Author: Sadie Rockliffe

I’m pleased to share that my latest paper has now been published open access in Ocean and Society: “Reconfiguring Coastal Access: Disability, Relational Participation, and Politics of Inclusion in Blue Growth Futures” You can read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.17645/oas.12343 The article forms part of the special issue “Empowerment and Blue Justice in Coastal Communities” …

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There are some places that immediately make you stop and take everything in. Pool Bridge Farm, near York, is one of them. Set among trees, lakes and water lilies, it is a place designed around swimming, rest and connection with nature. It is also a place where the staff and volunteers are already thinking seriously …

Read more “Access Begins Before the Water: A Visit to Pool Bridge Farm”

There are moments in research that stay with you long after the papers have been written or the presentations have finished. They are the moments that remind you why the research began in the first place and why it matters beyond academia. Last weekend was one of those moments. Gateway to the Sea brought together …

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Ahead of the launch of Gateway to the Sea, I was delighted to join Paralympian Melanie Barratt on RNIB Connect Radio to talk about the project and the importance of making open water swimming more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. Speaking with Allan Russell, we reflected on how Gateway to the Sea came …

Read more “Sharing the Story of Gateway to the Sea on RNIB Connect Radio”

One of the most rewarding parts of research is seeing it lead to meaningful change. I’m delighted to share Gateway to the Sea, a new knowledge exchange project that has grown directly from my doctoral research exploring the lived experiences of blind and partially sighted people accessing blue spaces. Throughout my research, one message came …

Read more “Introducing Gateway to the Sea: Turning Research into Action”

This month I was delighted to be invited to the launch of Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, London’s new National Open Water Swimming Centre. Situated within Eden Dock at Canary Wharf, the new venue is centred around a 50-metre floating natural water swimming pool, creating a unique space where outdoor swimming, wellbeing and community come together …

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Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen away from conference rooms and lecture theatres. Earlier this month, I was invited by artist Laura Callaghan and Sussex Bay to take part in Stories of the Bay – an evening held as part of Laura’s What the Water Gave Us exhibition celebrating World Oceans Day. Rather than talks …

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Following the launch of A Coast for All at the House of Commons, the conversation around beach accessibility has continued to gather momentum. In May 2026, the findings of the report were featured by the BBC, helping bring national attention to an issue that affects thousands of people across the UK every day. The coverage …

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A year ago, I found myself sitting in a recording studio speaking on the BBC Access All podcast about a question that has shaped much of my doctoral research: Who gets to access blue spaces, and what makes that possible or impossible? The conversation focused on my research alongside visually impaired participants exploring outdoor swimming, …

Read more “A Coast for All: From Research Conversations to the House of Commons”

One of the most consistent barriers raised in conversations during my doctoral research has not actually been the swimming itself. It has been getting there. I’m therefore absolutely delighted to share a brilliant new initiative launching this Saturday 16th May, with Sea Lanes partnering with Brighton Community Transport to offer a free shuttle service for …

Read more “New Free Shuttle Service Supporting Visually Impaired Swimmers at the National Open Water Swimming Centre”