Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 May 2026.

Designated sites include first-ever site on the River Thames in London.

Today (Friday 15 May) 13 new bathing sites open across the country, helping to restore pride in local areas, giving a boost to outdoor and swimming groups, and protecting cherished rivers and beaches.   

The sites, including the first-ever on the River Thames in London, have now officially received designated status as the bathing water season begins.    

The 13 new sites take the total to over 460 bathing waters, covering nearly every coastal county in England as well as several more inland swimming spots.   

They will be rigorously and regularly tested by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season meaning swimmers are better informed about water quality, and can swim with greater confidence.   

The designations follow a public consultation with each site receiving overwhelming public support, with 90% of responders in favour of designation and a record number endorsing the Ham & Kingston site.   

The Government’s commitment to improving water quality and expanding monitoring is delivering clear results for swimmers and the environment, with four in five bathing sites being rated as either ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.    

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:    

The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers.    

Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.   

We’re committed to generational reform of our water industry and won’t stop until the job is done.

The Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at designated bathing water sites and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels – working with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality at these locations.  

What that means is environmental officers on site every week at each of these locations throughout the summer, taking and assessing water samples, and publishing that information online for the benefit of swimmers.  

Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:  

The growing number of designations across the country reflects the importance communities place in their local environment and water quality.  

If you’re planning on going open water swimming this summer, I’d advise everyone to get informed – checking water quality and conditions before you go.  

Across the bathing water season, Environment Agency teams will be out conducting over 7000 tests across over 460 locations. Through strong regulation and the right data, we will continue to drive improvements to bathing water quality, working closely with local partners to direct investment and target action in the right places.

The filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch in Bridport, Dorset is another confirmed bathing water site. Government will also provide funding towards signage to ensure people have clear access to these new sites.  

Sites also play a vital role in connecting people with nature – bringing important social and health benefits and helping towns prosper through increased tourism, delivering on the government’s wider commitment to empower communities to shape how their local environment is protected and enjoyed.   

These new designations come alongside recent changes to the bathing water regulations that will modernise the system, helping to ensure it is fit for today and reflects how people use rivers and beaches.  

Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming, with 87% rated as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms will allow us to move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach to better reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.    

This announcement is in line with the upcoming Clean Water Bill, announced this week in the King’s Speech, which will continue momentum on once‑in‑a‑generation reforms to end weak oversight, stop water companies marking their own homework and restore public trust.  

Supportive quotes: 

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said:  

The announcement of the first-ever river swimming site on the River Thames in London is a moment of celebration for Londoners and highlights the role of community groups in helping to make London’s rivers and waterways cleaner and more accessible spaces.  

There is still more work to be done, and the Mayor and I are committed to improving water quality in all the capital’s waterways. This is why we are launching the Clean and Healthy Waterways plan in the summer to ensure they are safe and welcoming spaces for all, as we continue to build a better, greener London for everyone.

Ben Seal, Head of Access & Environment, Paddle UK said:  

The designation of these 13 new bathing sites, is another positive step forward in protecting our precious waters. For the millions of people who love being in, on, and beside the water, access to safe, regularly monitored blue space is vital. This expansion ensures that more communities can be better informed when choosing where and when to access the water. Furthermore, the overwhelming public demand for these new designated sites just proves how passionate the public is about being and being active in blue spaces.  

Together, the increase in designated bathing water sites and the Clean Water Bill represent a historic opportunity to secure healthy, pollution-free waters for everyone to enjoy.

Marlene Lawrence, Leader and Founder of the Teddington Bluetits chill swimmers, said:   

We are absolutely delighted to have achieved Bathing Water status for the Thames at Ham and Kingston.  The river is widely used by all ages to swim, row, paddle and sail, and it is wonderful to have such a natural resource to use to enhance our health and mental well-being.   

With water testing throughout the bathing water season, I really want to encourage more people to enjoy leisure time in and on the Thames here.

Notes to editors:  

Designated Bathing Waters are regularly tested for water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May – 30 September).  

