LD295 Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 2015

Contents Chairman's Foreword Chairman's Foreword 3 It gives me both a sense of pride in continuity and a feeling of real progress to have been able Part 1 Background and Context to preside over the production of our third Management Plan for the Solway Coast AONB. • 1.1 Legislation and Need 4 The journey began in 2004 when we published • 1.2 What’s New? 4 our initial plan (under the Countryside and Rights • 1.3 National and European Landscape Framework 6 of Way Act 2000) covering the first five years of • 1.4 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty 6 • 1.5 Management and Operating Framework 7 our 30 year vision for the AONB. Now, ten years • 1.6 Solway Coast AONB (Special Qualities) 10 on and the publication of this our latest plan • 1.7 Landscape and Seascape Character and Setting 12 taking us to 2020 we have already achieved a legacy of change, prosperity and sustainability for William (Bill) Jefferson O.B.E Part 2 Objective Setting future generations of which we can all be Section 2.1 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty justifiably proud. • 2.1.1 Landscape 18 Our Vision, summarised in this plan and its • 2.1.2 Land Management 20 appreciation of today’s concerns and solutions in predecessors as ‘A Shared Responsibility for a • 2.1.3 Intertidal saltmarshes and associated mudflats 23 a sustainable and relevant way. Our plan focuses Very Special Place’ is the key to our success. By • 2.1.4 Sand Dunes 24 initially on infrastructure to provide for visitors • 2.1.5 Lowland Raised Mires - Mosses 26 working closely with Partners from Communities through access and information, and by • 2.1.6 Biodiversity 28 to Statutory Agencies and Government, we have engaging with the visitor economy of England’s • 2.1.7 Water Environment 31 collectively secured quality project planning, Solway Coast in general. Landscape pressures • 2.1.8 Historic Environment and Culture 33 significant funding and above all sustainable do exist – the march of renewable energy • 2.1.9 Development and Planning 35 solutions to the many and varied challenges we schemes continue to occupy our conservation Section 2.2 Understanding and enjoyment jointly face. The delivery record of the Solway remit as do other developments both large and • 2.2.1 Access and Recreation 37 Coast AONB has been consistently outstanding small scale. As I write this foreword, government • 2.2.2 Tourism 38 over the past decade thanks to its clarity of have announced further measures to trim the purpose, its deliverable vision, its dedicated public purse over the same time period of this Section 2.3 Social and economic well-being volunteer force, the professionalism of its small • 2.3.1 Employment and Business 41 plan. Protected landscapes have taken their staff unit , the watchful steer from its Joint • 2.3.2 Services 44 share of government cuts and further reductions • 2.3.3 Transport 45 Advisory Committee, the officer support from its in funding could not be absorbed by Section 2.4 Engagement three partner Councils and of course the Partnerships that are already under funded. • 2.4.1 Awareness and Communication (Education) 46 specialist agencies. The Solway Coast AONB However, I remain confident that we will rise to • 2.4.2 Community Involvement 47 has, in addition, been remarkably successful in the challenge and deliver yet again, because of levering in very substantial amounts of funding to Section 2.5 Global Considerations our relevance, focus, commitment and track deliver on its Management Plan promises with a • 2.5.1 Climate Change 48 record very high match fund ratio against a background Part 3 Implementation and Monitoring of public expenditure cuts. The Solway Coast AONB Partnership, and our growing band of volunteers will deliver this plan • 3.1 Objectives Conservation and restoration are at the heart of on behalf of the Nation and our three constituent • 3.2 Actions this plan like its predecessors. We have, after all, Local Authorities. Its sustainable legacy, • 3.3 Delivery only one statutory purpose – the conservation however, will outlive its five year life. • 3.4 Reporting and enhancement of our landscape. However we Part 4 Appendices have always had an eye on our responsibility to All good wishes to you all and sincerest thanks our communities and their socio-economic to all those who have contributed towards this 1. Glossary of Terms and Acronyms 68 venture. 2. Core Functions 72 concerns. We now seek to open up this faraway 3. External Review Process and Public Consultation 72 land, steeped in history, haunting beauty and 4. An Ecosystem Approach and Eco-services 74 magic to deliver a 21st century tourism offer William (Bill) Jefferson O.B.E. 5. IUCN Protected Areas and International Classification 75 which will reflect an understanding and Chairman 6. Acknowledgements 75

‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 3 • Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, the end of the Rural Development Programme for England Plan Management Part One (RDPE) 2007 - 2013 and the development of a new environmental land management scheme. A desire for a more outcome-focused approach to agri- Background and Context environment schemes

