Innehållsförteckning för April 2024 från Coast

Most readers won’t know this – or in fact need to know it – but we have a ‘rule’ on Coast when selecting material for our features and stories each issue. And that rule is that the subject matter must be seven miles or less from the coast. And this month, we have broken that rule, but I hope it’s with good reason. Because our attention has turned to the wind farms increasingly growing in number off our shores. So yes, some of them may be more than seven miles from the coast but I do think for such a fascinating topic it is probably worth bending the rules a little. And our in-depth look at wind farms, both in terms of their history and the current story, does make…

FIND OF THE MONTH Luxury wallpaper designer Fiona Howard likes to weave stories with her wallpapers and entwine pretty details through the patterns, which are first drawn, then printed using lino cuts. “Something to gaze at while lying in bed or soaking in a warm bath,” she says. The cosy Harbour pattern can be printed in any colour as a special order. (From £114 per roll, fionahoward.com) WILD FOOD UNDER FOCUS Lucy Cooke is better known in the Scottish Highlands as The Wild Cooke, a wild food enthusiast who is passionate about using nature’s larder in everyday life. Based on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, she runs walks to explore seasonal wild foods, ending with a foraged picnic and drinks. “Up here the coastal machair provides an interesting environment – seaweeds, coastal…

Guarantee yourself a whole year’s worth of Vitamin Sea with a subscription to Coast, the only monthly magazine which shares your love of our stunning shores. Or a subscription is also perfect as a gift for someone special in your life. By joining the coast community, you’ll get to enjoy all the beauty that our coastline has to offer including the best staycations, the dream homes, moving guides, the walks, and places to eat. Every month we truly help you to make the most of the coast. Look out too for our special monthly guides on coastal activities, plus a special focus each issue on ten fabulous things to do by the sea every month. And it really couldn’t be easier to sign up for a whole year’s subscription –…

How do we feel about cars these days? Are we over them? Or are we still slaves to them? I am in two minds. You might say I am in transition. I drive a campervan with all mod cons and have driven it all over the UK and Europe, both for work and leisure. But, as time goes on I realise that if we are to live on a healthy planet, I might have to make some changes to my lifestyle and transport options. That means driving less. Here on the coast, in Bude, it’s almost impossible to live without a vehicle, even though we are trying. I cycle or ride my (sunshine-powered) e-moped to my office most days (when it’s not lashing with rain) and, as the weather improves,…

Man-made rock pools have been placed around Whitby Harbour to boost biodiversity in the River Esk estuary. In total, 24 man-made habitats of various sizes are being monitored above and below the water around Fish Quay, Endeavour Wharf and near Grape Lane. In addition, 15 ‘fish refuges’ have been placed around New Quay and Fish Quay. It’s part of a project called Better Estuaries and Coastal Habitats (BEACH) Esk, a partnership between the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Groundwork North East, supported by private local landowners, Scarborough Borough Council and Yorkshire Water. Researchers from the School of Biological and Marine Sciences at Hull University are monitoring the rockpools and fish shelters to find out which of the artificial additions are the most successful at attracting marine life. • ywt.org.uk…

Scroby Sands The Scroby Sands Offshore Wind Farm in Great Yarmouth was one of Britain’s first major offshore wind farms. It started operating in 2004 and stands on the Scroby Sands sandbank 2.5 km off the coast. It has 30 2MW wind turbines and can produce 60MW of electricity; enough power to supply around 40,000 homes. The sandbank on which the turbines stand moves up to three metres a day, so the project was always going to be challenging. Some 200 people were involved in installing the four-metre diameter monopiles (steel tube) foundations, which were hammered 30m deep under the sea floor, using a hydraulic ram. Dudgeon Dudgeon in Norfolk is a relatively new wind farm - it was completed in late 2017, and it currently has 67 wind turbines…

FOR BRUNCH Soda & Starch at Derry’s Craft Village is an independent, family-run bistro, serving local food from local businesses. They serve brilliantly crafted brunches from 12pm and offer a bespoke wine list with local beers for those getting boozy! FOR DINNER Pyke ‘N’ Pommes was named by National Geographic in the top ten places to eat in Ireland – something I am happy to vouch for. Founded in an adapted double decker bus, this bustling restaurant serves some top-notch street food, with a charcoal oven for an artisan twist. FOR DRINKS If you’re looking for some Irish charm, head to Peada O’Donnell’s for live folk music and decently priced drinks. The pub is covered in vintage ads and memorabilia, so it’s an added Irish history lesson as you swig.…

