A new five-year strategy to preserve North Devon’s coastal areas, communities and heritage has been adopted by Devon County Council
A new five-year vision to protect and sustain North Devon’s stunning coastline has been adopted by Devon County Council’s cabinet.
The new North Devon Coast National Landscape Management Plan runs from 2026 to 2031 and sets out a shared long-term vision for the National Landscape. This includes ambitions, targets and actions that support the plan’s statutory purpose of conserving and enhancing natural beauty.
Over the next five years, the plan aims to outline strategies for guiding conservation and sustainable development while addressing environmental challenges.
Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, local authorities are required to ensure a Management Plan is in place for each National Landscape in their area and review it every five years.
The plan was prepared by the partnership, which is supported by the North Devon Coast National Landscape Team, hosted by Devon County Council.
The aim of the plan is for the North Devon coastline to continue to be recognised as one of England’s finest landscapes and seascapes.
The North Devon Coast National Landscape was designated in 1959 and was the first of Devon’s five National Landscapes to receive this status.
It covers 66 square miles of mainly coastal landscape, including Combe Martin, Lee Bay, Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton, Braunton Burrows, Northam Burrows Country Park, Westward Ho!’s Pebble Ridge and the Hartland Peninsula.
The plan seeks to ensure wildlife and habitats thrive while balancing the needs of coastal communities, protecting from flooding and how the land is used for agriculture and timber production as well as public access and adapting to climate changes.
It aims to make it possible for more areas to be accessible to everyone, with inclusive opportunities to experience and enjoy nature, the landscape and the coast.
It also seeks to ensure heritage and cultural traditions will continue to foster a strong sense of place, identity and community.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, cabinet member for climate change and Biodiversity said: “The North Devon Coast National Landscape is a special place and one of England’s finest landscapes and seascapes.
“Covering 66 square miles of predominantly coastal scenery, it offers opportunities for people to enjoy and connect with nature.
“National Landscapes are designated for their outstanding natural beauty and special qualities.
“This new plan sets out a clear vision for protecting what makes the North Devon Coast unique, while responding to the challenges we face, particularly climate change.
“It is about working in partnership to care for the landscape, support nature’s recovery and help local communities thrive, both now and in the future.”
To read the Management Plan in full visit https://www.northdevoncoast-nl.org.uk/management-plan-2026