Part One • ‘Think big: ecological recovery in Protected 1.1 Legislation and Need Landscapes – the AONBs’ and National Parks’ response to Making Space for Nature which The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) recognised that protected landscapes have huge strengthened previous Countryside and National Parks Act potential to form the core of coherent and resilient (1949) making further provision for the protection and ecological networks, and that, in order to achieve this, enhancement of AONBs. It requires Local Authorities to One Part • Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform post-2013 • The production of ‘Making Space for Nature’ (The habitat improvement and creation becomes part of prepare, publish and review, every five years, a • Revised National Character Area profiles Lawton Report 2010) which highlighted the importance sustainable land management systems and Management Plan for AONBs in their area. In the case of of enhanced ecological networks across the landscape businesses, and provides adequate reward for land Solway Coast AONB the plan is undertaken and led by the • Conservation of the historic environment and taking an approach to management which was managers Solway Coast AONB staff unit on behalf of Cumbria County • Ecosystem goods and services and landscape-scale summed up by the phrase, ‘bigger, better, and more Council, Allerdale Borough Council and Carlisle City Council approach joined-up’ • Recent global economic downturn, continuing Management Plan and with support from Natural England and Defra. • Government targets for renewable energy pressure on public sector finances and the Essentially this Plan represents a comprehensive review of • The publication of the ‘State of Nature’ report, which Government’s growth agenda • Climate change mitigation and adaptation the 2010-2015 Management Plan. The Plan must be chronicles the dramatic decline in the UK’s wildlife and • Local Flood Risk Management which should be a wake-up call to all who have • Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The Act creates reviewed within five years of its original publication and at a strategic marine planning system aiming at more • Cumbria Minerals and Waste Local Plan responsibility for policy affecting our natural environment similar intervals thereafter. In addition the CRoW Act also sustainable use and protection of marine resources, places a duty on public bodies and others, to have regard • Localism • Publication of the 2011 Natural Environment White sets up the Marine Management Organisation to to the special purposes of the AONB designation when • Natural England Protected Landscapes Designation Paper (NEWP), The Natural Choice: securing the value of deliver the Government’s objectives for the marine carrying out their work. guidelines nature which sets out the Government’s vision for the environment, strengthens fisheries and environmental natural environment, shifting the emphasis from The designation of an AONB: • New marine legislation, marine planning, Marine management arrangements to conserve marine piecemeal conservation action towards a more ecosystems and help achieve a sustainable fisheries • Gives formal statutory recognition to these nationally Conservation Zones and seascape character integrated landscape-scale approach. The AONB sector, and promotes integrated coastal zone important landscapes; assessment Partnership contributes to delivery of three of the four management. The Act enables creation of Marine • Establishment of Marine Management Organisation ambitions: to protect and improve our natural • Requires special land use planning policies to apply; and Conservation Zones and the England Coast Path, a (MMO) environment, grow a green economy and reconnect • Encourages an integrated approach to land continuous, signed and managed route around the people and nature. It promotes an integrated cross- management. • Nationally agreed set of AONB Objectives/ tripartite coast plus areas of spreading room agreement between Defra, Natural England and the sectorial approach not just integrated biodiversity at a The AONB Management Plan is a statutory plan which sets National Association of AONBs landscape-scale • Localism Act 2011. The Act outlines the key measures out a Vision for the next 20 years. It describes the broad that underpin the Government’s approach to • Slightly older but being implemented : NERC act – duty • Publication of Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s range of issues we face in this area and how we will decentralisation and includes provisions regarding on local authorities with regards to biodiversity, Revised wildlife and ecosystem services. Building on the NEWP, manage them to conserve and enhance the area for future strengthening local democracy, community SMP, CRoW coastal access, European Landscape the mission for the strategy for the next decade is: ‘to generations. empowerment and neighbourhood planning. Conservation. halt biodiversity loss, support healthy well-functioning The aims of the Management Plan, which reflect the AONB • The developing Local Plans for Allerdale Borough ecosystems and establish coherent ecological networks, • The signing of the European Landscape Convention purposes, are to: Council and Carlisle City Council. with more and better places for nature for the benefit of which aims to embed a holistic understanding of • Conserve and enhance Natural Beauty through securing wildlife and people’. To show what achieving this landscape and ‘place’ into plans and policies. Its 7 key The new plan will be subject to scrutiny through both a overarching objective by 2020 will mean in practice, the the natural and cultural heritage of UK’s Areas of principles can be seen here: http://www. Strategic Environmental Assessment and, where it affects strategy sets out high level outcomes. The AONB Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring they can meet the naturalengland.org.uk/Images/ELCGUIDANCE- PART- European Nature Conservation sites, by a Habitats Partnership is well placed to contribute to the delivery of challenges of the future 2_tcm6-23585.pdf Regulations Assessment. these outcomes and help meet Biodiversity 2020 targets • Support the economic and social well-being of local • New parcels of Allerdale Borough Council land communities in ways which contribute to the 1.2 What’s new? • An increasing emphasis on taking an ecosystem (mainly SSSIs) have been put into Higher Level conservation and enhancement of natural beauty approach to landscape management. Outcome 1C of Stewardship since the last Solway Coast AONB There have been a number of important changes since Biodiversity 2020 is of particular relevance to AONBs • Promote public understanding and enjoyment of the Management Plan 2010-2015 publication of the last Management Plan in 2010, which and sets out the challenge we are helping to meet: ‘By nature and culture of AONBs and encourage people to have a significant impact on the conservation and 2020, at least 17% of land and inland water, especially • The Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme take action for their conservation enhancement of natural beauty in the Solway Coast AONB. areas of particular importance for biodiversity and has been running through the last three years of the • Value, sustain and promote the benefits that the UK’s This changed context includes: ecosystem services, conserved through effective, Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 2010-2015 AONBs provide for society, including clean air and water, integrated and joined up approaches to safeguard food, carbon storage and other services vital to the • Significant changes in the planning system with the biodiversity and ecosystem services including through nation’s health and well-being adoption of the National Planning Policy Framework, management of our existing systems of protected areas adopted Core Strategies and developing Local Plans for • To meet the recreational needs of local residents and and the establishment of nature improvement areas’. Allerdale Borough Council and Carlisle City Council visitors alike – where these are compatible with the NIAs, aimed at enhancing and reconnecting nature on a purpose of AONB designation • New Government guidance on renewable energy significant scale, were introduced in the Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP) and a competition The revised Plan will need to recognise an updated agenda ttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ launched to fund twelve initial areas in the period 2011 and a changed context, and revised policies including: planningpractice-guidance-for-renewable-energy replaced “Planning for renewable energy: a companion to 2015. • The Natural Environment White Paper 2011 guide to PPS22” confirms that the need for renewable • Creation of Local Nature Partnerships (LNP) in July • Defra Biodiversity 2020 Delivery Plan energy does not automatically override local 2012. LNPs were proposed in the NEWP to strengthen • New planning legislation and National Planning Policy environmental and heritage protections and the local action and to raise awareness about the service Framework including Green Infrastructure concerns of local communities and benefits of a healthy natural environment.

