Welcome to the best stretch of coastline in the UK

This is of course a completely biased view, but one to which I wholeheartedly subscribe and, from the comments below, I am far from alone in thinking this.

The Norfolk Coast Partnership (NCP) looks after some of the most scenic stretches of the Norfolk Coast, supporting communities and wildlife to live side by side. I believe that becoming better at sharing the world around us with nature is the only way to secure a thriving future for this wonderful landscape. I live on the coast myself and have a conservation scheme on my own land. But while conservation is at the heart everything NCP does, it is one of three equally important priorities. The communities and the economy of this area have an important role to play in its protection, and vice versa. It is only by working together that we can secure a sustainable future for the Norfolk Coast for generations to come.

The beauty of the Norfolk Coast draws people to visit it, and these same visitors support rural businesses and services. Equally, too many visitors at the wrong time in the wrong place cause overcrowding, wildlife disturbance and congestion. However, we see this as an opportunity. We have people who already value this coastline coming to see us – we need to reach out to them and ask for their help to make this a fantastic place both for human beings and the rest of the natural world.

We cannot be individuals or work in silos to achieve that. Throughout this publication, you’ll read examples of people who care deeply for the Norfolk Coast coming together to look after it. These groups are the heartbeat of our landscape. Conservation organisations, farmers, scientists, business, community groups, and budding entrepreneurs – there is so much we can learn from each other and achieve together.

Take as an example the huge ambitions of Landscape Recovery (which is discussed in detail on pages 4-5). That

‘During the summer I take in the sea lavender bloom along the Norfolk Coast Path on the Stiffkey Marshes. A quick stroll down a footpath along the side of a wildflower meadow and grab what is arguably the best coffee and cake in North Norfolk at Stiffkey Stores.’

Benjiman Grapes, National Trails Officer

‘Watching the sunset over The Wash is an experience not to be missed. It’s simply magical’.

‘NWT Cley Marshes visitor centre offers one of the best views in Norfolk.

‘Standing outside my office on a crisp winter morning, watching the mist lift off the fields and listening to an endless flock of honking pink-footed geese pass rowdily overhead. Whilst sipping a hot cup of Grey Seal Coffee, of course’. Dr Katy Owen, Protected Landscapes Manager

Grace

Dr Adele Powell, Partnership Manager, The Wash & North Norfolk Marine Partnership (WNNMP)

There’s nothing I love more than to sit and look out of its panoramic windows towards the sea, cup of tea and cake in hand, as I enjoy watching the wild wonders of the marshes. I feel my shoulders drop and peace settle in. Then, it’s time for a walk to the beach!’

Rachael Murray, Norfolk Wildlife Trust

‘Visiting Holme Dunes in autumn when the tide is out to see the 4000-year-old timber preserved in the clay bed, and hope for that rare chance of finding a bronze age axe or flint. Walking back along the boardwalk into the Drove Orchards site and getting myself some Eric’s Fish and Chips.” Anon cannot be achieved without the participation and support of everyone who lives, works or visits the North Norfolk Coast. We have worked closely with scientists to discover more about the huge range of species which call this area home, but I believe it is so important to make this real, to bring this to life for everyone who interacts with the Norfolk the pation and support of everyone who lives, this Coast. tiful about our landscape. People come

Returning to the idea of the three priorities and how they work together. For me, the equation is both simple and elegant. It is vital to conserve what is beautiful about our landscape. People come to this part of the world because they want to enjoy and be part of the natural world. That is how the natural world can support the economy. In turn that provides support for the local communities through job opportunities, economic growth and thriving communities.

We are all privileged to be living and working in this part of the country, my plea is that we work as one to ensure that nature and the community thrive and grow together.

Councillor Andrew Jamieson, Chair of the Norfolk Coast Partnership.

‘How long have you got? Fish and chips from No 1 or Mary Jane’s sitting on the Prom at Cromer, overlooking the sea and pier. The Snettisham Spectacular on The Wash – you’ll have to get up very early but it’s worth it. Take a walk on a stretch of the Coastal Path and get the Coasthopper back to where you started. Boat trip from Morston Quay to see the Blakeney Point seals. At low tide, walk all the way along The Run at Wells-next-theSea. Crab sub at The Crab Shack, Brancaster. Look for mammoth teeth on the beach at The Runtons. Mussels on the deck at The White Horse, Brancaster. Shellfish at Cookie’s, Salthouse. And that’s just for starters…’ Peter Waters, Executive Director, Visit East of England

‘Winter time, at dusk, walking through the Downs from Hunstanton to Ringstead for a meal at the Gin Trap. Past Downs Farm and as the path bends to the right seeing barn owls hunting up the Valley sides.’ Charles le

Trustee

Strange Meakin,

le Strange Estate

We would love to hear from you about your favourite experiences along the North Norfolk coast. Please drop us an email, contact us on social media or even put pen to paper and pop a letter or postcard in the post. Contact us by email aonb@norfolk.gov.uk or by post Norfolk Coast Partnership, Unit 7A Bayfield Brecks Business Park, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7DZ