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Image Credit: St Agnes, West Cornwall Photographer: Emily Lewin

Last week the Government published the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for England. There is much to be welcomed in the new guidance but also a concern that National Trails continue to not be recognised as part of the Protected Landscapes.

For the Coast Path the updated NPPF makes reference to King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP), advising that… “development proposals should maintain the character of undeveloped areas of coast, including land designated for its landscape, habitat or heritage value, while improving public access to it where appropriate. They should not hinder the completion and maintenance of a continuous signed and manage route around the coast [KCIIIECP].”  This reference is welcomed as the Coast Path is constantly squeezed between landward development pressure and accelerating coastal erosion.

However, this latest revision has removed reference to National Trails. This is a retrograde step as National Trails are under growing pressure from development.

National Trails deliver incredible public benefits connecting people with nature helping deliver government’s 15 minutes to nature target. The National Trail network was created to help get people to and through our finest landscapes. Trail corridors also have the potential to drive positive nature action and help us achieve the international 30x30 biodiversity target. Removing reference to National Trails other than the Coast Path in the NPPF makes it more difficult for trail managers to champion the positive benefits of this amazing network and protect trail corridors from increasing development pressures – especially in those trail sections not within National Landscapes or National Parks. 

Image credit: Bossington Hill, Exmoor Photographer: Chris Bull