COAST Sunderland launches environmental campaign encouraging local communities to 'Explore with Care'

With school holidays approaching and summer weather on its way, COAST Sunderland is launching a new initiative to encourage residents to reconnect with the stunning coastline on their doorstep - but to do so with care.

Backed by Sunderland City Council, COAST Sunderland is a dedicated initiative protecting the iconic cliffs, beaches, and wildlife that make the area from Whitburn to Ryhope such an outstanding area of natural beauty to live and explore. The project hopes to raise new awareness by asking local communities to follow the Coast Code and to 'Explore with Care'.

Launched in 2017 and funded through developer contributions, COAST Sunderland works year-round to raise awareness of the area's unique habitats, support local biodiversity and tackle key issues affecting the coastal zone — from litter and erosion to habitat and bird disturbance.

The 'Explore with Care' campaign highlights everyday actions that can help preserve Sunderland's unique coastal environment for generations to come. From avoiding dog fouling and sticking to marked paths, to keeping dogs under control near feeding and resting birds, the focus is on encouraging small behaviour changes that have a big impact.

Cllr Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero Portfolio Holder at Sunderland City Council, said: "Sunderland has a fantastic, natural coastline and it is crucial that we work together to protect it for years to come. The invaluable support and collaborative efforts of the COAST Sunderland team means visitors and residents can all appreciate our coastline with care - protecting the natural landscape whilst also having a great day out at the seaside - a win-win for everyone!"

Sunderland's coastline is home to specially conserved animal and plant species under threat from human disturbance, including a range of wading bird species (also known as 'waders') during the autumn and winter months. Bird species include Oystercatchers, Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones and Europe's largest wading bird, the Curlew. The COAST Code has been developed locally for residents and visitors alike to reduce the amount of bird disturbance on the coast. The steps are:

1. Look out for birds
2. Give them space
3. Are they reacting to you or your dog?
4. If yes, please give more space

Becky Lakin, Coast Project Officer at COAST Sunderland said: "We want people to get out and enjoy the coast this Summer - it's one of Sunderland's greatest assets. However, many residents and visitors don't realise that things like straying from marked paths or disturbing feeding birds can seriously damage our rare plant life and put coastal wildlife under stress. That's where the 'Explore with Care' campaign and COAST Code come in. They help reinforce small, sustainable habits that will protect our beautiful coastline for many more years to come."

COAST is leading several free educational activities throughout the summer holidays, to highlight how people can enjoy Sunderland's coastline with care. Upcoming events include a marine mammal ID session on World Conservation Day (Monday 28 July) at Roker Pier. The COAST team are also hosting interactive sessions throughout the summer at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, starting on Wednesday 30 July from 1pm - 3pm, concluding with a Guided Rock Pooling Session on Wednesday 27 August.

Future plans for the project include working with schools, local groups and volunteers to run guided coastal walks, beach cleans, and conservation workshops to deepen community understanding and stewardship of this precious landscape.

COAST Sunderland's 'Explore with Care' campaign will appear across outdoor billboards, social media, local radio, and in community spaces throughout the summer. Leaflets with tips and facts are also being distributed, supported by detailed guidance on the COAST Sunderland website.

For more information on the campaign, or to find out more about the Coast Code and upcoming events visit: https://sunderland.coastproject.org