MAKING FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

Local people can learn more about the wonders of Thanet’s natural coastline, thanks to almost £100,000 from the Big Lottery Fund. Footprints in the Sand is a new initiative from the Thanet Coast Project that aims to get people of all ages and to encourage people who do not usually visit natural places, to access and enjoy the Thanet Coast and learn about the benefits they can get from it. It’s being supported by money from Natural England’s Access to Nature programme, a £28.75 million grant scheme to encourage people from all backgrounds to understand, access and enjoy our natural environment. It is part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme. A new project officer has been employed to work within the Thanet Coast Project, who will be coordinating a series of activities over the next two and a half years. Thanet Coast Project Manager, Tony Child, said: “Footprints in the Sand is all about encouraging those people who may not usually get out and about to go down to the shore to enjoy, look after and learn more about our wonderful coastline. It’s probably the biggest open space in Thanet and we want everyone to make the most of it. That builds on the work that the Thanet Coast Project has been doing over the last decade, highlighting the importance of our coast and just how much there is to do there.” Suzie Hooper is the new project officer. “Over the next couple of years, I’ll be aiming to get people more interested and aware of what’s available for them on their coastline. We want to make people proud of what we have here and get more involved with the wide range of activities along the shoreline.” Suzie, who has previously worked with the Thanet Coast Project, has already started her new role with rockpooling safaris with St. Peter-in-Thanet Junior and Salmestone Primary schools, helped out by local volunteers. Over the next few weeks, events will include a Beach Blast Fun Day on Margate Main Sands and a Fit and Healthy day on Ramsgate Main Sands, with full details to follow on the Thanet Coast Project’s website at www.thanetcoast.org.uk Heather Whetter, Natural England’s Regional Grant Coordinator says: “We’re delighted to award the grant to the Thanet Coast Project and to be part of the continued good work they have carried out for years. This new initiative will create opportunities for people to have greater access to our natural environment and bring a lasting change to their awareness and understanding of the Thanet Coast.” The project is managed by Thanet District Council through a steering group, which also includes Kent County Council Children Centres in Thanet, Millmead Children’s Centre Partnership Limited, Orbit South Housing Association, Kent Extended School Services, East Kent Mencap, NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent and East Kent and Natural England. Notes 1. Access to Nature is run by Natural England and is part of The Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme launched in November 2005 to help communities enjoy and improve their local environments. 2. Natural England manages this £28.75 million Lottery-funded programme on behalf of a consortium of twelve national environmental organisations comprising BTCV, British Waterways, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Greenspace, Groundwork UK, Land Restoration Trust, The National Trust, Natural England, RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts and the Woodland Trust. 3. Through this programme, it is Natural England’s ambition to create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to have greater access to our natural environment and bring a lasting change to their awareness and understanding as well as improved links to the natural world, which many of us can take for granted. 4. Access to Nature closed to applications in May 2010 but for further information about the programme visit www.naturalengland.org.uk/accesstonature 5. For further information about the Big Lottery Fund, its programmes and awards visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk