North Devon officially inaugurated as UK's first World Surfing Reserve

North Devon has been inaugurated as the UK's first World Surfing Reserve, and the 12th such location from around the globe.

The international designation recognises the quality of the area's surfing beaches and brings together the local community and experts in actions to protect them. 

An official plaque and statue was revealed over Woolacombe beach on 12 May, with a surf competition between Croyde and Woolacombe finishing the proceedings.

World Surfing Reserves is a program led by Save The Waves Coalition, which proactively preserves outstanding waves around the world by recognizing and protecting the key environmental, cultural, economic and community attributes of surfing areas. Other World Surfing Reserves include Ericeira in Portugal, Mexic's Bahía de Todos Santos, Santa Cruz in California, Australia's Gold Coast, Punta de Lobos in Chile and Huanchaco in Peru.

The North Devon World Surfing Reserve encompasses iconic breaks such as Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Lynmouth, described by the Save The Waves Coalition as "outstanding UK surfing destinations".

The ceremony was celebrated by Surfers Against Sewage, National Trust, AONB, North Devon Biosphere, Plastic Free North Devon, North Devon RNLI Lifeguards, Wave Project, Wave Wahines and other local organizations, in addition to representatives from Save The Waves Coalition.

Kevin Cook “Cookie”, co-founder of the North Devon World Surfing Reserve, said at the dedication ceremony: “We are delighted to have this remarkable coastline recognised for its quality surf and precious ecosystem. We can now work together to protect this area for generations to come”.

Adam Hall, co-founder of the North Devon World Surfing Reserve, said: “We don’t have to be bystanders, you and I can stand up and protect our important natural spaces. Our hope is that the evidence and experience from North Devon can spark a wave of protection for the coastline around these precious islands.”