4 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 5 • The Solway Basin National Character Area (NCA) has of landscape is all embracing: ‘Landscape means an area, The natural outcome for the statement of purpose is to been published (2013) including an ecosystem service as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the pursue its aims through a management plan. Therefore the Plan Management review and the identification of Statements of action of natural and/or human factors.’ primary driver for this document is the statement of Environmental Opportunity purpose. The ELC promotes landscape protection, management and planning, and European co-operation on landscape issues. Having due regard for the purpose of AONB designation is The ELC is the first international convention to focus a provision of the CRoW Act (2000), Section 85 places a

Part One specifically on landscape. duty of regard on all bodies undertaking work within AONBs. Therefore this Management Plan is a useful tool It applies to all landscapes, towns and villages, as well as for public bodies to support AONB purposes. open countryside; the coast and inland areas; and ordinary or even degraded landscapes, as well as those that are The AONB Unit has a dual role, one as a delivery team for afforded protection. The Convention was reaffirmed as various management plan actions, but also as a

co-ordinator to ensure joined up asset management by One Part being part of the Defra delivery framework through the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Following various bodies influencing change in the AONB including Natural Environment White Paper June 2011. this initial legislation over 60 years ago, AONBs have Government Agencies, Local Authorities and NGOs to received varying management and a range of management It highlights the importance of developing landscape support the AONB and its purpose. Thus many solutions driven by Local Authorities. In 2000 the policies dedicated to the protection, management and Management Plan actions are not ‘owned’ by the AONB Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) created creation of landscapes and establishing procedures for the Unit, but their integration into the plan allows the sum of legislation for the better protection of AONBs. This new Act Management Plan general public and other stakeholders to participate in these actions, and how they deliver the outcomes the Ecosystem services consolidates and strengthens the 1949 Act concerning policy creation and implementation. AONB Unit seeks, to be seen. The Plan will reflect the AONBs, reaffirming the purpose of designation and What has nature ever done for us? Apart from providing requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework The UK is recognised as already putting many of the confirming the powers of Local Authorities to take food, jobs, wildlife, clean air and water, carbon storage, (NPPF) with regards to proposals put forward, for example, principles of the ELC into practice. For example, the appropriate action to conserve and enhance the natural flood relief, pollination, nutrient cycling, a tourism industry the impacts of agricultural land management should ensure National Character Area map of England has been in use beauty of AONBs. The following are the objectives of the and a ‘natural health service’? that the conservation and enhancement of heritage assets for nearly 10 years. Another example is the well-established relevant sections of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act as well as their setting will be referred to. The benefits derived from nature are often described as practice of using Landscape Character Assessment to 2000 with regard to AONBs: ‘ecosystem services’ and sustainable economic growth inform local policymaking. Local Authorities have the primary responsibility for the relies on them. Some products like food and timber have a conservation and enhancement of AONBs. The duty under Natural England is leading the implementation of the ELC Section 82 reaffirms the purpose of AONBs known financial value, but in other cases, we are only just section 89 of the CRoW Act, to produce a plan giving beginning to fully understand the benefits and value that are in England and has worked with Defra and English Heritage to produce European Landscape Convention: A framework Section 84 confirms the powers of local authorities policies for the management of the area, also falls on the provided, such as the role of bees in pollinating crops or to take appropriate action to conserve Local Authorities for the area covered by the designation. the storage of carbon in woodland and wetlands. for implementation in England: (215kb) , published in October 2007. and enhance the natural beauty of In the past Natural England, but now Defra, with the three Understanding the wide range of benefits provided to AONBs constituent local authorities, Cumbria County Council This framework seeks to further strengthen the protection, (CCC), Allerdale Borough Council (ABC), and Carlisle City society by the special landscape of the AONB and their Section 85 places a duty on all public bodies and management and planning of England’s landscapes, by Council (CaCC), provide both the foundation and the core value both in monetary and non-monetary terms can help statutory undertakers to ‘have regard’ to providing a structure for action plans that will be prepared by funding to maintain the AONB Partnership through the us design, plan and prioritise appropriate management the ‘purpose of conserving and all interested partners and stakeholders. It underpins a wide provision of a Staff Unit and a Joint Advisory Committee activity to ensure that our natural resources and systems enhancing the natural beauty of the area range of activities which, through public engagement and (JAC). The Staff Unit has produced this Management Plan are more effectively recognised, supported and valued in of outstanding natural beauty’ the future. stakeholder involvement, will lead to wider understanding revision on behalf of the three local Authorities. and appreciation of landscapes, including improved Section 89 creates a statutory responsibility for Many of the objectives set out in this Plan influence the knowledge and care, as well as a sense of inspiration, Local Authorities to prepare and publish 1.5 Management and Operating Framework management of land and natural systems to help sustain well-being and connection between people and place. and periodically review a plan which and improve the range and quality of benefits or ecosystem formulates their policy for the services that are provided. The Solway Coast AONB, along with other AONBs with their high concentration of environmental assets, is well management of the area and for the Appendix 4 categorises and describes the range of placed to deliver multiple government outcomes that relate carrying out of their functions in ecosystem services relevant to the AONB. to the natural environment, our national heritage and relation to it provision of ecosystem services. To deliver theses 1.3 National and European Landscape outcomes government policy needs to make asset preservation economically robust to market forces and The purpose of AONB designation is the conservation and Framework socially valued. The Solway Coast AONB can potentially enhancement of the natural beauty of the landscape. Government confirmed in July 2000 that, since the The European Landscape Convention (ELC) came into fulfil, either directly, or through the National Association of AONBs who lobby and influence government policy to landscape qualities of National Parks and AONBs are effect in the United Kingdom in March 2007 and is adopted equivalent, the protection being given to both types of area and promoted by the Council of Europe. The ELC definition ensure that policy aspirations which relate to natural beauty are deliverable. by the land use planning system should also be equivalent. The statement of purpose of AONB designation is: 1.4 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty ‘To Conserve and Enhance Natural Beauty’ What is an AONB? Our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are some of the finest landscape assets in the As described, the Solway Coast AONB JAC came into British Isles. This status is underpinned by a legislative being in 2002 and its structure and membership has framework for their protection and enhancement into the proven successful over the past 12 years. A number of future. small changes have been made to both the membership of the JAC and its constitution (working arrangements) over The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act the years to enhance its role as a governance structure (1949) provided for the designation of National Parks and and maintain it as ‘fit for purpose’.

