Okay, here’s a detailed article about the “Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Penzance to St Mawes) Order 2025” (SI 2025/644), aiming to make it easy to understand, along with related background information.
New Coastal Access Route Opens: Penzance to St Mawes Now Easier to Explore!
Great news for walkers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys the beautiful Cornish coastline! A new order, officially titled “The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Penzance to St Mawes) Order 2025” (SI 2025/644), was officially published on June 3rd, 2025, extending public access rights along a significant stretch of the South West Coast Path between Penzance and St Mawes.
What Does This Order Do?
In simple terms, this order does the following:
- Designates the Coastal Margin: It formally designates the “coastal margin” along this section of coastline. The coastal margin is a zone adjacent to the England Coast Path that the public has a right to access for open-air recreation. Think of it as a designated area alongside the main path.
- Extends Public Access: This designation means the public now has a legal right to walk, run, picnic, climb, and generally enjoy this newly opened coastal margin area. This access is for open-air recreation on foot, but other forms of access can be allowed or restricted on a case-by-case basis.
- Benefits Local Communities and Tourism: Easier access to this stunning coastline is expected to benefit local communities by boosting tourism and providing enhanced recreational opportunities for residents.
Breaking it Down: What’s the “Coastal Margin” and Why Is It Important?
The “coastal margin” is a key concept. It’s not just the beach. It’s a zone that includes the England Coast Path, but also extends inland to encompass areas like:
- Beaches and Foreshore: The area between the high and low tide marks.
- Cliffs and Headlands: Scenic viewpoints and dramatic coastal features.
- Salt Marshes and Estuaries: Important habitats for wildlife.
- Inland areas: In some cases, land adjacent to the path is included to provide a wider buffer, offer alternative routes, or link to other areas of interest.
The importance of this area is that without this order, access may have been limited by private land ownership or other restrictions. Now, with the designation, there’s a legal right to access this area for recreation.
Key Features of the Penzance to St Mawes Route:
This particular stretch of coastline is known for its:
- Varied Landscape: From rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to picturesque harbors and charming villages, the scenery is diverse and captivating.
- Rich History and Heritage: Cornwall’s history of mining, fishing, and seafaring is evident throughout the area.
- Wildlife: The coastline is home to a variety of birds, marine life, and coastal plants.
- Iconic landmarks: This section has a unique landscape from St Michael’s Mount to the Roseland Peninsula.
Who Benefits?
- Walkers and Hikers: The most obvious beneficiaries, who now have expanded access to explore the coastline.
- Local Communities: Increased tourism and recreational opportunities can boost local economies.
- Businesses: Accommodation providers, restaurants, shops, and other businesses in the area can benefit from increased visitor numbers.
- Conservation Organizations: Increased awareness of the coastline can help promote conservation efforts.
- Everyone: The increase in open spaces for outdoor activities promotes wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle for those seeking open-air recreation.
Important Considerations and Potential Restrictions:
While the order opens up access, it’s important to remember that:
- Respect for the Environment: Users should follow the Countryside Code, leaving no trace, respecting wildlife, and avoiding damage to the environment.
- Respect for Private Land: The order doesn’t give a right to access private gardens, buildings, or other areas that are clearly marked as private property.
- Temporary Restrictions: Access may be temporarily restricted in certain areas for specific reasons, such as land management, conservation work, or safety concerns. These restrictions will typically be clearly signposted.
- Dogs: Dogs are generally allowed, but owners are responsible for keeping them under control and cleaning up after them. There may be specific restrictions in certain areas, such as nature reserves or farmland.
- Motor Vehicles and Cycling: The right of access primarily covers access on foot. The use of motor vehicles is generally prohibited on the coastal margin unless there are existing rights of way. Cycling may be permitted in some areas, but it’s important to check local signage and respect other users.
Background: The England Coast Path
This order is part of a larger national initiative to create the “England Coast Path,” a continuous walking route around the entire coast of England. The aim is to improve public access to the coastline, promote tourism, and connect people with the natural environment. Natural England are the government body responsible for implementing the England Coast Path.
In Conclusion:
The “Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Penzance to St Mawes) Order 2025” is a positive step forward in opening up access to a beautiful and important section of the Cornish coastline. It’s an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty, improve their well-being, and support local communities. Remember to respect the environment, follow the Countryside Code, and enjoy exploring this stunning part of England! Check local signage for more information on temporary restrictions, dog rules, and cycling restrictions before heading out.
The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Penzance to St Mawes) Order 2025
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-06-03 13:57, ‘The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Penzance to St Mawes) Order 2025’ was published according to UK New Legislation. Ple ase write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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