The beach, the sea and of course the ice creams. Everyone loves the Cleethorpes coastline, but how much do you really know?
Helping protect our natural heritage and teaching people about it is the Dynamic Understanding of the Natural Environment (DUNE) project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Looking at key areas of our coast, especially the salt marshes and sand dunes along the Humber Estuary, this area is important for wildlife and is officially recognised for its special habitats.
Known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), this area is protected by law to prevent any harm coming to the unique plants, flowers and animals that live there.
The DUNE project takes all that information and looks at ways we can preserve it for the future as well as teach the people of today all about it.
One way in which it’s doing just that is visiting local schools. Recently, Coastal Ranger Josh made a visit to New Waltham Academy to speak to their Planet Protectors group, discussing why our coast is so important and what animals they can expect to find down there.
Josh helps people connect with Cleethorpes’ unique coastline, raising awareness of its environmental importance and encouraging respectful enjoyment. He supports the DUNE Project alongside a dedicated Research and Engagement Officer, monitors protected species, and promotes conservation through guided walks, school visits, and community outreach – all to protect this rare and vital habitat for future generations.
After testing their bird knowledge, Josh spoke about the different areas of the ecosystem and what we can all do to respect the area. “We want the people of North East Lincolnshire and our visitors to be aware of the valuable and wonderful habitat that is Cleethorpes,” he said.
“Of course, we want them to come and enjoy it, but by giving people some extra knowledge on what makes it so special, we can encourage them to have a greater respect for it.”
For more information on the DUNE project, visit Cleethorpes DUNE project | NELC
Councillor Hudson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero, said: “Our coastline is wonderful and something we often take for granted because it is on our doorstep.
“We are all responsible for looking after it and the work done by Josh and the team is invaluable for getting that message out there.”
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