SHELL OUT ON THIS ROBE… The softshell changing robe from White Water Robes is your go-to for all-weather outdoor adventures. This fully waterproof and windproof robe has a recycled microfleece lining and moisture-wicking properties, to keep you dry and snug. Packed with practical features like waterproof pockets, adjustable cuffs, and a tailored hood, this robe exemplifies durability and sustainability. whitewaterrobes.com SPRING IN YOUR STEP The weather will be tuning warmer soon and what better way to head for the beach in style than with these irresistibly chic Petaluma slingback flats from dynamic brand Vionic, which has just realised a range of styles which harness science and technology to engineer a more dynamic shoe that enhances your natural movement. With hidden goring for stretch, a capped toe and adjustable back strap,…

Walton-on-the Naze, Essex This is a great walk for fine days and binoculars. For two centuries, Walton-on–the-Naze has been a seaside holiday resort and this walk doesn’t shy away from celebrating some of the remnants of its past grandeur. tinyurl.com/yf66bfku Greenfield Valley and the Wales Coast Path, Flintshire Passing a medieval dock, the ruins of a 12th century abbey and a former ferry that was briefly used as a floating arcade, this route dips into the historic town of Holywell before returning along the Wales Coast Path. tinyurl.com/mswr8h3c Bempton Cliffs & Flamborough Head, Yorkshire A circular walk around Flamborough Head and to Flamborough village from RSPB Bempton Cliffs, one of the best places in the country for viewing seabirds in spring and summer. tinyurl.com/yeymfcny…

Just moments from the beachfront, the family friendly seaside escape Beach House has views across to the colourful beach huts that sit along the water’s edge. This coastal haven is the perfect location to enjoy endless days on the beach or get a feel for the hustle and bustle of Felixstowe itself. Enjoy a dip in the sea and return to a home full of character which offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Stylishly decorated, the property has a stunning rear garden, which is also perfect for some al fresco dining and a tipple or two. Even better, it features a wonderful deep bathtub to relax in under the fairy lights. A seven-night self-catering stay (it sleeps six and there’s room for two dogs) is priced from £824. More at…

AMY DOWRICK Amy is a creative writing graduate with two years of experience working at Coast. She lives at the heart of the South West Coast Path in Plymouth, meaning she can spend many a weekend popping down to a Cornish village or Devon beach. In this issue, she unpacks her recent trip to Derry, offering her suggestions on the best spots to visit. CHRIS NICHOLSON Chris is a retired teacher living in Somerset who has also been a freelance writer and photographer for over 50 years. He writes non-fiction books on subjects that interest him – like the railways in and around the Peak District where he grew up, and remote lighthouses. His photography provides images for the articles and also for a major UK calendar publisher. STEVE MELIA…

1 THIS PRINT Inspired by strandline finds on the beaches of Bangor, the independent art and giftware studio The Moonlit Press has created a new, abstract art seaweed picture, A3 in size, printed on recycled card. (£25, themoonlitpress.com) 2 THIS WAIST BAG Made in small batches from top quality materials, The Level Collective’s outdoor packs are practical and stylish – The Scout, in weatherproof waxed cotton, is wonderfully capacious. (£155, thelevelcollective.com) 3 THIS JUG Part of Aston Pottery’s Seaside Collection, the half-pint Boats jug is handmade in Oxfordshire and decorated using layers of stencils. Fill it with milk, cream or gravy for the dining table. (£19.95, annabeljames.co.uk) 4 THESE EARRINGS Marine-themed charms, necklaces and earrings are a speciality at Jana Reinhardt’s studio in Worthing, where Jana and hubby Ross handcraft…

1 SEA FOOD SPECIAL There cannot be a better setting for a food festival than the beautiful Cornish harbour of Porthleven. The not-for-profit community event is free to attend and attracts around 35,000 visitors for the best of local food, fringe events and family fun. Local chef Jude Kereama (pictured) of Kota restaurant came up with the idea and is one of the driving forces behind it. He will be in the demonstration kitchen in a line-up with some familiar names. There will be food stalls, plenty of local produce and family entertainment including circus shows and workshops, masterclasses, crafts, rides and parades. The event has won top prize for Best Event and Festival in the last two Cornwall Tourism Awards. April 26-28. porthlevenfoodfestival.com As well as being a great…

