Latest news with #NaturalEngland
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Scenic UK walking path passes stunning beaches, cosy pubs and is perfect for hikers
The natural path was added as a National Trail by Natural England last year and offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to experience some of the UK's most beautiful countryside and seascapes If your ideal sunny day out involves escaping the hustle and bustle of London for a leisurely country stroll, this 25-mile trail along the stunning Kent coastline might be just the ticket. The path, incorporated into the National Trail by Natural England last year, provides outdoor hikers with the perfect opportunity to soak up some of the UK's most scenic land and seascapes. With the starting point less than two hours from London via public transport, the trail is perfect for those seeking fresh air, exercise, or a place to walk their dogs. It also meanders past some fantastic spots, as Kent is home to some of the finest seaside towns. So why not take a break and savour the coastal pubs, cafes, and restaurants? The straightforward walking route from Ramsgate to Whitstable showcases the spectacular chalk cliffs that have put Kent on the global map, miles of golden sandy beaches, and popular seaside resorts that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The route opens up access to previously unseen locations, thanks to the new path securing legal rights of public access to coastal land, reports MyLondon. The 19-mile coastline around the Isle of Thanet forms a significant part of the path, which is recognised as one of Europe's top sites for wintering birds, chalk reef marine life and sandy beaches, says Natural England. Driving from London to Ramsgate takes about two and a half hours via the A2 and M2. Alternatively, hop on a Southeastern train at Stratford International for a journey of just over an hour. While tackling the entire 25-mile stretch in one go might be ambitious, any part of the route promises delightful sights: Broadstairs This charming Kent seaside town has been ranked among the UK's Top 50 coolest places to live – a testament to its newfound "cool" status. Broadstairs is a haven for those who love picturesque sandy beaches, charming streets with red brick and flint-fronted buildings, distinctive shops, a variety of cafes, eateries and snug pubs, ice cream parlours, and exhilarating clifftop walks offering stunning views. Margate Following the coastal path will also lead you to Margate, famed for its golden sands, excellent dining options, and beautiful coastline – ideal for a leisurely afternoon. Botany Bay Botany Bay boasts soft golden sands and calm waters for swimming, making it a hidden treasure on the Kentish coast. It's a paradise for children with numerous rockpools to explore. Stone Bay For those who prefer a quieter seaside experience, Stone Bay is the ideal retreat. It's a tranquil alternative to its livelier counterpart, Viking Bay, offering families a peaceful haven for uninterrupted fun under the sun, from sandcastle construction to playful frolics and invigorating swims in the sea. Kingsgate Bay This Kentish jewel is a favourite subject for photographers and artists alike, and it's easy to see why. Kingsgate Bay captivates with its golden sands, flanked by striking chalk cliffs and the serene azure waters. The bay's crowning glory is the dramatic natural archway carved into the cliff face, creating a stunning "window" framing the vast expanse of ocean and sky. Viking Bay Viking Bay is a beach that comes highly recommended on TripAdvisor, where it has garnered an impressive 4.5-star rating from almost 1,000 reviews. A delighted visitor exclaimed: "This is hands down my favourite part of the Kent coast. The beach is large, sandy and clean. People just seem happy." Herne Bay Herne Bay boasts a beautiful beach that's perfect for those who'd rather not end their day with sandy toes. It's an idyllic spot to enjoy an ice cream while soaking up the splendid views. Whitstable Famed for its oysters, which are a hit with seafood aficionados from London, Whitstable also charms visitors with its 'long, rambling high street' and a beach that's ideal for a leisurely walk in the sunshine. West Bay Nestled between Margate and Birchington, the sandy beach of West Bay is a local treasure, separated from neighbouring St Mildred's Bay by chalk cliffs. The colourful beach huts that line the shore add a vibrant touch to the landscape. West Bay receives high praise from TripAdvisor users, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars. Reviewers dub it their 'favourite' beach, lauding its cleanliness and breathtaking sunsets. Birchington-on-Sea Tucked between Reculver and Westgate-on-Sea, the delightful seaside town of Birchington-on-Sea offers a sandy bay favoured for rockpooling, boating and other coastal pursuits. Visitors will find an array of activities, from exploring the local museum to dining at charming restaurants and enjoying a pint at one of the excellent pubs. Plus, it's ideally situated for access to other popular spots around Thanet and Canterbury. Ramsgate Key attractions of the 'trendy yet affordable' seaside town of Ramsgate include its beautiful beach, Georgian fixer-upper townhouses, and reasonably priced rentals. Much like its cousin, Margate, Ramsgate boasts solid rail connections to London, potentially making a commute to the city centre just about an hour and a half long. Reculver Towers Reculver Towers, situated near Herne Bay, is unquestionably one of the most iconic landmarks on Kent's eastern coast. In recent years, this historic site has become a popular spot for walkers during lockdown. The serene allure of these towers, coupled with a delightful coastal stroll near Herne Bay, provides a welcome respite from everyday life.
