A film project for Natural England

Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Natural England on a rewarding project – documenting the realignment and improvement works along the Cornwall stretch of the South West Coast Path.

Starting up in Marsland Mouth and finishing at Cremyll near Plymouth, the project took me to some of the most striking and varied landscapes Cornwall has to offer. As part of a wider national initiative, these path improvements aim to offer walkers a more enjoyable, accessible and safer experience along one of England’s most iconic trails – King Charles III England Coast Path.

About the King Charles III England Coast Path

The King Charles III England Coast Path is set to be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, and Cornwall plays a major role in that story. The realignments I filmed were designed to bring the official route closer to the coast in places, improve signage and upgrade access points – all with the goal of helping more people experience this stunning part of the country.

Locations Covered During Filming

Filming took place across late autumn and into winter, which brought its own set of challenges – shorter days, unpredictable weather and dramatic light that often added to the atmosphere of the footage. The changing conditions helped to show the resilience of the path and the kind of experience walkers can expect year-round.

My journey began on the north coast at Marsland Mouth, capturing sweeping aerials of rugged cliff paths and freshly laid waymarkers guiding walkers along safer tracks. From there, I worked my way south through Newquay, Botallack, past the striking Tater-du Lighthouse, and eventually through Looe – each location offering its own unique landscape.

Featuring a Human Element in the Film

To help bring the story of the path to life, it was decided to feature a single walker throughout the film – my dad. Dressed in a red coat to stand out against the landscape, he became a kind of visual thread through each location, helping to give scale to the route and a human connection to the journey. He appears throughout the film, starting the walk at Marsland Mouth and bringing it to a close in Cremyll.

What Was Captured

The filming involved a mixture of drone and ground footage to help tell the full story of the path’s transformation. I aimed to show not just the dramatic beauty of the coastline, but also the practical improvements – new signage, rerouted sections, safer footbridges and improved or newly installed steps. All carefully designed to support increased visitor numbers while protecting sensitive habitats.

Working closely with the team at Natural England, we were able to create a visual narrative that highlights both the importance and the impact of these enhancements.

Finishing the Journey at Cremyll

The final stop was Cremyll in South East Cornwall – the end of the Cornish section of the South West Coast Path and where the film naturally came to a close. With views across the Tamar Estuary and views of the city of Plymouth. From the rugged cliffs of Cornwall’s north coast to the more sheltered south coast, the route had revealed the full range of Cornwall’s diverse landscape.

Reflections on the Project

As someone who lives and works in Cornwall, it was a real privilege to be involved in a project that celebrates and protects our access to the coast. The England Coast Path isn’t just a walking route – it’s a national asset that connects communities, supports tourism and gives everyone the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of our shoreline.

I’m proud to have played a small part in sharing that story.

Watch the full film here: Cornwall Coast Path