England Coast Path: South Hayling–East Head from 4 Feb

From 4 February 2026, you can use new public access along the England Coast Path between South Hayling and East Head. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has signed the Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (South Hayling to East Head) Order 2026 on 29 January 2026, and it takes effect from 30 January. The Order sets 4 February as the moment the ‘access preparation period’ ends and the new rights begin, according to legislation published on legislation.gov.uk.

Think of the access preparation period as the final set‑up phase before the path opens. Natural England and land managers use this time to install signs and gates, agree the exact line of the path, and set any necessary restrictions for safety or nature. Once that period ends, the public right to access the coastal margin starts under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. In simple terms: from 4 February 2026 you can walk this section on foot, following on‑site instructions.

You’ll see the term ‘coastal margin’ in official notices. This is the strip of land associated with the path-typically the area between the trail and the sea, which can include beaches, dunes and cliff‑tops. Some places are legally excluded, such as private gardens or buildings, and there can be temporary restrictions for wildlife or safety. Follow local signage and check government notices if you’re unsure.

This stretch has been years in the making. Natural England sent five detailed reports for South Hayling to East Head (labelled SHE1 to SHE5) to the Secretary of State on 3 October 2019. Approvals followed in stages: SHE4 was approved on 9 July 2020, and SHE1, SHE2, SHE3 and SHE5 were approved on 16 July 2024. The new Order links those approvals to a single start date so that access begins together.

The Order is Statutory Instrument 2026/77 and is signed by Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Defra. It is made under section 3A(10) of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which allows ministers to set the day the access preparation period ends for land that becomes coastal margin. For South Hayling to East Head, that day is 4 February 2026.

What this means for you on the ground is straightforward. From 4 February, you can follow the waymarked trail and, where allowed, explore the coastal margin next to it. Keep dogs under close control and use a lead when signs tell you to-especially near livestock or sensitive bird habitats. Saltmarsh and mudflats can be hazardous, so treat warning signs seriously. The aim is that everyone enjoys more of the coast while protecting nature.

If you’re studying how policy turns into everyday life, this is a clear example of delegated legislation. Parliament set the framework in laws like the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Natural England designed the route and consulted. The Secretary of State approved those proposals. An Order then fixed the date when rights begin. Each step is published so the public can track how decisions are made.

Locally, this route links familiar beaches and harbourside views used by schools, clubs and families. Clearer signposting and consistent rights should help visitors spread out and make year‑round use of the coast for walking, running and fieldwork. Defra notes no new impact assessment was needed for this Order because the costs and benefits were tested when the 2009 Act was introduced.

To recap the key dates you might need for coursework or trip planning: the Order was made on 29 January 2026, it comes into force on 30 January 2026, and access rights start on 4 February 2026. Look for notices on GOV.UK and on‑site waymarks for any local restrictions before you set off, and enjoy the new stretch responsibly.