Our team had the opportunity to film a feature with ITV Anglia, highlighting how National Landscape is working with the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail to help more people access and enjoy nature.
The feature focused on recent projects across the Norfolk Coast that have improved accessibility and inclusion while protecting the area’s internationally important habitats and wildlife.
Andrew Jamieson, Chair of the Norfolk Coast Partnership shared how partnership working has helped deliver significant improvements to accessibility along the coast.
Brancaster boardwalk
During filming, ITV Anglia visited the upgraded boardwalk at Brancaster. Opened in September 2024, the new boardwalk forms part of the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail and was designed to make it easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to experience the coast.
Accessibility was central to the design. Features include a wide, non-slip surface suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs, regular passing places, wide-berth gates, colour-contrasting bumper strips to assist people with visual impairments and those living with dementia, as well as resting spots and viewing platforms where visitors can pause and enjoy the landscape.
The boardwalk also demonstrates how improving access and protecting nature can go hand in hand. Passing through a sensitive saltmarsh habitat that is home to many important species, the modular structure was installed with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. Constructed from recycled plastic bottle material that does not shed microplastics, it is expected to last at least 75 years which is significantly longer than a traditional timber boardwalk.
The project was delivered through a partnership between the National Landscape and National Trail, with support from Norfolk County Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team and local community groups including Norwich Dragons and Inclusive Norwich, whose insights helped shape the design.
Improving Access to Nature
Improving access to nature is a key priority for the Norfolk Coast, with other notable projects such as the improved Holkham boardwalk and new interpretation panels, featuring braille.
By working with local communities, accessibility specialists, landowners and conservation organisations, these projects are helping to remove barriers and enable more people to experience the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors.
Helen Terry, National Trail Team Leader, said:
“We want as many people as possible to be able to experience and enjoy the Norfolk Coast. These projects show how thoughtful design, partnership working and community engagement can help create more inclusive access to nature while protecting the special landscapes and wildlife that make this coast so unique.”
This feature forms part of a wider national programme exploring accessibility and inclusion in the outdoors.
Watch the news feature