6 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 7 The JAC is made up of representatives of organisations with integrate all partner/stakeholder activities in the AONB area To monitor condition we will identify a range of condition delivery of the actions identified in this Management Plan a particular interest in the area. They include Local with the ultimate goal of fulfilling the ‘Vision’. It is the Staff and direction of change indicators which can be used to provided as projects. Defra has provided funding for a Plan Management Authorities, Parish Councils, Community Groups, Statutory Unit and the Joint Advisory Committee that will monitor establish a baseline and measure change: Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) for the AONB. The Agencies and other public and voluntary sector progress and make the decisions about reaching the SDF has been a grant scheme managed by the AONB • Countryside and land-cover indicators organisations. The JAC was set up and constituted in 2002 ultimate vision for the AONB. Unit. It supported innovative and sustainable projects that and comprises 23 seats: • Cultural and vernacular indicators combined social, environmental and economic benefits to AONB Management Plans do not form part of the Statutory • Ecological and environmental indicators (purpose of the AONB. The fund, at present, goes to the Solway Part One Development Plan, but may contribute to setting the designation) Wetlands Landscape Partnership Project to provide a (2) Statutory Bodies framework for development by providing evidence and ‘Community Fund’ which gives funding towards Natural England • Socio-economic and quality of life indicators principles which should then be reflected in the Local sustainable community projects in the project area (some Environment Agency The Annual Review document published by the AONB Authorities’ Development Plans. of which is just outside the AONB). Local Government Elected Members (5) Partnership in December each year will describe measure Cumbria County Council (2) Where does this Plan fit into the wider policy and report on all of the indicators above. The Annual Part One Part Allerdale Borough Council (2) framework? Review is produced by the AONB Unit on behalf of the Carlisle City Council (1) The context or relationship of this Plan to other strategies Partnership and is signed off by the Joint Advisory Parish Council Representation (4) and plans is extremely important. The supporting Committee each year. Lead Groups documentation that underpins the Local Development Monitoring West One Oughterside & Allerby Framework (LDF) provides the primary focus for the AONB

Management Plan West Two Allonby Plan. This Plan will work as an informing document which A partnership of representatives from Natural England, East One Bowness on Solway will influence other plans but, and more importantly, it has Defra, the English National Park Authorities Association, East Two Burgh by Sands taken full account of the many policies, objectives and the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Town Council Representation (2) aspirations of the wider framework. Beauty and English Heritage is developing a Protected Silloth Landscape Monitoring Framework. This will provide a State of the AONB Maryport The Plan must also fit into the National Association for consistent means of monitoring some of the environmental Community (4) Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB) common outcomes that occur in protected landscapes, and which In 2008, as part of the 2004-09 Management Plan Review, Port Carlisle Community Group objectives. the wide range of relevant authorities and local people will the AONB Partnership commissioned a State of the AONB Lakes Area of Ramblers International, national, regional and local plans have all be helping to deliver via the Management Plan. As part of Report. For the first time the AONB Unit had a ‘baseline’ Action with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) influenced the Plan in some way and this makes it both this process useful National data on those environmental data set from which it could measure change and monitor Bowness on Solway Community Group relevant and alive and as aspirational as others. outcomes and local information will become available and condition within a range of subject matter pertaining to the Local Land Ownership & Management Issues (4) can be used as evidence as part of the Management Plan AONB. From the condition of SSSI, to the cost of housing, Friends of the Lake District A comprehensive review of the relevant local, regional and Reviews, e.g. State of the Environment Reports. to visitor spend, to land-use. This report has now been Senhouse Roman Museum national strategies and plans which influence this Plan can succeeded by a new ‘State of the AONB Report 2013’ and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds be found in ‘The Solway Coast AONB SEA Environmental Delivery of Management Plan Actions there is now information on which to inform progress in the Country Land & Business Association Report 2015’.The life of this Plan is five years and in that The measurement of success or otherwise regarding delivery conservation and enhancement of the AONB. Almost all of Tourism & Community Sector (2) time change is inevitable whether on a small or large scale of Management Plan objectives entails performance the subject matter is contained within this Report, however Cumbria Tourism and the forces for change can be many and varied, from indicators once again. However, the measurement this time only part of it is directly influenced by the AONB Solway Coast Volunteer Group European and National legislation to changes in local can be simple or complex. On the one hand delivery of a Partnership. partner priorities. Whatever the driver, the AONB simple project such as the design and publication of a leaflet Issues and Forces for Change Partnership must be flexible but must always concentrate by the AONB Unit is in the hands of the Partnership. In this Further to the JAC, the AONB is guided by a Technical on the successful delivery of the plan and, equally as context both delivery and performance can be directly The main forces for change that have operated in the past Officer Steering Group made up of officers from the three important, to maintain the Partnership. The Plan both attributed to the AONB Partnership. Alternatively, a project and are likely to continue to shape the landscape of the Local Authorities and officers from Natural England, covers the direct delivery lead by the AONB Unit but also supported by the AONB Unit such as a partnership approach AONB are listed below and drive our theme objectives and Environment Agency and Solway Firth Partnership. This the work of the partners with the AONB Unit providing a to a common theme may be compromised in both delivery policies. group supports the work of the permanent staff unit. co-ordinating role. All of the 46 AONBs are part of the and performance by a member organisation. This situation • Natural Processes AONB Family and all share the same objectives under the cannot be directly attributable to the AONB Partnership. The Staff Unit comprises the AONB Manager (FT), Assistant influence of NAAONB. • Climate Change (including changes in temperature, sea AONB Manager (PT), Community Volunteer Coordinator (FT) To avoid any misunderstandings and to provide a SMART level, storminess and rain fall patterns) and Administrator (PT). Also there is the Solway Wetlands How will progress be measured? scoring system, the AONB Unit must identify the external Development pressures, particularly: Landscape Partnership Scheme (SWLPS) staff The Solway Coast AONB Partnership has two priorities threats to each of the actions and factor them in as part of • Renewable energy accommodated in the AONB Office (until 2016) comprising; with regard to plan delivery progress and how it is the monitoring and reporting process. This approach is SWLPS Project Manager (FT), SWLPS Learning and measured. Actions driven by the plan must be monitored embedded in the Action Plan matrix in section three of this • Housing and industry Community Officer (FT), SWLPS Wetlands Officer (FT), within the context of SMART (Specific, Measurable, plan. • Leisure and tourism SWLPS Administrator (PT) . The AONB Partnership is core Achievable, Realistic and Timely) outputs and the • Traffic and transportation (both journeys and funded through Defra, Allerdale Borough Council, Cumbria Core Funding subsequent success of the actions must be measured infrastructure upgrades) County Council and Carlisle City Council. The AONB against the condition of the AONB. Core funding is provided by Defra and the three Local Partnership (JAC) is hosted by Allerdale Borough Council Authorities. It covers the cost of running the AONB Staff • National Grid Developments which acts as the ‘Accountable Body’ for the AONB To fulfil this need, we will: Unit and delivery of the core functions as stipulated by Defra • Nuclear Waste containment Partnership. They provide financial management, • Assess progress and achievements made against the (see Appendix 2). The funding and governance Agricultural and land management, particularly employment facilities and accommodation on behalf of the Action Plan Targets for each year arrangements are outlined in the current Memorandum of changes affecting: AONB Partnership. Agreement (MoA), updated in 2006. This was replaced • Confirm Action Plan activities and targets for the year during 2011 by a new agreement outlining the new working • Ongoing intensification of agricultural systems ahead whilst incorporating unfinished actions from the Who is this Plan for? arrangements between Natural England, Defra and the • Tree and hedgerow management previous year It is the Solway Coast AONB Partnership that will own, constituent Local Authorities. • Water body extent and water quality • Identify new areas of action based upon partner steer, and facilitate the implementation and review of this Project Funding • Habitats and species Management Plan. The wider partnership is inclusive of all activities or new forces for change • Setting to historic sites stakeholders within the AONB and, as such, all have a say • Keep the Action Plan under review over the five year life Funding will be sought from a range of sources to fund • Farm based renewable energy installations in its delivery. The plan will also inform, influence and of the Plan

