Abstract

English coastal communities face significant deprivation and poorer health outcomes compared to inland areas. This study examines the potential of exposure to coastal Blue Spaces to help improve this situation, using The Bay project around Morecambe Bay as an exploratory case study of a place-based intervention. Through social prescriptions, the programme aims to reconnect socially isolated individuals with their local coastal environment and community, reduce access barriers and support well-being.

Based largely on interviews with a senior community engagement lead at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and a senior public health official working in the Morecambe Bay area, the study highlights the need for tailored referrals and ongoing support to ensure equitable access to health-promoting activities. Findings suggest that combining social prescriptions with community-led initiatives could improve the benefits of Blue Spaces and support better well-being outcomes. Recommendations are made to this end.