Early algae and lots of lovely limpets – it might not sound like the most exciting underwater scene but to Vicki Spooner, it’s just beautiful. Vicki is environment manager at Falmouth Harbour and has been involved in a pioneering project to create a thriving marine habitat in one of the busiest ports in the UK. Earlier this year, a series of ‘habitiles’ was attached to the waterside section of east wall, part of Church Street car park. These funny-looking hexagonal blocks with wiggly lines and grooves have been designed to provide places to live for a wide variety of inter-tidal marine species. The idea is that underwater flora and fauna will start to colonise the attractive nooks and crannies. They in turn will attract small invertebrates and then larger marine…

Why not go and see these fascinating habitats for yourself? Here are some suggestions of where to eat, drink and stay while you are visiting: Harbour View is a restaurant, cafe and bar with great views over the water in Falmouth. Stay on Falmouth’s historic quayside at the Chain Locker, believed to be one of the town’s oldest buildings. The 16th century pub offers stylish and contemporary dining, with boutique rooms. Visit the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and head down and down to the Tidal Zone. This part of the museum takes you underwater where you can look out into the harbour through two large windows. Watch the marine wildlife as the tide rises and falls. PS: The museum is also hosting a major exhibition about pirates, which launches in…

How do the turbines work? As the blades turn, a gearbox inside increases the rotation speed, so that inbuilt generators can convert the energy created by wind power into electricity. The electricity is then transmitted down cables to substations, where it is fed first into the regional, then the national, grid. How many people work in the industry? The number of people employed, both directly and indirectly, by the British wind industry increased steadily from 35,900 in 2013 to 82,800 in 2018. Offshore wind alone supported over 31,000 jobs in 2022 - up from 26,000 in 2021. Employment in offshore wind is expected to reach 97,000 by 2030. 61,000 of those will be employed by the industry directly, while 36,000 will be employed in supporting sectors. How are wind farms…

At 485 metres, Tre’r Ceiri is one of the highest hillforts in Britain. The footpath leading to it starts from a layby on the B4417 west of Llanaelhearn. It was built in the Iron Age, incorporating a Bronze Age burial cairn, which the builders respected, leaving its stones intact. Hillforts were sometimes built for defence, but also for religious or ceremonial reasons and sometimes to store surplus food. It remained occupied in the Romano-British period, when some of the circular huts were partitioned, creating smaller spaces, whose purpose is unknown. A few of the objects recovered from it are in the Storiel Museum in Bangor; the rest are held in storage at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.…

The small coastal cottage or large seafront terrace painted in a palette of pastel (or sometimes not so pastel) shades is an increasingly common sight in British holiday resorts and harbours. On a sunny summer’s day they’re a colourful seaside honeypot for tourists. When these historic dwellings were built their exterior appearance would have been that of natural stone, possibly with a later render or whitewash coating to improve its weatherproofing. The white seaside cottage became a ubiquitous feature of our coastline, but at some unknown point a trend started to paint them in colours other than white. Exactly why and when this trend started is a bit of a mystery, but it’s likely to date back to Georgian or Victorian times, or possibly even earlier, when a white ‘lime…

‘Eastbourne’s time-worn image as ‘God’s waiting room’ has evolved into something rather more hipster these days’ With a former reputation as a place to go and live your final days, Eastbourne’s time-worn image as ‘God’s waiting room’ has evolved into something rather more hipster these days. The swathe of artisan cafes, restaurants, shops and creative collaborations that have launched here in recent years mean this once faded town is quickly giving Brighton a run for its money among a new generation of 30- and 40-somethings (believe it or not, the average age of the population here is 42). They also make a visit to this once sleepy town all the more enticing. Indeed, in 2023 Eastbourne topped the Time Out list of best places to visit for an overnight trip…

1 SOUTHERNDOWN, SOUTH WALES £1,750,000 An exceptional contemporary coastal property in a commanding position overlooking the Bristol Channel, with direct access to the Heritage Coastal Path and within a short walk of Dunraven Bay’s sheltered Blue Flag beach. This light-filled house has been designed to take full advantage of the uninterrupted sea views with living accommodation on the first floor, comprising large open plan sitting room with balcony and kitchen, second sitting room and main bedroom suite with balcony, bathroom and dressing room. The ground floor comprises hall, five further bedrooms, two shower rooms, bathroom, study and laundry. Watts & Morgan (01446 776941 wattsandmorgan.co.uk) 2 DARTMOUTH, DEVON GUIDE PRICE £450,000 This is a pretty, period semi-detached house situated in a quiet elevated position overlooking the town and with beautiful views…