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habitats and lowland raised bogs of intertidal, coastal and inland habitats hedge bound fields with sunken lanes and narrow roads ridges and sandy beaches heath e y g e n v i • Internationally • Very • Rich • High • Culture • Large • Long • Large • Extensive • Vast three three National Parks - parts Dales of and the the Yorkshire Peak District and the whole of the Lake District make up this Four resource. AONBs are also comprising represented Forest of Bowland, Arnside and Silverdale and Solway Coast and a small part of North Pennines AONB which runs into Cumbria. Solway Coast AONB is completely in Cumbria and • Dynamic • The The AONB in its Local and Regional Setting The North West of England Region consists of Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cumbria and Agriculture Agriculture is the dominant type of land-use. Pasture for beef and lamb dairy, production, both as grazing and grass silage, is the primary crop. Arable agriculture is confined to maize, now a major crop, with some rape and vegetables. Characteristic small fields with ‘kested’ hedges sometimes associated with drainage ditches create a mosaic pattern in the landscape. Settlement character is extremely varied from linear villages with space between dwellings, as at Burgh by Sands, to closely assembled and attached cottages and farms like those in Some Bowness on Solway. villages reflect their establishment or growth periods where their can architecture be attributed to styles; fine examples are the Georgian façade at Port Carlisle and Victorian These buildings contrast in starkly Allonby. with Anthorn village and its Ministry of Defence utilitarian style Building architecture. fabrics are both local, such as beach cobbles and clay dabbin, and imported, and create a non- uniform character across the area. In general, the most important landscape features of the area are as follows: • Large r r f u n S i

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59 3: 2: Entries on the National Heritage at Risk Register 2014: World World Heritage Site: Conservation Grade Grade Listed Buildings: Grade 1: resource. resource. Grazed saltmarshes are present in an unbroken ribbon throughout the inner estuary area and, as such, are internationally important. They provide feeding and roosting areas for ducks, geese, swans and waders that over-winter on the estuary in internationally important numbers. Part of nationally rare natterjack the toad AONB’s population uses the saltmarshes. An almost unbroken tract of sand dunes, much of it designated as SSSI, forms the coastal fringe of the western section of the AONB. The Solway Coast has a nationally significant archaeological and historical arguably resource, the most important of which is the internationally designated Frontiers of the World Wall Roman Empire - Hadrian’s Heritage Site. Other find-spots, features, buildings and clusters of sites are of representative Mesolithic and Neolithic settlement, the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman occupation and the Anglo-Scandinavian period followed by the Norman Conquest and its associated Monastic period, the Late Medieval, the Industrial Revolution and finally WWII and its airfields. The AONB has many heritage assets including : Scheduled Rockcliffe Rockcliffe to Maryport in West Cumbria. The town of Silloth, with its surrounding industrial areas and golf course, sits at the heart of the AONB but is not designated and splits the AONB into two distinct areas. The Solway Coast contains many locally nationally and internationally important features, some centring on landscape and others on wildlife and heritage. Many features are protected by designations and collectively they indicate the high heritage value and of underpin the area’s the need to protect and enhance it for future generations. The AONB contains areas of lowland raised mire which represent The AONB lies on the southern edge of the Solway Firth, a which large also intertidal forms estuary, the border between England and Scotland. The area has remained relatively unchanged in character since its designation and follows

in of km. Area sq. AONBs 46 115 100019596, Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Coast of of the one Number area is Solway an the Licence (AONB) covers it 1964, reserved. and Beauty rights All west December Natural the in in

