Durham’s coastal landscape recognised
26 October 2011
The restoration of the Durham Heritage Coast has now won European recognition, having been awarded runner-up in this year’s Council of Europe Landscape Awards.
Described as “an excellent model for the regeneration of degraded coastal areas,” Durham’s Coast was awarded a ‘Special Mention’, reflecting its epic transformation from beaches buried under vast quantities of colliery waste to a scenic coastline where National Trail runs through a transformed landscape of great natural, cultural and historic interest.
The Durham Coast stretches from Sunderland to Hartlepool and was granted Heritage coast status in 2001 and then went on to win the UK Landscape of the Year in November 2010. Natural England, working with Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Scottish Government, the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland, SNH and CCW championed the UK Landscape Award and commissioned the Landscape Institute to run it.
Gary Charlton said, “Natural England was delighted to be involved in the UK awards last year and we were heartened to see some outstanding projects. To see the Durham Heritage Coast go on to achieve runner up and a Special Mention at the European awards, is tremendous and a testament to the partnership involved.”
Niall Benson, Durham Heritage Coast Officer, said “We are thrilled that this fascinating stretch of coastline has been recognised internationally for its value and beauty. It’s a strong endorsement of all the hard work undertaken by the Partnership and the local communities along the coastal strip and it’s an achievement for which everyone involved should feel justly proud”.
The Council of Europe Landscape Award is presented just once every two years and designed to raise awareness of the value of landscapes, their role in society and positive changes within them. A total of 14 countries competed for this year’s award including Italy, France, Hungary and Norway. The overall winner was the Carbonia Project in Italy.
For more information please contact Gary Charlton, Landscape Senior Adviser – gary.charlton@naturalengland.org.uk
