Natural England (NE) has published the findings of an extensive survey that reveals nearly 1,000 miles (1,609.3km) of the country's coastline is currently either inaccessible to members of the public or lacks secure access.

Conducted by the organisation in partnership with 53 local access authorities, the region-by-region audit of England's 2,748-mile (4,422.5km) coastline reveals that 34 per cent fails to provide satisfactory or legally secure rights of way. According to the survey, just 44 per cent of coastline in North West England is accessible to the public, although at least 70 per cent of coastline in the East of England, the Yorkshire and Humber region, and South West England provide full public access.

NE hopes that the introduction of the new Marine and Coastal Access Bill will help to open up more of the English coastline to visitors. It is also hoped that the legislation will enable networks to cope with the issue of coastal erosion, which could result in the loss of 13 per cent of existing rights of ways over the next 20 years. Helen Phillips, NE chief executive, said: "The news that the public lack full access to nearly 1,000 miles of coastline is a sobering reminder of how much is at stake in the Marine & Coastal Access Bill. There are significant challenges ahead, but for millions of people, the Bill presents a unique opportunity to transform their enjoyment of England's countryside."

"Our audit maps form the first look at where efforts will need to be focussed in delivering on the provisions of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill. It is clear that with nearly 1,000 miles of access gaps there are real opportunities to open up a new future for the 'forgotten areas' of England's coastline." The organisation's acting chair, Poul Christensen, added: "On average you cannot walk further than two miles without reaching an area of unsecure access or having to turn back. Plugging some of the gaps and improving access along almost 1,000 miles of coastline could add significant value to the way the coast is used."