Coastal access law changes

Coastal access law changes

Laws allowing the creation of nature reserves at sea and coastal access paths are expected to be passed later.

Landowners are worried they may have to pay to maintain the footpaths, while fishermen fear for their livelihoods.

Cumbria provides a good example of some of the problems that will be encountered.

At the Solway Estuary in Cumbria there is a huge area of environmentally sensitive salt marsh which is a home to waders and sea birds.

It is also tidal and dangerous, and it is access to landscapes like this that are likely to cause practical problems.

Jeremy Cooke explains the potential changes.