At Paddle Cymru, we believe in the power of water to heal, inspire, and connect.
That’s why we’re proud to support the Beach Access Project, a vital initiative working to transform how people with medical and mental health conditions and disabilities experience our beaches and blue spaces.
Become a Beach Access Champion
Launched in June and open until 30th September 2025, the National Beach Access Survey is gathering real-life experiences from individuals who face barriers to accessing beach environments and blue spaces. Your voice matters. By completing the survey, you become a Beach Access Champion, helping to shape a more inclusive future. http://www.beachaccessproject.co.uk. Or email: Will@beachaccessproject.co.uk
Why This Survey Matters
The need for this survey is backed by compelling evidence:
- 16.1 million people in the UK, 24% of the population, live with a disability (Family Resources Survey, 2022/23).
- Nearly half of the UK population report long-standing health issues, with significant limitations in daily activities (Census 2021).
- The Environment Agency’s Blue Space Forum (2024) highlights the lack of safe outdoor blue space access for people with physical or sensory disabilities.
- Research in Lancet Planet Health (2023) shows that access to green and blue spaces significantly reduces mental health issues, yet those who need it most often have the least access.
Despite the proven benefits of blue spaces, there are no national guidelines or strategies to ensure accessibility for people with medical or mental health conditions and disabilities (PMHCD). This survey aims to change that.
The Current Landscape
While green space accessibility has seen significant progress, thanks to initiatives like the Sensory Trust’s 203-page Outdoor Accessibility Guidance, blue space remains largely overlooked. Only two pages in that document address water-based activities. Similarly, Sport England’s 2024 guide dedicates just one page to countryside access.
Organisations like Sustrans, the Forestry Commission, and the National Trust have made strides in green space accessibility. It’s time blue space providers receive the same support and guidance.
A Personal Mission
The Beach Access Project is the brainchild of Will Behenna, who grew up enjoying Cornwall’s beaches until a cycling accident at 16 left him with a spinal injury. A lifelong advocate for inclusive sports, Will found new freedom through paddleboarding, thanks to a custom foam seat and adaptive equipment.
In 2023, he founded inclusivepaddleboarding, securing funding to develop equipment that enables others with PMHCD to enjoy paddleboarding. However, he quickly realised that the biggest barrier wasn’t equipment, it was access. From parking and pathways to toilets and water entry points, accessible infrastructure is sorely lacking. The Beach Access Project and Survey are the first steps in a journey to change that.
Real-World Impact
The project has already sparked interest from organisations like the Canal and River Trust, which is exploring accessible pontoon solutions. This is just one example of how the survey’s findings can drive real change.
Join the Movement
We urge all Paddle Cymru members to support this initiative. Share the survey, spread the word, and most importantly—participate. Your input can help create a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the beauty and benefits of our beaches and blue spaces.
Take Action Now
CONTACT THE MEDIA TEAM
If you have a story that would be of interest to the Paddle Cymru team please get in touch using the online contact form linked below or get in contact using one of our social feeds.
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