HELP STOP THE NATIONAL TRUST CLOSING BEADNELL BEACH

For the last 3 years the National Trust have closed the beach at the northside of the Long Nanny burn, a walk people have enjoyed for centuries. These measures are supposed to protect the nesting birds on the southside of the burn. Despite 24/7 surveillance the success of the breeding season depends largely on weather and predators not human intervention.The proof is in the statistics.No Artic Terns successfully bred last year despite the beach closure. Walkers using the beach greatly respect the nesting site and its importance. The closest humans get to the nesting site from the northside is 170 yards with a body of water in-between. Walkers on the southside come within 25 yards of the nest site. How does this justify closing the northside of the beach? Diversions created in 2018/19 onto the coastal path caused catastrophic dune erosion to the point at which Millers Nick no longer exists. Despite abundant signage about the beach closure walkers reach the roped area then clamber over precious preserved dunes causing unnecessary erosion. We support protecting these birds but please allow access to the Long Nanny bridge from the Northside. Keeping open approx 300 yards of shoreline on the Northside does not impact on the nest site. Closure of this access is causing huge disruption and resentment towards The National Trust. Conservation of our coastline is imperative and public consultation should be paramount to reach a satisfactory solution for all concerned.

Latest statement:

https://www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org/files/Downloads/Position%20statement%20-%20Beadnell%20Bay.pdf