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‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ The AONB is the statutory responsibility of Allerdale Borough Council, Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council. England, Wales England, and Wales Northern Ireland. It is the only AONB that is fully within Cumbria, it lies in a narrow linear strip along the Solway Firth coastline between Carlisle in the east and Maryport Outstanding The Solway Coast AONB contains a unique mosaic of coastal and pastoral landscapes set among a wide and low lying coastal plain and lying under the drama ever-changing of The the landscape dominant is sky. further enriched by the twice daily influence of the tide that in turn reveals the rich birdlife which use the estuary all year round. There is an emotive role played by the expansive and dynamic landscape which with the uniqueness of the historical landscape together give natural beauty of national value and fulfils the role for society in terms of sense of place, provision of tranquillity and nationally important habitats. The area is steeped in heritage from archaeological evidence of the Stone Age, through to Roman remains to Wall the associated airfields with of Hadrian’s WWII. the area is home Today to 13,000 residents who both live and work within the landscape and help maintain its unique cultural identity. Statement of Significance Designated 1.6 The The 1.6 Solway AONB Coast (Special Qualities) courtesy of Cumbria County Council Figure Figure 1. ©

Management Plan Plan Management Part One Part 10 Lake District National Park. In total, protected landscapes THE LANDSCAPE/SEASCAPE Figure 3. Superseded Landscape Character Types (1995) cover 4,177 sq. km or 29% of the region. Plan Management CLASSIFICATION & CHARACTER Solway Coast AONB The Solway Coast covers 115 sq. km of the Cumbrian Landscape/Seascape Character Assessment landscape and over 5% of the northwest regional coastline. Fit with the previous AONB classification Figure 11: Solway Coast AONB It lies within the boundaries of three Local Authorities Landscape Character Types The landscape types which were presented in the Solway namely Allerdale Borough Council (88% of area), Cumbria Key Coast Landscape (1995) and the Solway Coast AONB E Solway Coast AONB Part One County Council (100% of area) and Carlisle City Council Management Plan 2010-2015 are listed below. Some of Outer study area (12% of area).To the north, and sharing the intertidal E these types are very general and do not convey the Solway Coast AONB LCT expanses of the Solway, lies Scotland, with the international A: Inner Firth Intertidal Flats and Saltmarsh differences and variations that can be found within the A B: Outer Firth Beaches and Dunes boundary existing as a set of map coordinates, reflecting D specific areas within the types of landscape under C H C: River Floodplain and Marshy Grasslands G the mid- point, rather than a physical feature in the E consideration. These have been reviewed as part of an D D: Coastal Mosses landscape. updated Landscape Character Assessment (LUC 2010). One Part E: Coastal Plain Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site is contiguous with The new classification uses more descriptive names and E F: Drumlinised Lowland Farmland C G: Undulating Coastal Farmland H Solway Coast AONB as it straddles its east to west coast subdivides the character types into areas to bring out H: Coastal Town and Urban Fringe D Solway Coast AONB linear corridor. Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail stretches differences. Landscape/Seascape 15km into the eastern end of the AONB from Beaumont to E Character Assessment B Figure 11: Solway Coast AONB Landscape Character Types Bowness on Solway where it begins/ends. England Coast Previous and new Solway Coast AONB types F F the UK in March 2007 and is adopted and promoted by C Management Plan Path (NE) stretches from Maryport to Allonby in the AONB the Council of Europe. The new AONB-wide LSCA Key (2014) and by 2017 should stretch to Gretna, around recognises the importance of all landscapes and E Solway Coast AONB 100km in length. The international Special Area of Existing Types Updated Types Outer study area seascapes and includes appropriate guidelines for their E Solway Coast AONB LCT

