In October Natural England published proposals for two new stretches of the England Coastal Path in Somerset and Kent.
Slow progress and recent cuts to Defra’s budget put future funding forEngland's Coast Path into doubt. In June 2013, then Environment Minister Richard Benyon MP is quoted as saying that "the coastal access bill was a sledgehammer to miss a nut".
However, the Coastal Access Scheme used by Natural England to develop each stretch of coastal path was revised in July following a review, and Natural England has indicated online where further stretches will start to be developed between 2014 and 2016.
At present (October 2013) eleven stretches are in progress or complete:
1 Stretch is open (Weymouth Bay)
2 Stretch proposals have been approved by the Minister
1 Stretch proposal is awaiting approval from the Minister
2 Stretch proposals are open for public consultation
5 Stretch proposals are under development by Natural England
The application of Coastal Access to the Isle of Wight remains unclear with Richard Benyon stating on 4 October he would once again review the Island's case having previously ruled it out back in July. It is assumed this decision will now fall to new Environment Minister, Dan Rogerson MP to resolve.
Read the NFU Briefing Note and Business Guide 420 (Rights of Way) below for more in depth information about the England Coast Path and coastal access.