed Winfield, co-author of the Onward report
A Call to Action
As England grapples with the consequences of limited access to nature, particularly in the eastern region, the proposed North Sea Trail offers a beacon of hope. By creating a continuous coastal path, the trail would not only enhance the quality of life for local residents but also attract visitors eager to explore the region’s natural wonders. The report’s findings serve as a clarion call to policymakers, urging them to prioritize the creation of this transformative trail and address the access-to-nature gap head-on.
The east coast of England, with its sweeping vistas and rich agricultural heritage, deserves to be enjoyed by all. The North Sea Trail represents a vital step towards realizing this vision, ensuring that the beauty of the countryside is not reserved for a privileged few, but accessible to every individual who yearns to connect with nature. As the nation embarks on this ambitious endeavor, it is crucial to remember that investing in green spaces is not merely a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for the health, well-being, and prosperity of our communities.
