First project to secure funding from Landscape Connections initiative
From salt marsh to sea cliffs, sandy beaches to sheltered coves, Scotland’s Solway Coast offers a spectacular diversity of stunning scenery.
It’s now set to be supported by £8 million as the first project to secure funding through The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s £150 million Landscape Connections initiative.
It’s set to receive £1.4million of investment to shape future plans – before a further batch of up to £6.4 million is expected to be released. Organisers say it’ll act as ‘an exemplar project in attracting further green finance.’
The seascape of the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway stretches for more than 200 miles. It goes from edge of the land border between Scotland and England.
It heads round Scotland’s most Southerly point, the Mull of Galloway, through to the shores of Loch Ryan. Last week a WWF report found that the UK’s muddy saltmarshes were vital to combat climate change.
The Solway Coast and Marine Landscape Connections Project (SCAMP) aims to adopt a ‘whole seascape approach to understand, conserve, restore and develop the potential of the natural and cultural heritage of the Solway Firth coast.’
It aims to work with the local community to deliver an extensive programme of habitat restoration. The project is the first of around 20 across the UK which will be supported by the Heritage Fund through Landscape Connections.
Landscape Connections is a long-term, large scale investment initiative which is aimed at boosting nature recovery, allowing rural economies to thrive and connecting more people to our most treasured places.
‘Ambitions to support nature recovery on a vast scale’
‘This is the perfect project to kick-start our UK-wide £150 million Landscape Connections initiative, demonstrating the scope of our ambitions to support nature recovery on a vast scale,’ says Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
‘The Solway Firth’s rich natural heritage has supported communities along its length since the earliest settlement.’
‘The heritage of millennia of human habitation are reflected in the landscape and history of the people, places and communities.’
‘And this will be enhanced with National Lottery player support to deliver large-scale, long-term, meaningful change for the environment and its people, furthering our vision for heritage to be valued, cared for, and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.’
SCAMP will also build on work developing financial models to support emerging blue carbon, marine and coastal biodiversity financial markets.
Around 120 miles of new coastal trail will be created to enhance, extend and better link the existing coastal path network along with focused investment in accessible paths and all ability trails.
Ten coastal gateway sites will also be enhanced, providing high quality experience, facilities. Interpretation along the coast and trails will also enhance this experience and enable people to learn about the Solway Firth and its environs.
‘A leading light in coastal and marine nature restoration‘
‘Our beautiful Solway Coast has been so important to Scotland’s coastal and natural heritage though time,’ explains Councillor Gail MacGregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council.
‘We are incredibly excited to have The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support for SCAMP Landscape Connections confirmed as we plan for the best possible future for this cherished natural resource.’
‘The initial development funding provides the essential financial support that will allow us to develop plans for long-term programmes along with the community.’
‘With a potential total investment of almost £8 million from the Heritage Fund this commitment demonstrates the huge potential of our Solway Coast to become a leading light in coastal and marine nature restoration, playing its part in helping with the nature and climate crisis.’
‘By allowing our coastal and marine environment to thrive we will be bringing opportunities for learning, green jobs, wellbeing and nature related economic development to our communities.’
The SCAMP partnership is made up of seven nature-based organisations which are committed to improving the wellbeing of our marine and coastal nature. Their goal is to leave it in a healthier state for future generations.
‘The Solway Firth has shaped the history, biodiversity, economy, and culture of Scotland, as a gateway to the world and a rich natural resource,’ says Karen Morley, Programme Manager, SCAMP Landscape Connections.
‘With rising sea levels and increased storm surges as well as the crisis in nature loss on land, and under the sea, we need to adapt and explore nature-based solutions to ensure our seascape and its communities thrive and meet their full potential into the future.’
‘This investment will ensure SCAMP Landscape Connections can become a leading light in coastal and marine nature restoration for the benefit of our Solway’s nature, people and climate.’
Youngsters learning about the Solway Coast with the guidance of the SCAMP Team. Image: James Chapelard (provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund).
‘A leading light in coastal and marine nature restoration’
The SCAMP Landscape Connections project aims to understand, conserve, restore and develop the potential of the natural, cultural and built heritage of the Solway Firth coast.
Its’ goals will be delivered over a ten year period with a two year development phase where teams will work with the local community. The teams aim to deliver an extensive programme of habitat restoration across a total of 35 planned initiatives.
Dumfries and Galloway contains a quarter of Scotland’s Saltmarsh and the last Wild Native Oyster Fishery in Scotland. Project supporters say it’s a seascape with great potential for restoration and helping nature to thrive.
Five key habitats will be prioritised including seagrass meadows, native oyster reef, saltmarsh, coastal woodland and sand dunes.
Learning for communities and young people and training will be embedded within SCAMP Landscape Connection’s innovative nature restoration work including a focus on green job opportunities.
Dumfries and Galloway Council is leading SCAMP alongside the project’s roster of local partners, which includes Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands, Crichton Carbon Centre, Galloway Fisheries Trust, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, The Solway Firth Partnership, The Southern Uplands Partnership and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland.
Breaktime News recently reported on The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s recent grant for museum work.
