Latest news with #ofSpecialScientificInterest
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Lottery grant to help city develop nature access
A lottery grant of £490,000 will help a city improve access to green spaces, the local council says. Sunderland is among 40 areas nationally awarded money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Nature Towns and Cities Programme. Plans include a focus on boosting transport and linking community green spaces including the city's coastline and riverbanks. Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said residents would be consulted in the coming weeks and months to help develop schemes. Nature Towns and Cities is a partnership between Natural England, the National Trust and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Sunderland's council will also work with Durham Wildlife Trust and organisations from the voluntary sector as it looks to allocate the funding. Measures are set to include new conservation and horticulture courses, ecological surveys for local Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), such Tunstall Hills and Claxheugh Rocks, and community grants. Welcoming the funding, Mordey said the aims of the forthcoming projects were "all about improving our residents' access to nature and helping them to enjoy some of the fantastic greenspaces, coastline and riverbanks on their doorstep". He added: "As we all know, getting out into the fresh air can really help us to clear our minds and take time for ourselves. "So we'll be looking to work with residents and partners over the coming weeks and months to help us develop the plans further and make sure that we're making the most of this grant funding." Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More on this story The UK's first Nature Towns awarded green funding Related internet links Sunderland City Council Nature Towns and Cities
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Stunning seaside village with 4-mile golden beach crowned best mini-break in UK
With quaint cobbled streets, stone cottages, golden sands and a rich wildlife - there's no surprise this genteel seaside village was branded one of the UK's prettiest A beautiful seaside village where rolling countryside melts into golden sands and crystal-clear water has been ranked as one of the best staycation spots in the UK. Situated on the idyllic north Norfolk Coast, and enveloped in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney is the epitome of quintessential seaside charm and serenity. Here, you'll find a slew of acclaimed eateries, cosy pubs, gift shops and art galleries - all of which are nestled in picturesque alleyways and cobblestone walkways that lead out to the coast. At the heart of the village is Blakeney National Nature Reserve, a vast open space boasting uninterrupted views of the coastline beloved by walkers and wildlife lovers alike. Here, you'll be able to spot a range of birds including ringed plovers, oystercatchers, brent geese and common teal - or, you can take a boat trip to visit the seal colonies on Blakeney Point, a huge breeding site for grey seals and their pups. Blakeney is also steeped in history, with routes linking back to the Middle Ages when the village boasted a thriving port and England's largest harbour. "Tucked away in an alley just off the quay is Blakeney Guildhall, where you will find the remains of the house of a prosperous Blakeney merchant, which has a fine 15th century brick-vaulted undercroft," hails Visit North Norfolk, the area's official tourist board. "On the village outskirts, lies St Nicholas church, built between the 13th and 15th century, which unusually, has two towers. Blakeney has lots of quaint, pretty streets to wander around with spectacular views." And of course, there's Blakeney Point Beach - a four-mile stretch of shingle and sand dunes. This area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and is managed by the National Trust. With all of this in mind, it's no surprise Blakeney was recently in The Times' list of the 25 prettiest village mini breaks in the UK. The publication hailed the destination's 'holiday desirability' thanks to its rich wildlife, easy coastal walks, cafés and flint cottages. "Over the past 600 years Blakeney, just inland from the north Norfolk coast, has gone from being a medieval metropolis to a clear contender for Norfolk's cutest village," it added. Located some 134 miles from central London, it takes around three hours and 11 minutes to drive from the Big Smoke up to Blakeney. Alternatively, you can get the train from Liverpool Street over to Sheringham - which usually involves a change in Norwich and takes a similar amount of time. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £17. After arriving in Sheringham, you'll have to catch the CH1 Coasthopper bus towards Wells-next-the-Sea and alight at Blakeney Bus Shelter. This journey takes just 25 minutes. Accommodation in Blakeney is limited due to its small size, but you'll still be able to find a range of properties at varying costs. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, August 15-17) at the Manor Coastal Hotel & Inn will set you back £468. This is based on two adults sharing a Classic Single Room. If you're looking for something a little more spacious, check out Delphinium. This three-bedroom holiday home comes with a fully equipped kitchen, 'comfortable seating area' and private garden - but costs a much pricier £784 on the exact same nights. *Prices based on Trainline and listings at the time of writing.