My little dog Marley was 16 in January so is a bit of an old boy – but he still likes to do day trips with me. He enjoys chicken and ham for lunch and dinner and loves a cuddle. Kerry Brown, Fareham, Hampshire. This is Daisy - our ‘land shark’ as we call her - the soppiest, most laid back dog ever. She loves her beach walk every day but she likes to walk very slow and assumes every human will stroke her as they walk past. Catherine Ridley, Hastings, Kent. This is Leo, who is a shiba inu, pictured on Llansteffan beach in west Wales. He is five years old and was born in Kyiv in Ukraine. Then he moved to Bahrain for a few years before relocating…

Having travelled around the world and lived for a time in France, artist Michelle Fisher moved to Devon after the birth of her first child and settled down just outside the Dorset resort of Lyme Regis. Michelle reveals: “I have always loved the south west and spent many childhood holidays here, drawn to the sea and to nature. Lyme Regis is a gorgeous town with a busy high street full of independent shops and cafes, and the site of many happy family beach days.” It was living here that led to the development of her bold and vibrant artworks in ink and watercolours, which include depictions of marine creatures such as mackerel, mussels, prawns and puffins. “I draw from life where possible and love to keep sketch books, where I…

The Sidmouth Folk Festival is getting ready to celebrate its milestone 70th year with a classic top-class feast of captivating song, dance, music and merriment, plus some very special anniversary events to delight and unite everyone visiting or living in the picturesque Devon seaside town. Folk lovers have been making an annual pilgrimage to Sidmouth since 1955, when the very first event dipped its toe in the water with a gathering for folk dance fans, featuring displays along the Esplanade. Seven decades later, the much-loved annual summer festival has grown into a world-renowned week-long extravaganza that’s become part of the town’s DNA, as well as a faithful stalwart of the West Country festival calendar. Among the 70 acts announced so far are: Karine Polwart, Oysterband, Kate Rusby, Ralph McTell, O’Hooley…

It’s not just Falmouth - there are so many good things going on below the surface of the UK’s harbours and marinas. A team of marine researchers from the University of Portsmouth has been working with environmental organisations (including the Seahorse Trust) to install ‘BioHuts’ across marinas around the Solent. These suspended metal cages, which contain clusters of oyster shells and hessian ropes, have been designed to simulate aquatic nurseries for small marine wildlife. The idea was developed from the Solent Oyster Restoration Project’s ‘broodstock’ cages. The first set of BioHuts was deployed at Haslar Marina in 2021 to provide a safe habitat for some of the UK’s native species, such as the rare short-snouted seahorse. The team of marine experts, including Stephanie Northen, Georgios Georgiou and Dr Ian Hendy,…

Along our beautiful coasts, you’ll see offshore wind turbines generating clean energy for homes and businesses across the UK. According to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, in 2021 the average electricity consumption for a British household was 3,898 KWh. As the population grows, demand for power will increase too, so turbines are an important part of our renewable energy mix. According to RenewableUK.com there are currently 43 offshore wind farms around the British coast, comprising 2,652 wind turbines with an operational capacity of 13,660.020 megawatts. Almost 21 million homes in the UK are powered by wind, and our wind farms currently save about 34 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Britain’s first offshore wind farm was a demonstration project off the Northumberland coast. It was constructed in…

For many years I have been walking across Britain and parts of Europe using public transport as my means of getting to and from my rambling destination. The main advantage is you don’t have to finish where you started, which is particularly useful for coastal paths. In some places, a rail journey to the start is part of the attraction. That’s definitely true of the Llyn Peninsula, in north west Wales. On the outward journey I took the Cambrian Line from Birmingham New Street, through mid-Wales, down the River Dovey and along the Gwynedd coast. The views would compare to any I have seen around Britain or Europe. The Met Office was forecasting weeks of unbroken sunshine when I arrived in Barmouth with my wife. Barmouth is a traditional small…

