The answer to two of our country's biggest health problems could lie – in the sand.
So say campaigners Keep Britain Tidy who have published a list of our cleanest rural beaches where young and old can get fit and beat stress beside the sea.
And backing their drive to get out, walk about and chill out is A&E doctor and Radio One broadcaster, Mark Hamilton. Said Mark: "The best way to start getting healthy is to do ten to fifteen minutes light exercise a day and a brisk walk can improve lung capacity and help the heart work more effectively. With around five million people a year suffering from anxiety, the psychological benefits of being in quiet surroundings are also important."
According to research by Keep Britain Tidy, around half of beachgoers like to visit the coastline for a walk and a nice lunch – whatever time of year. These are mainly older, professional people with grown-up children. Families enjoy the beach too because it gives their kids room to run about and play.
"The great strength of our coastline is that it has so many different things to offer" said Alan Woods, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy. "But while people visit it for a myriad of different reasons they insist on good facilities and clean sands when they get there – and that’s just what they’ll get at our recommended beaches."
Apart from being given a clean bill of health for the state of their sands, those celebrated also have proper access, clean toilets and good health and safety provision. The water has been assessed too by the Environment Agency – and is clean enough to paddle in. From Formby in Merseyside with its country park close-by to the idyllic seaside Suffolk town of Aldeburgh, all of the beaches offer a reminder of how picturesque the English coastline can be.
Which is why Alan Woods wants those who manage our seaside to start plugging our rural – and resort – beaches with more confidence.
Continued Alan Woods: "I think we have banished the tacky image of dirty sands, clapped-out amenities and polluted water to the dustbin of history – and people are genuinely enjoying our coastline again. But we need to celebrate the diversity of our seaside more aggressively and push it as a place where you can enjoy everything from a morning catching the surf to a lively night out on the town.
That is why we are developing a new award which will sign post visitors to the kind of beach they’re looking for. And I have no doubt that many of those we are celebrating as rural havens today, will feature prominently when we announce them next summer."
The ten rural beaches receiving the 2006 awards are:
Colwell bay
Cowes, East
Cowes, West
Gurnard
Seagrove
Springvale
St Helens
Totland
Ventnor
Yaverland