North Wales Live
12-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Will it be worth visiting Gwynedd hotspot if you have to pay to park
The re-introduction of car park fees at a Gwynedd hotspot is looming. But if they come in permanently at Dinas Dinlle will a visit there still be worthwhile? Cyngor Gwynedd held a six-week trial last August and September with charges at the village's car park. Last month the Cabinet agreed proposals for charging from next March 1 to October 31. It would be free parking for the first hour, £2.20 up to two hours, £4.20 up to four hours, and £6 for up to eight hours. They also said there should be a season ticket for locals. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday The next step is a consultation over an Off Street Parking Order. I went along to see what the village has to offer and what the car park has for visitors. Clearly, the setting is stunning with views towards Anglesey and the peaks of Eryri and Pen Llyn including Mynydd Graig Goch, Bwlch Mawr, Gyrn Goch, Gyrn Ddu and Yr Eifl ("The Rivals"). The beach area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where lapwings nest and the site of an Iron Age hillfort on a grassy crag overlooks the beach. The village itself has a smattering of cafes - The Surfer cafe with an ice cream shop and a chippy aswell as Braf cafe (which closes at 4pm) among them. I had a toffee and butterscotch scoop from The Surfer for £3.25, sat on a slightly weathered table by the beach and contemplated if I'd get value for money if I come once charges are introduced. I soon decided that Mother Nature, the foodie places and the excellent free toilets nearby make it worthwhile coming to Dinas Dinlle. But what about the car park? Well, it has a newish, diamond-shaped concrete mesh which replaced its somewhat potholed predecessor. It was tidy and litter-free when I visited on Wednesday. Picnic tables towards the far end, from the chippy, were a nice touch and there were clear signs about dog control restrictions and the like. However, I heard mixed views about the possible re-introduction of car park charges. With a black tarpaulin covering what ominously looked like a pay & display machine nearby, one local said they had "never asked" for the new car park surface or charges. Indeed, the sometimes erratic Wi-Fi could make contactless payments to it difficult. If drivers had to pay in cash then that would have to be collected by someone overnight, for security reasons, and that would cost Council Tax payers money - undermining any takings. A Brummie caravan owner told me he would stomach car park charges if they were imposed for the time it took to recoup the cost of the resurfacing, then stopped. If they were permanent he said he'd simply go to Morfa Bychan (Black Rock Sands) where it costs "£5 to park on the beach all day". Beware of the tides, I thought. However, a woman visitor said she'd be content to pay £2 a day but not if it's ratcheted up to £6 or £7. She also confided: "It's nice that it's free at the moment." I was inclined to agree. I'd be willing to pay a few pounds for signs, roadsweeping and maintenance, for a trip to Dinas Dinlle's lovely beach. But there is a line between making a fair contribution and being exploited. Of course, those at Cyngor Gwynedd who know about the council's finances will have their own views too.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Wales Online
Upgrade for crumbling coastal path with stunning views of North Wales icons
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A popular coastal path with some of the most dramatic views in Wales is to be upgraded after falling into disrepair. Each year, tens of thousands of people walk or cycle the route along the banks of the Conwy Estuary. In recent years the path has begun to degrade and cycling charity Sustrans worries this is starting to affect its usage. After heavy rain, it becomes almost impassable as huge puddles form on its uneven surface. Resurfacing work is now planned for the path at Deganwy. This section forms part of the Conwy Estuary Trail, a 3km walking and cycling route that links Deganwy and Llandudno's West Shore. It is part of the Wales Coastal Path. Each year an estimated 429,871 walking and cycling trips are made on the trail, which gives views towards Conwy Castle and the town's quay and marina, backed by the mountains of Eryri. An economic analysis in 2019 estimated that, were the 3km trail to fully upgraded, it could attract almost 600,000 users each year – almost as many as those who visit Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Sustrans will soon be organising improvements on the Deganwy section to enhance the path's 'quality and usability'. The resurfacing work is being funded by the Welsh Government. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone As the Conwy Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sustrans has liaised with Natural Resources Wales to ensure marine habitats are not disturbed during the work. An on-site ecologist will be employed for pre-nesting survey checks. (Image: Anthony Jones/Sustrans) Anthony Jones, network development manager at Sustrans, said: 'It's very clear to us just how important this route is to the people who live in this part of Conwy, as well as its role in tourism here. 'This is a very popular route by an important ecological site here in North Wales, so we need to ensure we're doing everything we can to ensure the route's quality and accessibility for everyone.' The works are due to be completed by the end of 2025. The aim is then to 'celebrate' the resurfaced route with led walks and rides the following spring. As the Conwy Estuary Trail incorporates Route 5 on the National Cycle Network, Sustrans said it is one of the most popular cycling routes in North Wales. Route 5 runs from Holyhead to Reading, spanning a massive 367 miles. 'This is an especially popular and well-used section of National Cycle Network,' added the charity. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find family activities near you
North Wales Live
08-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Upgrade for crumbling coastal path with stunning views of North Wales icons
A popular coastal path with some of the most dramatic views in Wales is to be upgraded after falling into disrepair. Each year, tens of thousands of people walk or cycle the route along the banks of the Conwy Estuary. In recent years the path has begun to degrade and cycling charity Sustrans worries this is starting to affect its usage. After heavy rain, it becomes almost impassable as huge puddles form on its uneven surface. Resurfacing work is now planned for the path at Deganwy. This section forms part of the Conwy Estuary Trail, a 3km walking and cycling route that links Deganwy and Llandudno's West Shore. It is part of the Wales Coastal Path. Each year an estimated 429,871 walking and cycling trips are made on the trail, which gives views towards Conwy Castle and the town's quay and marina, backed by the mountains of Eryri. An economic analysis in 2019 estimated that, were the 3km trail to fully upgraded, it could attract almost 600,000 users each year – almost as many as those who visit Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Sustrans will soon be organising improvements on the Deganwy section to enhance the path's 'quality and usability'. The resurfacing work is being funded by the Welsh Government. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone As the Conwy Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sustrans has liaised with Natural Resources Wales to ensure marine habitats are not disturbed during the work. An on-site ecologist will be employed for pre-nesting survey checks. Anthony Jones, network development manager at Sustrans, said: 'It's very clear to us just how important this route is to the people who live in this part of Conwy, as well as its role in tourism here. 'This is a very popular route by an important ecological site here in North Wales, so we need to ensure we're doing everything we can to ensure the route's quality and accessibility for everyone.' The works are due to be completed by the end of 2025. The aim is then to 'celebrate' the resurfaced route with led walks and rides the following spring. As the Conwy Estuary Trail incorporates Route 5 on the National Cycle Network, Sustrans said it is one of the most popular cycling routes in North Wales. Route 5 runs from Holyhead to Reading, spanning a massive 367 miles. 'This is an especially popular and well-used section of National Cycle Network,' added the charity. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
