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Devon is home to seven beaches featuring in the top 50, with Woolacombe, Dawlish and Torquay popular sights. Other popular beaches include Blackpool, Whitby and Brighton. It also emerged 75 percent consider the beach or sea to be an iconic British landscape, and a third reckon holidays to the UK’s seaside are underrated.

Sarah Young, head of marine policy at WWF-UK which commissioned the research in partnership with Sky Ocean Rescue, said: “While we wait for travel restrictions to be lifted, there are a number of things we can be doing at home to protect our beautiful coastlines and ensure staycations can be enjoyed for years to come.

“Over the months ahead, Sky Ocean Rescue and WWF will be setting out the actions that we can take as individuals to become ocean heroes, while also encouraging stronger leadership from the UK Government to support vital ocean recovery that’s so urgently needed.”

The study also found half of those polled love the beach so much because it makes them feel free, helps them to clear their head and allows them to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Two-thirds even feel they have a strong emotional connection to the seaside, with 67 percent admitting they have missed visiting the nation’s beaches during the pandemic.

For eight in 10, sitting by the ocean is good for their mental wellbeing, with a third wanting to visit the coast to help clear their head and get some peace and quiet.

More than half head to the beach to relax and unwind and 29 percent see it as a form of escapism, while 51 percent simply like to take in the scenery.

Others like to feel their sand between their toes (24 percent) or listen to the crashing waves (44 percent) as they collect their thoughts.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 45 percent feel trips to the seaside are an important part of British culture, and 87 percent would be upset if their visits were ruined by environmental factors.

As a result, two-thirds are passionate about the care of the ocean and its wildlife and are concerned about climate change and the state of the UK oceans.

But only 23 percent are fully aware of the role that oceans play in tackling climate change – with one in 10 admitting they were not aware at all.

o help benefit the oceans, 59 percent have made conscious lifestyle choices – with swapping single-use plastics for reusables the top change.

Properly disposing of hazardous materials, choosing fruit and veg with no plastic packaging, using the ability to vote, and eating sustainable seafood also feature on this list.

Sarah Young from WWF-UK added: “The Ocean Hero campaign by Sky Ocean Rescue and WWF is designed to show people that they have the power to make an impact on ocean health and, in doing so, inspire them to advocate for bold action from our government.

“At this critical time for climate and nature, we hope that millions of people will join us to show they care about our oceans and help to turn the tide on ocean recovery.”

To find out more about WWF’s partnership with Sky Ocean Rescue or to join the fight and become an Ocean Hero visit here.

Ocean Hero at Home Actions
1. Get recycling savvy – check your local council’s recycling guidelines
2. Avoid an extra side of plastic – refuse single-use cutlery with your takeaway
3. Liberate your fruit and veg. Go packaging-free
4. Your turn to cook dinner? Why not try a plant-based dish
5. Step into the future by making the switch to renewable energy
6. Get clean with a plastic-free routine and cut out unnecessary plastic in your bathroom – (e.g., swap to soap bar)

TOP 10 UK BEACHES
1. Bournemouth, Dorset
2. St Ives, Cornwall
3. Bude, Cornwall
4. Blackpool Beach
5. Whitby, Yorkshire
6. Brighton, Sussex
7. Newquay, Cornwall
8. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
9. Bognor Regis, West Sussex
10. Filey, North Yorkshire

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