Lincolnshire Coast Horse Riders Advised to Adjust to Evolving Beach Environment

Horse riders along the Lincolnshire coast have received notice that adjustments will be necessary due to an evolving beach environment. Management at the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve has initiated a consultation process concerning equestrian activities at the location, citing that “the habitats are naturally changing.” This announcement led to online comments expressing apprehension that Natural England, the organization responsible for the reserve’s operation, “wanted horses off the beaches.” However, while managers acknowledged that horses might harm a nascent salt marsh, they affirmed that restricting rider access was not under consideration “at the moment.” Delphine Suty, the senior reserve manager, explained that the shorelines are transitioning from sandy to muddy, with samphire vegetation now growing. She stated, “This green marsh forming is very important ecologically for the protection of the dune system and with that change we need to take into consideration our regular users, like the horse-riders, and how we are going to work with them to adapt.” At this juncture, no clear solution has emerged, but Ms. Suty expressed optimism that riders would assist in identifying one. Concepts currently being evaluated encompass reducing the number of riders permitted, relocating the car park, or establishing a “better loop” for equestrian users, which would include “access to a different section of the beach.” Ms. Suty refuted claims that horses were unwelcome. She remarked, “There are many places where horse riding is occurring in protected sites, so it is unfair to suggest we want horses out of Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe. That is definitely not the message.” She further inquired, “How can we make this activity still happen on site without causing too much disturbance to this newly forming salt marsh?” Equestrian enthusiasts have received invitations to attend consultation sessions at Theddlethorpe Village Hall on Sunday, scheduled from 13:30 to 14:30 GMT, and on Wednesday, from 19:00 to 20:00.