Lease and Own: United Kingdom Coastline Protection

Location

United Kingdom, coastline

Description

The National Trust in the United Kingdom provides an excellent example of comprehensive coastal conservation achieved in-part through leasing and ownership strategies. This case study does not focus on just one site-specific project, but provides a programmatic overview of the National Trust's coastal efforts.

Leasing and ownership of ocean and coastal lands have long been primary tools of coastal conservation in the United Kingdom. Most intertidal and subtidal lands are not owned by the national government. The largest owner is the monarchy, which holds title to about 55 percent of intertidal areas, half of the beds of tidal rivers and estuaries, and nearly all the seabed out to 12 nautical miles. Local governments own most of the remaining intertidal and subtidal areas, with private estates and conservation organizations having some ownership interests as well.

Leasing and licensing of intertidal and subtidal lands are common. Local governments, private companies, sporting clubs, and conservation organizations lease from the Crown while private companies, sporting clubs, and conservation organizations can also lease from local governments. The Crown Estate has issued some 2,000 leases for works and activities related to ports, moorings, wildfowling, fish farming, and conservation. Conservation organizations leasing lands from the Crown Estate include:

• The National Trust
• English Nature
• Countryside Council for Wales
• Scottish Natural Heritage
• Environment and Heritage Service
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and wildlife trusts.

Some 570 kilometers (21%) of foreshore is leased specifically for conservation purposes. Sporting rights are leased out on an additional 700 kilometers of foreshore, with many sporting clubs designating portions of their leaseholds as wildlife refuges. A great deal more of the coastline is under protective ownership by way of leases to local authorities.

In 1965, the National Trust initiated what is now known as the Neptune Coastline Campaign to protect coastal areas throughout the United Kingdom. The coastline was conceived as extending from intertidal areas to the skyline and coastal hinterland. In its first 40 years, the Neptune Coastline Campaign raised over U.S. $91 million (₤45 million) for coastal protection. Today, the Trust leases or owns approximately 1,100 kilometers of the UK’s 12,500 kilometer coastline.

Left: UK foreshore. Right: UK shore, cliff and sea. Photos courtesy UK National Trust

Being an owner and leaseholder has allowed the National Trust to be a leader in coastal realignment. For example, in 1991, the Trust worked with English Nature and the Environment Agency to flood a small portion of Northey Island, allowing salt marsh to reestablish itself. Trust advocacy against shoreline armoring in Porlock Bay, Somerset, eventually led to the abandonment of armoring plans. After a 1996 storm broke through old shoreline defenses, salt marshes and lagoons have reappeared, bringing an increase in species diversity.

Site Information

Through ownership, leasing and other mechanisms, the National Trust cares for over 700 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, nearly 10 per cent of the total mileage.

Transaction Summary

Lessons Learned

Unavailable

Cost Summary

Funding Sources

• Private Donations
• Membership Fees
• Royalties from the extraction of minerals
• Crown/Government Grants
• Visitor income

Lead Organization

The National Trust
Address: PO Box 39
Warrington WA5 7WD
Tel: 0870-458-4000
Fax: 020-8466-6824
Email: enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk  

Partners

Unavailable

Authorizing Agencies

UK Government
Marine Consents and Government Unit
3 - 8 Whitehall Place (2nd Floor - Area D)
London, SW1A 2HH

The Crown Estate - Marine
16 New Burlington Place
London
W1S 2HX
General Tel: 020-7851-5000
Marine Tel: 020-7851-5080
Email: enquiries@thecrownestate.co.uk

Documents

None

Publications

None

Other Resources

None