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Peak District ravine woodlands restored with 84,000 trees
Tens of thousands of trees have been planted to help restore the Peak District's "critically damaged" woodland five-year, £5m LIFE in the Ravines project has placed more than 84,000 native trees at the sites of ancient woodlands in Derbyshire "devastated" by ash dieback, specifically the Peak District Dales Special Area of Evans, woodland restoration manager for Natural England, said the scheme "shows what can be achieved when we work with nature rather than against it".The government organisation said it had restored up to a quarter of the region's damaged woodlands. A mix of native trees, including large and small-leaved lime and wych elm, have been planted to make the woodlands more resilient. Without the work, Natural England said "entire woodlands" would have been lost to ash dieback, the fungal disease that kills ash Evans said: "These restored ravine woodlands are truly unique habitats."By planting 84,000 trees, we're not just replacing what was lost to ash dieback - we're creating more diverse and resilient woodlands that will thrive for generations to come."Natural England added there had been "success" with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust-managed sites, with 16,000 trees planted in the Wye Valley including Cramside, Cheedale, and Millers Dale. Kyle Winney, living landscape officer for the trust, said: "Although it's devastating to see the effects of ash dieback, it has provided us an opportunity."Seeds collected from existing trees within the ravines are being grown by specialist nurseries and community groups. This approach "ensures planted trees can thrive in the challenging conditions of steep, rocky limestone terrain", Natural England added.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New conservation strategy launched to protect key wildlife sites
A new conservation strategy has been launched to protect three of Devon's most important wildlife sites. The South East Devon Wildlife – Joint Habitats Sites Mitigation Strategy 2025–2030 covers the Exe Estuary, East Devon Pebblebed Heaths, and Dawlish Warren. It has been formally adopted by East Devon District Council, Teignbridge District Council, and Exeter City Council. Geoff Jung, chairman of the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee and portfolio holder for environment at East Devon District Council, said: "This strategy reflects our collective duty to protect South East Devon's internationally important wildlife — not just for today, but for the benefit of future generations." Developed by Footprint Ecology, the scheme builds on the previous 2016–2025 strategy and was created in partnership with Natural England, the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, Devon Wildlife Trust, RSPB, and others. It outlines mitigation measures funded through developer contributions from new housing built within 10km of the protected sites. The reserves hold some of the UK's highest conservation designations, including Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Ramsar sites. The strategy includes education schemes, visitor patrols, upgraded paths and signs, improved parking, and the creation and maintenance of wildlife refuges for overwintering birds. Regular monitoring will also be carried out to ensure the measures remain effective. Gary Taylor, executive member for planning and building control at Teignbridge District Council, said: "By working together, we're delivering smarter, more effective protection across boundaries and ecosystems." Ruth Williams, portfolio holder for city management at Exeter City Council, said: "We're proud to be part of this ground-breaking initiative — a true partnership for sustainable development." The strategy aims to manage the impact of increased visitor numbers resulting from new housing developments. Without intervention, rising recreational use could threaten the wildlife and habitats that the sites are meant to protect. Full details of the plan are available on the South East Devon Wildlife website.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Squirrels that cause £37m damage to forest should be ‘eradicated'
A Conservative peer has called for the nationwide eradication of grey squirrels, branding them a 'menace' to the countryside. Lord Roborough, a shadow minister for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said Natural England needed to protect 'our green and pleasant land' from the 'vermin' grey squirrels that cause millions of pounds of damage. He made the call while tabling an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which, if passed, would require Natural England to remove invasive non-native species, such as the grey squirrel, from protected environments. Research by the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) suggests that grey squirrels' habit of stripping tree bark causes about £37m in damage per year, with the majority of costs falling on the owners of woodland across the UK, including farmers and the Forestry Commission. Lord Roborough called the species, first introduced to Britain in 1876 as an ornamental curiosity, 'rats that live in trees'. He added: 'They are killing millions of native broadleaves every year as they enter their prime and threatening the survival of red squirrels. 