The confirmed sites include:    

1. Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals   
2. Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty   
3. Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.     
4. Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.    
5. Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, one of Salisbury’s most cherished parks opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II   
6. East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.    
7. Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows   
8. River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town   
9. River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps   
10. Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney   
11. River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, London’s first river bathing site on the Thames   
12. New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary   
13. River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports   

The Bathing Water Regulations were updated in November 2025, introducing changes that prioritise public safety and water quality. We are now working towards implementing the reforms. The Bathing Water Reforms include:    

• removing the automatic de-designation of sites that have been classified as ‘poor’ for five years running. Now waters with the potential to recover aren’t abandoned prematurely.  
• prior to designation, consideration will now be given to the feasibility of a site’s ability to achieve the “sufficient” standard, as well as any known significant risks to the physical safety of bathers arising from the site, and wider environmental impacts.  
• opportunity for flexible, site‑specific bathing seasons, allowing monitoring to align with when people actually use the water.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 May 2026.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds visits Northern Ireland to highlight how a UK-EU food and drink deal will cut red tape, lower costs and keep trade flowing.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds is visiting Northern Ireland this week to meet farmers, growers and businesses at the heart of its agri-food sector and discuss the benefits of the new UK–EU food and drink deal.

Northern Ireland already benefits from full EU market access, thanks to its unique position under the Windsor Framework. But for the first time since EU Exit, most food and drink goods moving from GB to NI will no longer require checks, including regulatory certificates that can cost between £80 and £200 each, saving businesses millions every year. Over the last three years, these charges for Export Health Certificates have cost businesses between £13m and £32m.

By cutting “paperwork tax” an SPS agreement will make trade easier for businesses, help British produce reach European markets and could help bring down the cost of food and drink.

The new SPS agreement is part of rebuilding the UK’s relationship with Europe in a way that strengthens the economy and supports trade, with the potential to boost UK GDP by up to £5.1 billion a year.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

We are cutting red tape and scrapping unnecessary checks, making it easier and cheaper to keep goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland’s food and drink businesses deserve a better deal. That means protecting the UK internal market, supporting businesses and giving families more choice, availability and value across Northern Ireland.

At the Balmoral Show on Thursday 14 May – Northern Ireland’s premier farming event – the Environment Secretary will meet stallholders and sector representatives from across the farming and horticultural communities, who will benefit from the removal of certification requirements for plants, seeds and used agricultural and forestry machinery. 

Northern Ireland Office Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Minister Matthew Patrick will also meet with farming community representatives and businesses at the Balmoral Show. He said:

Northern Ireland’s agrifood sector is of great importance to the UK economy and to our food security, and I’ve been hugely impressed by the high-quality produce on offer at the Balmoral Show.

It’s great that this deal will provide real benefits for consumers, helping to ensure availability and cut costs at a time when many are facing cost of living pressures.

The Environment Secretary and Borders Minister Baroness Hayman will also chair a roundtable discussion with members of the Confederation of British Industry, ensuring Northern Ireland businesses are represented in a deal that will cut paperwork, support choice and availability on supermarket shelves, and help ease food price inflation for families across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Eddie Murphy, Country Director for M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: 

We have over 20 stores and work with nearly 2,000 Select Farm partners in Northern Ireland.

This deal will remove unnecessary bureaucracy and reduce cost pressures, helping us to go further in offering Northern Irish customers the very best of M&S by speeding up the flow of goods and access to fresh produce.

The visit comes as the European Partnership Bill was announced at the State Opening of Parliament yesterday, kickstarting the legislative framework needed to implement the agreement and allow businesses to start realising its benefits from mid‑2027.

Along with the removal of the vast majority of food and drink checks, the new agreement will also dramatically reduce costs, paperwork and checks on flowers, plants and seeds moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, while final restrictions on the movement of certain tree species will disappear.

Together, these changes will support Northern Ireland’s farmers, gardeners, garden centres, environmental projects and rural businesses, ensuring they can benefit fully from smoother trade with Great Britain.

NOTES TO EDITORS

• The Windsor Framework facilitates Northern Ireland’s ability to trade freely within both the UK internal market and the EU Single Market. This will remain in place, addressing NI’s unique dual market access and safeguarding the Good Friday agreement.  

What businesses in Northern Ireland can do now

• While negotiations continue, businesses can take practical steps to get ready:
• Engage with their relevant trade body or industry association: They will be key partners in providing sector-specific guidance and many are already working with government to help members prepare.
• Engage with your supply chain: To understand any changes that may apply to them.
• Sign up to Defra email alerts here for regular updates: To receive the latest information on negotiations, implementation timelines, and details of guidance and support available.
• Detailed guidance will be published as negotiations progress to ensure businesses across Northern Ireland – from farmers and processors to retailers and hauliers – are ready to benefit from day one.