North Sea Trail

The North Sea Trail is being created by the NAVE Nortrail Project, which is partly funded by the European Union under the Interreg IIIb North Sea Prgramme.

The aim is to create a series of footpaths around the North Sea Coast to enable people to enjoy walking in these special coastal landscapes and, at the same time, to discover the special things about these places - what makes them different and what gives them a common North Sea culture.

As well as creating and regenerating footpaths, the Project is working to improve access to many heritage features. It is also working with the business community to ensure that the economies of these areas will benefit from the North Sea Trail and that the tourist industry will provide added value to the North Sea Trail experience.

In some areas, the footpaths are well developed; in others they are still being created. The ambition is to have the whole network of trails signposted and ready for use within 2006.

So far 26 regions, in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are involved in the initiative.

Care for the Coast

The coastal landscape is a fragile environment that we all should look after. When inviting visitors along the North Sea Trail, we also wish to stimulate involvement in the protection of our natural and cultural heritage. We believe the best way of caring is participating and using - in a sustainable way!

Here you can find information about the North Sea Trail heritage networks. You will also find a practical guide for you when visiting our coastal areas.

Do also visit these web sites, with much information on how to care for the coast:

Save the North Sea" project (http://www.savethenorthsea.com/)

The Marine Conservation Society (http://www.mcsuk.org/),

Keep Scotland Beautiful (http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/)