Conservation (SAC) and Specially Protected Area (SPA) G A: Inner Firth Intertidal Flats and Saltmarsh protection, management and future planning. The study A designations that cover the estuary system are continuous COASTAL MARGIN SEASCAPE/INTERTIDAL B: Outer Firth Beaches and Dunes 0 1 2 4 Km area includes the extent of the AONB, but also considers D with the Scottish side of the Solway. Also SAC lowland C H C: River Floodplain and Marshy Grasslands those areas of land and sea which constitute the ‘setting’ • Type A: Inner Firth G • Open sea and river E D raised bogs which extend landscape character beyond the Intertidal Flats and D: Coastal Mosses of the AONB. Source: Land Use Consultants channels H E: Coastal Plain AONB boundary. Saltmarsh Seascapes and Intertidal Landscapes. • Foreshore E F: Drumlinised Lowland Farmland • Type B: Outer Firth C G: Undulating Coastal Farmland Date: 21/09/2010 • Saltmarsh H Revision: 4 Beaches and Dunes H: Coastal Town and Urban Fringe The Solway Coast AONB seascapes comprise extensive • Sand dunes D Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265 areas of both the Inner and Outer Solway Firth. This • Cliff File: S:\4800\E4808 Solway Coast AONB LCA\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\4808-01_013_Solway_Coast_AONB_LCT_A3_v4.mxd LOWLAND LANDSCAPES dynamic and changing coastline includes flats, intertidal B Figure 4.F Updated Landscape Character Areas (2012) • Type C: River F creeks, sands and saltmarshes, and is bounded in places MOSSLAND C Floodplain and Marshy by shingle bays, sand dune systems and low earth cliffs. • Raised Peat Bog Solway Coast AONB The transition between land and sea is marked by beach Grassland Landscape/Seascape • Type D: Coastal Character Assessment and dune systems, generally along the west coast, and AGRICULTURAL LAND Figure 12: Solway Coast AONB Mosses G Landscape Character Areas the mudflats and saltmarshes of the more sheltered • Improved pasture and • Type E: Coastal Plain 0 1 2 4 Km Key northern areas of the Inner Firth. arable land Solway Coast AONB • Type F: Drumlinised E5 • Rough pasture Outer study area A2 Solway Coast AONB LCA The setting of the AONB Lowland Farmland Source: Land Use Consultants H Type A: Inner Firth Intertidal Flats and Solway CoasAt1 AONB E5 Landscape/Seascape Saltmarsh • Type G: Undulating A4 A1, Rockcliffe and Burgh Marshes Open areas within the AONB and wider area afford Character Assessment Coastal Farmland Date: 21/09/2010 A2, Eden Channel D2 FigRuerveis io1n2: :4 Solway Coast AONB A3, Moricambe Bay panoramic views south to the Lake District fells, including E1 Landscape Character Areas C1 H1 A4, Nith Estuary and Blackshaw Bank • Type H: Coastal Town G2 E2 Type B: Outer Firth Beaches and Dunes Skiddaw, and of the hills of Dumfries and Galloway, seen Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265 D1 B1, Middle Bank to Dubmill Point File: S:\4800\4808 Solway Coast AONB LCA\GandIS\Themes\A rcGUrbanIS9\4808-01_013_So lwFringeay_Coast_AONB_LCT_A3_v4.mxd Key across the Solway Firth, particularly Criffel. B2, Dubmill Point to Maryport E5 Solway Coast AONB Type C: River Floodplain and Marshy A3 Grasslands E3 Outer study Far5ea C2 C1, River Eden Floodplain B1 A2 Solway Coast AONB LCA Low lying inland landscapes C2, Whitrigg Marsh and River Wampool H2 Type A: Inner Firth Intertidal Flats and E5 Floodplain A1 Saltmarsh C3, River Waver Floodplain A4 D3 A1, Rockcliffe Fan4d Burgh Marshes For comparison the landscape and seascape classification C4, Holme Dub Inland mosses and raised mires contrast with improved A2, Eden Channel 1.7 Landscape and Seascape Character and C5, Black Dub D2 E4 A3, Moricambe Bay for the AONB and the landscapes which fringe the area is E1 C3 Type D: Coastal Mosses pasture, enclosed by hedges and ‘kests’. Open areas of C1 H1 A4, Nith Estuary and Blackshaw Bank G2 D1, Drumburgh Moss Type B: Outer Firth Beaches and Dunes mapped on Figures 11-12 and listed below. The Landscape E2 D1 D2, Bowness Common and Glasson Moss Setting the raised mires, gentle rises in the landscape of the B1, Middle Bank to Dubmill Point F1 D3, Wedholme Flow F3 B2, Dubmill Point to Maryport coastal plains and the hilltops of the rolling and undulating Character Types have been sub-divided into the component Type E: Coastal Plain C4 Type C: River Floodplain and Marshy A3 E1, Bowness to Boustead Hill F5 Grasslands The character of the Solway Coast AONB is the product of character area units of the Landscape. E3 E2, Cardurnock Peninsula lowland hills afford panoramic views. Settlements have C2 C1, River Eden Floodplain B1 C2, Whitrigg Marsh and River Wampool E3, Newton Arlosh and Kirkbride C5 physical, ecological and human influences. The landscape developed along the coastline, including the seaside H2 Solway Coast AONB Floodplain E4, Mawbray C3, River Waver Floodplain E5, Rockcliffe and Mossband D3 LandscFa4pe/Seascape has a strong unity of character which is greatly influenced resorts of Silloth and Allonby. Seasonal tourism is Character Assessment C4, Holme Dub Type F: Drumlinised Lowland Farmland B2 G1 F2 C5, Black Dub F1, Abbeytown to Edderside E4 Figure 12: Solway Coast AONB by the proximity of the sea, and yet has considerable important to the area and some of the coastal villages are C3 Type D: Coastal Mosses F2, Maryport to Aspatria Landscape Character Areas D1, Drumburgh Moss F3, Wigton and Bromfield variation within it which creates local diversity and popular destinations for holidays and retirement and D2, Bowness Common and Glasson Moss F4, Aikton and Orton F1 Key F3 D3, Wedholme Flow 0 1 2 4 Km F5, Fingland and Kirkbampton distinctiveness. The landscape as a whole is characterised Type E: Coastal Plain Type G: Undulating Coastal Farmland people ‘escaping’ Carlisle. Birds and flora attract visitors E5 Solway Coast AONB C4 E1, Bowness to Boustead Hill G1, Allonby H3 Outer study area by coastal and estuarine features such as beaches, sand to nature reserves such as Campfield Marsh RSPB E2, Cardurnock Peninsula G2, Burgh-by-Sands and Beaumont Solway Coast AONB LCA A2 E3, Newton Arlosh and Kirkbride Type H: Coastal Town and Urban Fringe C5 Type A: Inner Firth Intertidal Flats and Source: Land Use Consultants dunes, saltmarshes and low cliffs; contrasting agricultural E5 E4, Mawbray H1, Kingsmoor and Cargo Reserve and Bowness Common and Glasson Moss A1 Saltmarsh E5, RockcliDffea taen: d2 1M/0o9s/s2b0a1n0d H2, Silloth A4 A1, Rockcliffe and Burgh Marshes land and mosses; the diversity of the flora and fauna; and National Nature Reserves. The landscape of the Solway Type F: DruRmevliinsiiosend: 3Lowland Farmland H3, Maryport G1 A2, Eden Channel B2 F2 F1, Abbeytown to Edderside D2 A3, Moricambe Bay the typical settlements and buildings. Coast has a rich historic and cultural heritage closely Reproduced fromE O1rdnance Survey information with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265 F2, Maryport to Aspatria File: S:\4800\4808 Solway Coast AONB LCA\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\4808-01_012_SolCwa1y_CoastH_A1ONB_LCA_A3_v3.mxd A4, Nith Estuary and Blackshaw Bank G2 F3, Wigton and Bromfield Type B: Outer Firth Beaches and Dunes E2 D1 F4, Aikton and Orton linked to its historical position as a ‘frontier’ landscape on B1, Middle Bank to Dubmill Point In 1995 the Countryside Commission published ‘The F5, Fingland and Kirkbampton B2, Dubmil0l Poin1 t to2 Marypor4t Km the border between Scotland and England. Evidence of a Type G: Undulating Coastal Farmland Solway Coast Landscape’ (CCP 478) on behalf of Solway Type C: River Floodplain and Marshy A3 G1, Allonby F5 Grasslands H3 E3 G2, Burgh-by-Sands and Beaumont long and historic land use is seen in the field patterns, C2 C1, River Eden Floodplain Coast AONB. As this became dated, in 2009 the AONB B1 C2, Whitrigg Marsh and River Wampool Type H: Coastal Town and Urban Fringe such as ridge and furrow on the grazed marshes, and the H2 SoFuloroced:p Llaaind Use Consultants H1, Kingsmoor and Cargo commissioned an updated Landscape and Seascape C3, River Waver Floodplain H2, Silloth D3 F4 Date: 21/09/2010 medieval pattern of ‘infield’ and ‘outfield’ farming linked to ReCv4is, iHono:l m3e Dub H3, Maryport Character Assessment (LSCA) for the AONB and its C5, Black Dub E4 the agricultural improvements brought by the Cistercian Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The ControllerC o3f Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265 Type D: Coastal Mosses File: S:\4800\4808 Solway Coast AONB LCA\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\4808-01_012_Solway_Coast_AONB_LCA_A3_v3.mxd setting, updating and improving the earlier work. The D1, Drumburgh Moss monks of Holme Cultram Abbey. D2, Bowness Common and Glasson Moss European Landscape Convention (ELC) came into effect in F1 F3 D3, Wedholme Flow Type E: Coastal Plain C4 E1, Bowness to Boustead Hill E2, Cardurnock Peninsula E3, Newton Arlosh and Kirkbride C5 E4, Mawbray 12 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ theE5, RSolwayockcliffe and M oCoastssband AONB Management Plan 13 Type F: Drumlinised Lowland Farmland G1 B2 F2 F1, Abbeytown to Edderside F2, Maryport to Aspatria F3, Wigton and Bromfield F4, Aikton and Orton

