National Trust: #LoveTheCoast

As British citizens, it’s in our blood to love the sea. Fish and chips, seaside walks and stony beaches make it the perfect getaway from urban living. And an idyllic backdrop for family photographs.

Dr John Cooper Clarke – a UK punk poet, known for his dishevelled look and quick-fire verses – has partnered with The National Trust to celebrate the UK coastline and the 50^th anniversary of the Neptune Coastline campaign which protects 775 miles of British beaches.

By creating the first verses for the poem Nation’s Ode to the Coast, Clarke brings the coast to life by focusing on all things British and sharing his personal love affair with the sea.

The campaign launched today and encourages the public to get involved by submitting ideas and reasons to visit the coast. Entries can be submitted as words, pictures, even sounds using the #lovethecoast hastag. To look over previous submissions, click here.

Clarke will rework these memories and experiences into the poem and a finished version will be unveiled in autumn.

Watch the below video to hear Clarke talk about the project in more depth.