Connecting People to Place: Caroline Carr's Mission to Protect and Share Cleethorpes' Natural Heritage
Caroline Carr has always believed in the power of nature to inspire, heal and connect. As a qualified teacher with a degree in Outdoor Environmental Education and Outdoor Studies, she has spent her career helping people understand and appreciate the natural world. Now based at LaCuna on Cleethorpes Kingsway, Caroline is using her knowledge and passion to lead two community interest companies: Humberston Fitties CIC and Outdoor Learning Schools.
Honouring the Heritage of the Humberston Fitties
For Caroline, the Humberston Fitties isn’t just a scenic spot on the coast — it's home. Her family had a chalet there when she was a child, and the memories of simple days spent near the sea have stayed with her ever since. That deep connection led her to help create the Humberston Fitties CIC: a community organisation dedicated to preserving the unique charm, stories and spirit of the area.
"The Fitties is absolutely the most stunning place in the world," Caroline says. "I’ve travelled and lived all over, but nowhere compares."
The CIC works as a custodian of the area, acting as a bridge between heritage and change. They share stories from long-time residents, support chalet owners in protecting the character of their properties, and welcome visitors keen to discover the area’s charm. Caroline describes it as "not about stopping change, but being part of the story."
Heritage Open Days, community exhibitions, and open chalet events have attracted a growing number of visitors. There’s a shared sense of nostalgia, curiosity, and care among those who explore the Fitties, and the CIC helps guide that energy towards a lasting legacy. The CIC works closely with other heritage organisations and artists and photographers including The House with the Blue Door and Seagull Swamp
Outdoor Learning That Inspires the Next Generation
Alongside her work at the Fitties, Caroline also leads Outdoor Learning Schools — an initiative grounded in her belief that outdoor education has the power to change lives. With LaCuna as a base, Caroline works with children, families, and volunteers to offer beach-based learning, beach school-style experiences, and environmental workshops.
One of their newest projects involves citizen science on Cleethorpes beach, where participants will learn about the importance of the natural coastal environment and help collect data to inform future conservation efforts. The findings will feed into a wider arts project, combining science and creativity to deepen understanding.
Caroline is also laying the groundwork for a new local climate group and was recently invited to Westminster to take part in a National Emergency Climate briefing. Her aim? To bring those insights back and support the local community to take positive steps around climate action and coastal resilience.
A Hub for Conversation, Creativity and Collaboration
LaCuna, the beachside space where Caroline is based, has become a welcoming community hub. It hosts talks, workshops and collaborative projects — all with the goal of helping people connect more deeply with the coast and their place in it.
"There’s so much potential in Cleethorpes. People are reconnecting with nature, especially post-Covid, and we want to help them understand, enjoy, and protect it."
Caroline has been involved in multiple projects that bring together arts organisations, local businesses, council teams, and environmental partners. She champions collaboration between sectors, including businesses and tourism groups, so that development and conservation go hand in hand.
Making Nature Accessible to All
At the heart of Caroline’s work is a belief that nature should be accessible to everyone — regardless of income, age or background. She points out that for families struggling with the cost of living, access to free, beautiful outdoor spaces like Cleethorpes beach is more important than ever.
"It costs nothing to go for a walk along the shore, to watch the birds, to take a deep breath. We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and encouraged to enjoy what we have."
Her passion extends to future generations, too. From beach clean-ups to climate education, Caroline works with young people to help them see their role as custodians of the planet. She believes that when children understand the environment, they grow up to protect it — and their influence can inspire adults around them, too.
Get Involved
Whether you're a local resident, business owner, artist or simply someone who cares about Cleethorpes' coast and community, Caroline would love to hear from you. She's especially keen to involve businesses in conversations about sustainable tourism, nature conservation and coastal resilience.
"We all have a role to play in shaping the future of this place. The more voices we bring into the conversation, the stronger our impact."
To learn more about the Humberston Fitties CIC, Outdoor Learning Schools or any of the projects mentioned, visit Caroline and the team at LaCuna or reach out online.
Together, we can protect what makes our coastline special — and build a community that thrives alongside it.
