Brewery launches beer for National Trust's Coastline Campaign

In 1965 the National Trust launched the Neptune Coastline Campaign to protect the coast from the threat of development and look after it for the nation for ever.

That same year, St Austell Brewery chairman Egbert Barnes included a passionate postscript in his annual company statement. It read: ‘May I commend to shareholders’ generosity the National Trust’s Enterprise Neptune to save as much as possible of what is left of the country’s coastline? Nowhere is that more important than it is in Cornwall.’

Following words with actions, in 1966 Mr Barnes and the Brewery helped to buy and give to the Trust a headland called The Gribbin to the west of Fowey Harbour on the edge of St Austell Bay. Mr Barnes was particularly fond of The Gribbin, as it formed the distant view from the Brewery boardroom, and by giving it to the Trust he could secure it for ever from development.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this gift, and as part of the Trust’s 2015 Coastal Festival, St Austell Brewery has created a limited edition 4.3% English pale ale called The Gribbin, using all British ingredients.

The beer will be on sale at over 200 National Trust outlets in the South West, St Austell Brewery pubs and also available from the brewery’s website. Every pint or bottle sold will see 20p donated to the National Trust’s Neptune Coastline Campaign.

Over the last 50 years, public and partnership support have raised over £65 million for the Trust’s campaign, enabling the safeguarding of 775 miles of coastline across England, Wales and Northern Ireland (300 miles of which are in the South West).

Nick Lawrence, National Trust Assistant Director, said: ‘We are delighted that St Austell Brewery is once again supporting the South West’s coastal heritage.  I personally couldn’t think of a better way to honour this partnership than creating a limited edition beer named after that beautiful stretch of coastline we were generously given in 1966.’

St Austell Brewery is one of the leading regional brewers in the UK. It brews award winning beers such as Tribute and Proper Job and owns pubs and hotels all over the South West.

James Staughton, Managing Director of St Austell Brewery and grandson of Egbert Barnes, said: ‘St Austell Brewery is one of the oldest companies in Cornwall and we are passionate about protecting the heritage and assets of the county that we and our customers love so much. That passion for Cornwall is as strong now as it was when under Egbert Barnes’ chairmanship, the Brewery gifted The Gribbin to the National Trust.

‘We have produced around 23,000 pints of the limited edition ale, which will raise £5,000 for the Trust’s Neptune Coastal Campaign.  Now, you will be able to help protect your favourite areas of the South West coast by enjoying a pint of The Gribbin,’ he added.

The Gribbin is a popular site with visitors enjoying the stunning views and rare coastal elm wood, picturesque walks and colourful wildflowers. A new national report commissioned by the National Trust out this week reveals the South West peninsular is overwhelmingly the nation’s favourite coastal destination – 70 per cent of people from England, Wales and Northern Ireland would like to visit Cornwall and 79 per cent of people from the South West agree that seeing the coast every day would make them happy.*

To meet this love of the coast, events have been taking place at National Trust venues across the South West all this year as part of the Coastal Festival, from mass beach cleans attended by over 400 volunteers earlier in March, to a series of coastal Bio-Blitz events and the Big Beach Picnics. The charity’s next big event is the South West Coast Path Challenge taking place throughout October.

Jo Atkins, National Trust Coast Fundraising Manager, said: ‘It costs £3,000 a year to look after a mile of coast for millions of people to access, enjoy and cherish. The National Trust is a conservation charity that cares for over 300 miles of coast across the South West.  We are delighted that St Austell Brewery continues to support our work with the production of The Gribbin Ale.  Anyone who wishes to support our work on the coastline can do so by giving us a donation. (More about our coastal work here: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1355901104490/)

Roger Ryman, Brewing Director and Head Brewer at St Austell Brewery, said: ‘It’s fitting that the anniversary of the gift of The Gribbin coincides with the 50th harvest of the Maris Otter barley, our favourite variety and one that we have used in this brew. In the spirit of Egbert Barnes, St Austell Brewery has made its own commitment to the sustainable future of the Maris Otter variety by contracting over 1,000 acres of Cornish countryside for its cultivation.’

The Gribbin will feature amongst fifty new beers brewed exclusively by selected brewers across the UK for the Maris Otter 50th Beer Festival. The festival will take place in Norwich (September 18th – 20th) to celebrate the anniversary of the British brewers’ barley of choice.

Anyone who would like to donate can do so either online at justgiving.com/swcoast, call 0344 800 1895 or Text NTCOAST to 70123 to donate £3. Also check out our stunning SW Coast film http://bit.ly/coastfilm to remind you of a fantastic day and to plan your next visit to a National Trust coastal site.