The Cromarty Shipping Forecast region, cradled within the rugged embrace of the Scottish Highlands with Fair Isle to the north and Forth to the south, is steeped in a tapestry of Gaelic lore and maritime history. The name comes from the town of Cromarty, which derives from the Gaelic ‘crom’ and ‘bàgh’, meaning ‘crooked bay’, which makes sense when you look at a map. Nestled on the northern tip of Black Isle, a peninsula 25 miles north of Inverness, the town itself is a time capsule of Georgian and Victorian splendour, a testament to its historic prosperity and cultural significance. The key to this importance is the Cromarty Firth, an arm of the sea that stretches its fingers deep into the Highland landscape to create a naturally sheltered harbour that…

Although the infamous Hallowe’en festival lighting up the city each October with musicians, dancers, street acts and firework displays has taken most of the spotlight (rightfully so, having been ranked one of the best spooky destinations in the world by the New York Times), Derry also hosts several other festivals throughout the year, attracting sightseers across the globe. And to show you how it’s done, they’ve even put themselves forward to become Europe’s leading festival city! Here are some key dates in 2024: • March 17 - St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival • May 2-6 – City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival • June 27-30 – Foyle Maritime Festival • October 23-27 - International Choir Festival • October 28-31 - Derry Hallowe’en…

Sussex Art Shuttle, which links Towner Eastbourne, Charleston (charleston.org.uk) and Seven Sisters Country Park, operates every weekend (funding permitting) between Towner Eastbourne, Seven Sisters Country Park, Charleston (the former country home of Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell) and Charleston’s new arts space in central Lewes. The hop-on-hop-off minibus, operated by Cuckmere Buses, enables visitors to Eastbourne to explore the wider region and experience three of the area’s arts venues via a spectacular route that takes in the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs, Cuckmere Valley and the picturesque villages of Alfriston and Litlington. The bus stops at Towner Eastbourne, East Dean, Seven Sisters Visitor Centre, Litlington, Alfriston, Charleston in Firle and Charleston in Lewes and operates four times a day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A hop-on-hop-off day ticket costs…

TWO TO TRY FOR REAL LUXURY IN DEVON South west self-catering specialist Luxury Coastal has unveiled two super luxe properties in Devon which are open to holiday bookings for the first time in 2024. Willingcott in north Devon comprises five eco lodges near Woolacombe beach, part of the area’s newly-designated, world class surfing reserve; while Woolbrook Reservoir – formerly a fully functioning water reservoir - is an architecturally whacky, large house near Sidmouth, with a sunken keyhole design. Willingcott is within easy reach of the world-class surfing beach at Woolacombe, and the Tarka Trail (for cycling, walking, jogging) runs past the door. Spend lazy (and active) days by Woolacombe’s blue flag sea shore, try your hand at surfing or simply enjoy rock pooling on the shore. Family-friendly facilities onsite include…

For millions of us, the country’s network of paths is the main way we get out into the countryside and access nature. Whether spreading out from towns, cities and villages or winding along our coastlines, they act as a gateway to the outdoors. But while our paths are open to us all, there are barriers hiding in plain sight which prevent far too many of us, especially those with reduced mobility, from enjoying their benefits. According to a study conducted by Natural England, over 20 per cent of people living in England cannot currently use our network of public rights of way due to mobility issues. So in 2021, thanks to the support of an anonymous donor, we established the Path Accessibility Fund. Dedicated to making our path network more…

Felixstowe tends to live in the shadows of more feted Suffolk seaside destinations. But perhaps its appeal is spreading as it was recently included in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live Guide. And while it may lack a little of the allure and gentility of Aldeburgh, Thorpeness and Southwold it is more accessible, with a train link to Ipswich, plus the A14 which snakes into the Midlands. It’s also a town of two halves with the port dominating the landscape to the west. It’s the United Kingdom’s largest container port and one of the busiest in Europe so any visitor to the town’s seafront should be able to spot mighty ships entering or leaving this corner of Suffolk’s coast. Away from this hive of industry, Felixstowe (the name means…

Top Santé is the leading health magazine for women over 40; packed with realistic, life-enhancing tips on everything from health and fitness to food and beauty. With a balanced diet, effective exercise and a positive mindset you can stay younger for longer – inside and out. Read up on expert advice and support every month! GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE • Save up to £48* • Delivery directly to your door before they hit the shelves • Never miss an issue • Complete control – manage your account online • Free weekly e-newsletters VISIT SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/TSHA OR CALL 01959 543747 and quote code TSHA Scan our QR code – the easiest & quickest way! HOTLINE OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8.30AM-5.30PM. CALLS ARE CHARGED AT YOUR STANDARD NETWORK RATE SCAN HERE Terms & Conditions: UK…