General Beach Recreation
This category refers to activities undertaken on the foreshore including beach games, beachcombing, sunbathing, rockpooling, and swimming. It does not cover beach activities which use motorised or non-motorised vehicles, wildlife watching, coasteering, bait digging, shore angling or walking/dog walking.
The map on this page illustrates the potential for beach activity in English waters as part of the MMO1064 marine recreation modelling project. The areas of highest use are shown in red, progressing down through orange and yellow to green. Use the MMO Explore Marine Plans service for more detailed information.
Natural England’s ongoing ‘Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE)’ studies show how many people are visiting the natural environment and how they interact with it. The publication on visits to the coast gives detailed information on participation levels and peoples’ needs and experiences.
Pressures
Natural England consider the main pressure-receptor impact pathways arising from this activity are considered to be:
- Abrasion/disturbance of the substrate surface in intertidal and shallow subtidal areas, through general footfall (trampling), including accessing the sea.
- Abrasion/disturbance of the substrate below the surface in intertidal areas, for example, from digging holes in the sand.
- Noise and visual disturbance, of hauled out seals and birds, from the presence and movement of people on the shore.
Activities undertaken in the sea (eg swimming) are not considered to result in underwater noise changes above ambient background levels. As such this pressure has been considered to be negligible.
Please see Natural England's report: Marine recreation evidence briefing: general beach life (EIN034) for more detailed information on pressures, impacts, management measures and good practice.
Resources
- Natural England guidance note on surfing
- Natural England guidance note on wildlife watching
- Natural England guidance note on snorkelling and diving
- Natural England guidance note on coasteering
- Bird Aware Solent Coastal Code
- RSPB Guidance on birds and fireworks
- Green Armada - showcasing an environmentally friendly kitesurfing festival on Hayling Island
