Nature conservation
Access for visitors
A new collaborative project looking at how outdoor activities on our Norfolk Coast can have an impact on sensitive species and habitats – and what we can do to protect them.
Our Norfolk Coast is a popular destination for visitors from near and far, with millions making the journey each year. These visitors take part in a wide range of outdoor activities, both on land and in the water – from dog walking and cycling to swimming and watersports.
These activities can potentially have a negative impact on the highly sensitive habitats of the coast, and the species that call them home. For example, ground-nesting birds may have their eggs accidentally trampled by walkers on the beach, or breeding seals may be disturbed by kayaks in the water.
We’re working to limit the impacts of such activities on wildlife around the Wash and Norfolk Coast, whilst making sure that visitors continue to have a fun and memorable experience. Working closely with the RSPB and other partners, we will engage with local communities and businesses to raise awareness and share guidance on how to enjoy activities in a responsible way.
One of our key aims for the project will be to create links and coordinate existing initiatives across the national landscape, allowing land managers to share their experiences, collaborate and learn from each other. Volunteer recruitment and development is another important element, with volunteers playing a vital role in conservation activities across the coast.