Nine of Cornwall’s beaches have been awarded the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ status for 2023, with eight managed by Cornwall Council and the authority’s delivery partner, Cormac.
The Blue Flag is the worlds most recognised award for beaches and marinas with each applicant having to meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.
A total of 77 UK beaches and one marina have been awarded the status for 2023. The eight managed by Cornwall Council are:
- Crooklets, Bude
- Gyllyngvase, Falmouth
- Porthmeor, St Ives
- Polzeath
- Porthtowan
- Summerleaze, Bude
- Porthmissen, Trevone Bay
- Widemouth Bay
Cllr Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for environment and climate change, said: “We are delighted that these beaches have been recognised for the high standards that are maintained and are grateful for the tenants who we work in partnership with to ensure that our beaches offer the very best experience for local communities and visitors to our unique landscape.”
In addition to the Blue Flag awards, the following beaches have received Seaside Awards:
- Crackington Haven
- Gyllyngvase, Falmouth
- Great Western, Newquay
- Polzeath
- Porth
- Porthtowan
- Porthmeor, St Ives
- Porthminster, St Ives
- Portreath
- Sennan Cove
- Porthmissen, Trevone Bay
- Widemouth Bay
- Crooklets, Bude
- Summerleaze, Bude
Both the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards schemes are aimed at improving the quality of England’s coastline and promoting the country’s best beaches.
Blue Flag is an international award managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education. It is only presented to well-managed beaches with water quality defined as ‘excellent’ under the EU Bathing Water Directive and that offer environmental education programmes.
The Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline. Keep Britain Tidy say that these schemes are the best way for the public to be assured that beaches are delivering a safe, clean and well-managed space for them to enjoy.
