Implementation of the England Coastal Path is now well underway. Natural England, the government agency responsible, expects to complete work on the England Coast Path in 2020. Current progress can be viewed here https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/england-coast-path-improving-public-access-to-the-coast
Coastal access involves more than just the creation of a path. The path is called a “trail” and that is because it can be up to four metres wide. The trail will often follow existing rights of way. However, the public may be granted new access rights to a much wider area of land to either side of the trail. This is called “spreading room”. The extent of the spreading room and the public’s right of access to it will depend on a complex set of criteria. These criteria are outlined in the statutory guidance document called the “Coastal Access Scheme” and can be viewed here http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5327964912746496?category=50007
When the coastal access related legislation was made, BASC successfully persuaded Defra to place a duty on Natural England to take account of sporting rights on the coast. BASC worked to ensure that the Coastal Access Scheme took account of the needs of shooting. As a result this guidance contains a detailed explanation of the approach Natural England will take in places where there are shooting interests.
BASC also secured a right of appeal to the Secretary of State for people with sporting rights over affected land in the event of a disagreement. BASC is the only shooting organisation named in the relevant regulations. This will help BASC to safeguard shooting interests if the consultation process fails to take account of them.
Anyone with shooting interests along the various sections of coast who thinks they might be affected should contact BASC at the earliest opportunity. We will then be able to provide advice and assist members with liaising with the relevant NE staff.
For more information please contact the Game and deer team Tel: 01244 573 019 or email game.deer@basc.org.uk
Trapping and Snaring in Scotland What you need to know Currently: All snares must be free-running and have a fixed stop at the appropriate distance. All set snares must be checked every day at intervals of no more than 24 hours. All set snares must be staked to the ground
Muzzle Loading This branch of the target-shooting sports has been growing in popularity over the past few years. It involves using either original old guns, or replicas of modern manufacture. The sport is particularly attractive to those who have an interest in history – in our heritage. A muzzle-loading gun
Breeding Curlew Need You The curlew population stands on the brink of collapse. Data shows a 46 per cent decline in breeding curlew in the UK between 1994 and 2010, with a more than 50 per cent decline in Wales and Scotland. The numbers are still in rapid decline and
