St Margaret's Bay is part of the 37-mile stretch of coast set to be improved

A coastal ramble in Kent could be made easier as plans to improve the county's coastline take shape.

Natural England has launched a public consultation on proposals for better access to 37 miles of coast from Ramsgate to Folkestone.

It would be the first south east stretch of the English Coastal Path – bringing Kent one step closer to a path that is said will help walkers and tourism.

Campaign group Ramblers has been calling for the government to improve access to Kent's coast.

Ramblers volunteer Ian Wild said: "We are very pleased that Natural England have taken account of our suggestions to help secure the best access to the coast for walkers, in particular the opening up of the old Richborough port quay and improved access to the banks of the Stour - which will make a massive difference to coastal walking in Kent.

"We have an incredibly varied coastline in Kent and this is a significant step to improving access for walkers."

Earlier this year, Natural England announced a further 22 miles from Folkestone to Camber is to be included as part of the England Coast Path, with preparations set to begin this year.

The government has also outlined a long-term plan for coastal access, which estimates that by 2017 people can walk all the way from Hull to Dorset - via Hadrian's wall and the Wales Coast Path.

To add your comments to the Natural England consultation, click here. The deadline is 5pm on Friday, November 9.