Responsible visitor use of coastal environments

Understanding Responsible Visitation

Taking care of coastal environments is part of our responsibility as visitors.
People visit the coast for a wide range of leisure activities that include sunbathing, surfing, wildlife watching, and fishing.
While these activities can bring benefits, they may also lead, directly or indirectly, to environmental degradation if not properly managed.
Outdoor enthusiasts should understand the potential impacts of their activities and how to minimise them to preserve these beautiful areas for future generations.

Impacts of Unchecked Visitor Activities

Over-visitation can lead to wear and tear of coastal features, particularly dune systems and vegetation, leading to erosion.
Disturbance to wildlife can come from recreational activities such as water sports, dog walking or drone flying, especially during nesting or breeding seasons.
The presence of people and their activities can result in increased litter and pollution, particularly plastics that are harmful to marine and bird life.
Recreational fishing can impact on local ecosystems if species are over-harvested or if non-native or invasive species are introduced.
Boating activities can cause damage to marine life through collisions, noise pollution or anchor damage.

Methods of Responsible Visiting

Adhering to the Countryside Code can help mitigate some of these impacts. Key tenets include leaving no trace of your visit by taking litter home, not causing damage to habitats, and not disturbing wildlife.
Educating visitors about the delicate nature of coastal ecosystems and the potential consequences of their actions can encourage respectful behaviours.
Visitors should stick to designated trails and avoid walking on sensitive areas like dunes and vegetated zones to prevent unintentional damage.
Responsible dog owners must keep their pets under control, especially during the bird breeding seasons, and always clean up after them.

Role of Coastal Management in Visitor Control

Management measures such as providing adequate waste disposal facilities, signage for sensitive areas, and educational materials can help make visitor use more sustainable.
In some areas, managing visitor numbers through permits or timed entries can be required to reduce pressure on the environment.
Creation of specific zones for different activities such as wildlife watching, fishing or water sports can help minimize conflicts and manage impacts.
Coastal management policies also promote conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration or species protection measures, to counteract any inevitable damage caused by visitor use.