'It is time Natural England finally took responsibility for eradicating these vermin and other menacing invasive species in order to protect our green and pleasant land and the native creatures that call it home.' The population of grey squirrels is now estimated to be around 2.7 million, with the invasive species competing for food and resources from the native red squirrel. They are blamed not only for displacing the red squirrel, whose numbers are now reduced to fewer than 300,000, but also for causing extensive damage to Britain's forests, by stripping tree bark. Numbers must be 'controlled urgently' They often chew away the bark on trees, removing the outer layer and leaving them weakened, in some cases killing them. RFS estimate that as much as £13.5m of the £37m estimate could be in damage to timber, with a further £9.2m in lost carbon capture. A further £14.1m was estimated to have been lost through damage mitigation costs, with £0.2m potentially spent on replanting damaged trees. The Countryside Alliance said it has estimated that 15 per cent of broadleaf area and 5 per cent of coniferous forest area are damaged by grey squirrels. Johnnie Furse, a spokesman for the Countryside Alliance said: 'We need to get serious about the importance of protecting native species and effective wildlife management'. He called for their numbers to be 'controlled urgently', and praised the work of dedicated conservationists who have ensured Britain's dwindling number of reds remains. In 2021, the King, the then Prince of Wales, marked Squirrel Appreciation Day on Jan 21 by personally thanking volunteers who work to protect red squirrels.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Catastrophic' – New 16,000-seater Championship stadium delayed by ‘ancient woodland' amid warnings over club's future
OXFORD UNITED will be forced to wait a further two weeks for a decision regarding their proposed new stadium after a nearby woodland was designated as "ancient". The Championship side are hoping to build a Advertisement 3 Oxford are planning to build a 16,000-seater stadium Credit: Oxford United 3 The new ground would be a huge community asset Credit: Plans were first Cherwell District Council had been scheduled to come to a decision at a planning committee on July 31. Remarkably, this meeting has been delayed by two weeks to August 14 following a ruling by Natural England. Oxford's proposed Triangle site borders the Stratfield Brake woodland. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS The woodland area was recently handed "ancient" status - sparking fresh concerns over whether this could affect the council's decision on Oxford's proposed new stadium. Upon the delay, U's development director Jonathon Clarke said: "It's frustrating that this delay has been caused by a last-minute submission from a statutory consultee, particularly given they had previously raised no objections to the application. 'However, we have provided comprehensive evidence addressing the points raised. This is an incredibly detailed, robust application. 'We will continue our work towards a positive recommendation as we await a new committee date.' Advertisement Most read in Football Latest Exclusive Breaking BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Natural England claim that Oxford's plans "have the potential to adversely affect" the woodland. But the organisation does not oppose the stadium build. Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms Oxford play at the Kassam Stadium, having moved there since 2001. Advertisement In May the second-tier side extended their lease at the Kassam to 2027, with an option for a further year. The site is still owned by Oxford's former owner Firoz Kassam, and Oxford City Council plans could see the Kassam Stadium torn down and replaced by as many as 150 homes in future. Oxford's proposed new Triangle home would boast plenty of community facilities in addition to the stadium, including a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and community plaza. 'CATASTROPHIC' Labour MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds has stressed the importance of the U's receiving planning permission. Advertisement She wrote on X: "I'm disappointed by the delay in deciding on @OUFCOfficial's new stadium. "OUFC, its fans, and Oxfordshire need this stadium for the benefits it will bring. "A positive decision is crucial, as more delays could have a catastrophic impact on the club." Oxford are currently preparing for their second season back in the Championship following their promotion in 2023-24. Advertisement Gary Rowett's side finished 17th last term, four points clear of the drop zone. 3 Anneliese Dodds has offered a stark warning Credit: AFP
