New Coastal Access Order: St Mawes to Cremyll (2025)
On June 3rd, 2025, a new piece of legislation came into effect in the UK, designed to enhance public access to the beautiful Cornish coastline. This order, officially titled “The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025” (or SI 2025/645 for short), focuses on establishing and clarifying the coastal margin between St Mawes and Cremyll in Cornwall. Let’s break down what this means and why it’s significant.
What is the Coastal Margin?
The coastal margin is a key concept under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (often called the CRoW Act). It’s a strip of land adjacent to the coast where the public has a legal right to roam freely on foot. This “right to roam” allows people to walk, picnic, and generally enjoy the coastal environment without sticking to traditional paths and rights of way. It’s a huge benefit for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to experience the stunning Cornish landscape.
The coastal margin typically includes:
- The foreshore: The area between the high and low tide marks.
- Certain other land: This can include cliffs, dunes, beaches, headlands, and land near the sea depending on the specific characteristics of the area.
What does the Order (SI 2025/645) do?
This specific order, SI 2025/645, formally designates the extent of the coastal margin along the St Mawes to Cremyll stretch of the South West Coast Path. It’s essentially drawing the boundaries, clarifying which areas are included in this right to roam. This provides certainty for both landowners and the public. It defines:
- Specific sections of the South West Coast Path: Ensuring that this popular national trail forms part of the accessible coastal route.
- Areas adjacent to the path: Delineating other land that falls within the coastal margin, allowing wider access for recreational activities.
Why is this Order Important?
- Enhanced Public Access: The primary benefit is improved access to a particularly scenic part of the Cornish coastline. People can now explore more freely, enjoying the natural beauty and the health benefits of outdoor recreation.
- Clarity and Certainty: The order removes ambiguity. It clearly defines which areas are open for public access, reducing the potential for disputes between landowners and the public.
- Economic Benefits: Increased tourism and outdoor recreation can bring economic benefits to local communities, supporting businesses and jobs in the area.
- Conservation Benefits: By encouraging responsible use and appreciation of the coastal environment, these orders can contribute to its long-term conservation. They often go hand in hand with responsible management of the area.
- National Trail Improvements: The South West Coast Path is a national treasure. Orders like this help maintain and enhance the quality and accessibility of this iconic route.
St Mawes to Cremyll: A Special Area
The section of coastline between St Mawes and Cremyll is particularly significant due to its diverse landscape and historical importance. It includes:
- Stunning Scenery: The area boasts dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, picturesque coves, and beautiful estuaries.
- Historic Sites: The region is rich in history, with castles, fortifications, and remnants of mining activity dotting the landscape. Cremyll, in particular, has a long naval history.
- Wildlife Habitats: The coastline provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, marine life, and other wildlife.
Who is Involved?
Several organizations play a role in creating and implementing these coastal access orders:
- Natural England: This government agency is responsible for proposing and establishing England Coast Path.
- The Secretary of State: The order is made by the Secretary of State, representing the government’s approval and legal authority.
- Landowners: Landowners are consulted during the process of creating the order to ensure that their interests are taken into account.
- Local Authorities: Local councils are responsible for maintaining access routes and managing the coastal environment.
- The Public: The public has an opportunity to comment on proposed coastal access orders, ensuring that local knowledge and concerns are considered.
What to Expect When Visiting
- Respect the Environment: Follow the Countryside Code: respect, protect, and enjoy. Leave no trace of your visit, avoid disturbing wildlife, and keep dogs under control.
- Be Aware of Tides: The foreshore can be dangerous at high tide. Check tide times before setting out on a coastal walk.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: The weather in Cornwall can be unpredictable. Wear sturdy footwear and bring waterproof clothing.
- Follow Signage: Pay attention to signs and notices, which provide information about access rights, safety precautions, and conservation areas.
In Conclusion
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025 is a positive step towards enhancing public access to one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the UK. By clarifying the boundaries of the coastal margin, it provides certainty for landowners and allows the public to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities responsibly. So, pack your walking boots, explore the stunning Cornish coast, and appreciate the benefits of this new legislation!
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-06-03 14:02, ‘The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025’ was published according to UK New Legislation. Please write a detailed article with related information i n an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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