Northumberland: Responsible tourism campaign returns days after latest rescue on Holy Island causeway

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 4th Jul 2024

A responsible tourism campaign is being relaunched in Northumberland - just days after two people had to be rescued, along with a dog, when their campervan became stranded by the tide on the Holy Island causeway.

It's the latest in a series of call-outs to the beauty spot - which links the popular tourist destination with the mainland.

Seahouses lifeboat responded, along with local Coastguard teams, shortly after 1pm on Tuesday - more than two hours after the last safe crossing time.

It comes as locals condemn footage which has resurfaced online, showing three other motorists ignoring the warnings signs by driving on the flooded road.

Love It Like It’s Yours aims to ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience while minimising the impact on the environment along with clean-up costs.

The campaign focuses on crucial issues such as the Holy Island causeway tide crossing times, water safety, motorhome parking and the potential for wildfires.

The initiative is based on the countryside code, which provides comprehensive guidelines for enjoying and preserving the natural environment, avoiding dangerous situations and leaving places as they were found.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to kite-surfer following freak accident at Northumberland beauty spot

Paul Jones, Director of Environment and Transport Local Services at Northumberland County Council, said: “The Love it Like it’s Yours campaign has been very successful in the past and is a vital method of passing on safety messages to tourists – basically we are asking folk to leave places as they found them - as they would expect visitors to their own homes to do.

“Each year tourists are trapped on the causeway when the tide comes in putting themselves, and the people who have to rescue them, in danger. This is so easily avoided just by checking the tide times."

Hosted on the Visit Northumberland website, the campaign offers a wealth of friendly guidance to help visitors make the most of their trip.

Mr Jones said: “We use real local people in the campaign to add a personal touch that enhances the authenticity of the message and helps build a connection between visitors and the community. 

“We also have a toolkit for local businesses to help them support the objective of promoting responsibility, thoughtfulness and care among their customers.

“Love It Like It’s Yours encourages sustainable tourism and helps visitors appreciate and protect the county’s unique landscapes, to ensure that Northumberland remains an unspoiled and preferred destination for generations to come.”

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