Westward Ho! beach achieves 21 consecutive years of Blue Flag Award

Westward Ho! Beach has once again emerged victorious, receiving the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for the summer of 2024.

The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are aimed at improving the quality of England’s coastline and promoting the country’s best beaches.

This marks a streak of 21 consecutive years of excellence, and reaffirms Westward Ho!'s status as one of the select 61 beaches across Britain to receive both awards.

Torridge District Council have said that the award firmly establishes Westward Ho! as a premier holiday destination along the British coastline.

Beyond ensuring the purity of bathing waters, the award demands excellence across four overarching categories and 33 individual parameters, encompassing environmental education, water quality, waste management, safety protocols, and visitor amenities.

Notably, Blue Flag beaches like Westward Ho! are mandated to conduct a minimum of five educational initiatives annually, raising environmental awareness within the local community and among visitors. 

At the heart of this area lies Northam Burrows, an integral component of North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

Here, educational programs led by dedicated rangers engage schools and the general public throughout the year, complemented by the recent enhancements of the visitor centre. 

The recent enhancements to the visitor centre, including expanded exhibition spaces, an education room, and improved facilities, serve to enhance the educational experience and foster inclusivity.

Councillor Lyndon Piper, Lead Member for Leisure, expressed delight at Westward Ho!'s continued success. 

He said: “It is wonderful to have such a fantastic beach right on our doorstep at Westward Ho! One that has consistently achieved the Blue Flag award for over 21 years in a row. Right next-door Northam Burrows forms an integral part of North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Together the beach and burrows offer a fantastic location for recreation and connecting with nature as well as an opportunity to see many rare local plants and wildlife species. It is imperative that we all work together to maintain the highest possible standards for our natural environment and continue to put pressure on those bodies that threaten these precious spaces.”