title: Voluntary Marine Conservation Area
text: # Voluntary Marine Conservation Area
  
  Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) is a designation in the United Kingdom for areas of coastline which are of particular wildlife and scientific value that enjoy a level of voluntary protection.
  
  VMCAs are run by a range of organisations and steering groups and are often supported by community or volunteer groups. VMCA's often aim to promote the Seashore Code as a means for the public to treat the coastline with care.
  
  The first VMCA to be set up was in Lundy, 1973.
  
  ## List of VMCA's
  
  * Helford - designated in 1987
  * North Devon - established in 1994 and spans the coast from Combe Martin to Croyde. Is managed by Devon Wildlife Trust
  * Purbeck - The first VMCA
  * Wembury - Wembury Marine Centre
  