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Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has announced the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2022.
Among them is Oddicombe Beach who has received a Blue Flag every year since the scheme was launched 35 years ago.
Breakwater Beach, Broadsands, Meadfoot Beach, Preston Sands and Torre Abbey Sands also met the high standard required and will join Oddicombe Beach in flying the internationally recognised Blue Flag.
These six have also been awarded the Seaside Award along with Maidencombe, Goodrington, Paignton and Anstey’s Cove.
Across the South West a total of 56 beaches have been presented with an award recognising the quality of the beach, the way it is managed and the facilities it offers to residents.
Cllr Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, Torbay Council, said; “It is fantastic that Oddicombe Beach has retained its Blue Flag for an impressive 35 years. I am also delighted that our other award winning beaches also get to retain their awards and fly their award flags with pride. I’d like to thank everyone who does their bit to make sure our beaches remain clean and inviting for all users.”
Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer, English Riviera BID Company Ltd, said; “The English Riviera really stands apart from other UK destinations because of the incredible beaches that are on offer. Out of our 20 beaches, ten of them have been internationally recognised for their exceptional quality and management.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said; “The success of Tor Bay in reaching the high standards demanded is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our blue spaces – from beach managers and volunteers to local residents and businesses. The huge commitment needed to maintain marvellous beaches worthy of these awards cannot be underestimated.
“People who visit a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.”
The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards 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 excellent water quality and environmental education programmes, while Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline.
Among the criteria beaches are assessed against are:
- Safety and services, such as first aid, lifeguards where necessary
- Environmental information including displaying details about local eco systems
- Water quality – Blue Flag beaches must meet the ‘excellent’ water quality standard as set out in the EU bathing water directive and Seaside Award winners must meet the 'sufficient’ standard.
- Environmental management, including litter and waste.
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This is a great beach for all ages! paddling for the young and a variety of watersports for the older and braver! Accessible via a steep road or you could take the amazing Babbabacombe Cliff Railway.
Close to the mouth of Brixham harbour is Breakwater Beach, one of the cleanest beaches on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. Not only is it a Blue Flag beach, but it has a Combined Seaside (resort) Award and been recommended by the Good Beach Guide. There’s disabled access with adjoining parking facilities, meaning everyone can enjoy it. Breakwater Beach is a particular favourite for scuba diving. There are a number of dive schools throughout the area and with some of the warmest and calmest waters in the country, this is the place to learn to scuba and get your open water certificate. Expect to see rare seagrass beds, seahorses, fish and even the odd shipwreck.
In between Paignton and Brixham is Broadsands on the English Riviera, South Devon’s Beautiful Bay. With a long sandy beach the whole family can enjoy, you can make sandcastles for a couple of hours and then paddle in the calm sea.
A mile from Torquay harbour and in a stunning location at the bottom of a row of imposing cliffs. Grab a deckchair and enjoy the sound of the sea lapping against the shore, or wander along the promenade lined with a colourful row of beach chalets.
A short walk from Paignton is Preston Sands, a great family beach. On this safe, clean beach you can sunbathe, swim or make castles in the sand, or why not grab a fishing net and explore the rock pools at low tide?
This delectable beach is part of the English Riviera and it lives up to its name with its stunning sands, views and sunshine. This is the main beach for Torquay, being popular with holidaymakers from the surrounding hotels, day visitors and locals.
If you’re looking for a quiet haven to spend the day, Maidencombe Beach is the perfect retreat. Far removed from amusement arcades and water parks, Maidencombe Beach is about one thing: relaxing.
Close to Paignton is the long, sandy stretch of Goodrington Sands. With a Seaside Award, safe swimming conditions and loads of great activities, this family friendly beach promises to keep the kids happy whatever the weather.
Paignton Beach offers the ultimate family day out at the seaside. With a sandy beach, safe swimming and a whole host of activities to enjoy, this promises to be a fun day out for all the family.
Between Torquay and Babbacombe sits Anstey’s Cove. Quiet, peaceful and incredibly beautiful, this small shingle beach is the place to come if you want to escape the crowds.
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