How the Coast to Coast is becoming a living corridor
As the Coast to Coast Path launches as a National Trail, it brings more than improved waymarking and upgraded paths. It also becomes part of a much bigger ambition: using long-distance routes as corridors for nature recovery.
Hannah Brightly, who leads National Trails UK’s nature recovery work, describes the network of National Trails as golden threads, running through protected landscapes and, crucially, the land between them.
A new way of thinking about trails
For decades, nature work along trails tended to happen only when funding or staff time allowed. Now, a more strategic vision is emerging. The Coast to Coast Path is at the forefront: Natural England has already invested in five nature-focused projects along the route.
Even small-scale interventions make a difference. Changing mowing regimes to favour wildflowers, restoring verges and improving drainage, can all boost biodiversity. In the North York Moors, ranger teams are already managing verges and moorland edges to encourage native species.
The Coast to Coast Path’s status brings opportunities for us to walk through extraordinary landscapes, while ensuring wildlife can thrive alongside us. As Hannah notes, trails don’t have to choose between people or nature, when managed well, they can bring both together.
Nature meets art
Little Beck Wood is a nature reserve close to Falling Foss waterfall, it's one of the most enchanting sections of the Coast to Coast Path in the North York Moors National Park. We commissioned local sculptor Steve Iredale to carve a new sculpture here. You can read more about the words chosen for the carving, and how this came about in Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's blog.
