The recently launched England’s Coast website has committed itself to helping create a healthier coastal and marine environment, with a number of coastal business dedicated to sustainable tourism.
“England’s Coast is focused on supporting our coastal economies to grow tourism off-peak, encourage longer stays and a better connection to local people, places and products,” says Samantha Richardson, National Coastal Tourism Academy Director which delivers the project.
“The tourism industry on the coast is still highly seasonal, our message is that, the current pandemic notwithstanding, the coast is open year-round and is often even more beautiful in the quieter Winter and early Spring months.”
Englandscoast.com is a ground-breaking marketing and booking tool showcasing the whole of England’s spectacular coastline. With nearly 2,000 coastal businesses, the website enables holidaymakers to research ideas, build their ideal coastal break into an itinerary, and book each element directly.
“With new stretches of the England Coast Path opening up, slow tourism and more sustainable trips will be even more appealing for hikers, cyclists, campers and water sports enthusiasts’” adds Richardson. “England’s Coast encourages visitors to travel responsibly, act with purpose and explore our amazing and varied coastline, away from the honeypots – incredible, authentic experiences are available right on the doorstep.”
Some examples of sustainable tourism initiatives include:
Creating sustainable environments at Knepp Wildlife Safaris & Camping in West Sussex, South East Coast
Encounter herds of wild ponies, cattle, deer and pigs as they roam 3,500 acres of Sussex, driving the forces of habitat regeneration. Watch here to learn about the process of rewilding, a form of environmental conservation and ecological restoration that has significant potential to increase biodiversity, create self-sustainable environments and mitigate climate change. Rewilding aims to do this by reintroducing lost animal species to natural environments.
Ditching the car in Brighton and Hove, South East Coast
Brighton & Hove are famously green towns, and the promotion of transport on two wheels has developed even further with a new online cycle map. Explore the areas and choose routes that suit how you like to ride and make a customised map for your journey – http://www.brightonandhovecyclemap.co.uk/
Solar-powered boat tours in Chichester with Solar Heritage, South East Coast
Take to the water on the solar-powered catamaran Solar Heritage. The boat is virtually silent and is a great way to visit Chichester Harbour, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and learn about its history, and get up close to many of the birds and habitats with an expert on board.
Ethically-grown seaweed crops at SeaGrown on the Yorkshire Coast
On the Yorkshire Coast, SeaGrown is developing an exciting new marine industry for the UK and is establishing a seaweed farm in the clean, cold, open waters of the North Sea. This pioneering seaweed farm will ethically produce a sustainable crop which can be used in a number of ways, from biodegradable plastics to a new source of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles and biochemicals, as well as seaweed flavourings to add taste and nutrients to foods. The crop just needs the sun and the sea – no chemicals, fresh water, power or even land AND it will absorb huge amounts of carbon and release oxygen into the water as it grows – making it good the environment.
Sustainable food shopping at Tree Top Press farm shop in Scarborough, Yorkshire Coast
To prevent plastic waste, this family-run farm shop has a refill service where you can bring your own container and fill up with an assortment of organic essentials too: oats, flour, coffee, seeds, pulses. Plus you can refill shower/bath gel, shampoo and Ecover washing-up liquid, laundry liquid, floor soap, hand soap, toilet cleaner, all-purpose cleaner – just bring your old bottle along and keep reusing it for as long as it lasts. They also sell homegrown pressed juices, cordials and cider made using fruit from their restored traditional orchard and vegetables from their no-dig market garden. They also stock local poultry, seasonal local organic fruit and vegetables, preserves, cakes and homemade bread on Saturdays.