0 1 2 4 Km F5, Fingland and Kirkbampton Type G: Undulating Coastal Farmland G1, Allonby H3 G2, Burgh-by-Sands and Beaumont Type H: Coastal Town and Urban Fringe Source: Land Use Consultants H1, Kingsmoor and Cargo Date: 21/09/2010 H2, Silloth Revision: 3 H3, Maryport

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265 File: S:\4800\4808 Solway Coast AONB LCA\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\4808-01_012_Solway_Coast_AONB_LCA_A3_v3.mxd movement of larger • The lush rye-grass is grazed by sheep and cattle in SEASCAPE sediments such as gravels. some areas, whilst others are characterised by rough Plan Management Landscape Type A: Inner Firth Intertidal Flats and Saltmarsh • Large scale dramatic grazing, rushes and scrub. Landscape Character Area A1 Rockcliffe and Burgh Marshes landscape of • A dense network of streams, ditches and creeks dissect Landscape Character Area A2 Eden Channel undeveloped flats and the areas, usually intensively managed and with eroded Landscape Character Area A3 Moricambe Bay open water, with open river banks in places. Landscape Character Area A4 Nith Estuary and Blackshaw Bank skylines and long views Part One • Development is confined to the outer fringes of the area Landscape Type B: Outer Firth Beaches and Dunes over the Solway firth to as the land rises above sea-level, where dispersed Landscape Character Area B1 Middle Bank to Dubmill Point the Scottish coastline and Criffel mountain farmsteads are scattered, along the margins of the Landscape Character Area B2 Dubmill point to Maryport (Allonby Bay) • Visually and aurally dynamic seascape characterised by former wetlands. LOWLAND LANDSCAPES sights and sounds of the sea, lapping water and large • An open, flat landscape, contrasting with the undulating Landscape Type C: River Floodplain and Marshy Grassland numbers of birds that feed on the flats, notably waders

and rolling topography of the farmed lowland hills and One Part Landscape Character Area C1 River Eden Floodplain • Large and open expanses of intertidal sand flats opening drumlins surrounding it. Landscape Character Area C2 Whitrigg Marsh & River Wampool Floodplain out to the open sea and backed by shingle and pebble • Fen peat soils are characteristic in the dubs and upper Landscape Character Area C3 River Waver Floodplain beaches and dune systems to the south and mudflats along reaches of the broad and gentle river valleys. Landscape Character Area C4 Holme Dub more sheltered northern stretches of the coastal fringe Type D: Coastal Mosses Landscape Character Area C5 Black Dub • ‘scaurs’ or pebble patches are distinctive along the The Mosses or raised mires centre Management Plan Landscape Type D: Coastal Mosses beaches and support mussel beds and honeycomb worm on the Cardurnock peninsula Landscape Character Area D1 Drumburgh Moss reefs providing important feeding grounds for wading where Bowness Common and Landscape Character Area D2 Bowness Common and Glasson Moss birds. The scaurs have a glacial origin and a stable rocky Glasson Moss cover an area of nature that contrasts with that of the wider sandy Landscape Character Area D3 Wedholme Flow 1080ha. In the west of the substrates of the intertidal areas allowing the development Landscape Type E: Coastal Plain AONB, Salta Moss covers around of different and distinctive intertidal communities Landscape Character Area E1 Bowness to Boustead Hill 46ha. Two other large areas of Landscape Character Area E2 Cardurnock Peninsula • Small linear towns and villages along the coast raised mire lie just outside of the Landscape Character Area E3 Newton Arlosh and Kirkbride • Visibility of Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth AONB at Wedholme Flow and Landscape Character Area E4 Mawbray Sand dunes Drumburgh Moss. Landscape Character Area E5 Rockcliffe and Mossband • Mobile dunes form at the landward interface of the Raised mire Landscape Type F: Drumlinised Lowland Farmland vegetated shingle ridges by deposition of wind-blown • Low lying raised mires, raised by peat formation above Landscape Character Area F1 Abbeytown to Edderside sand the surrounding land, comprising flat or slightly Landscape Character Area F2 Maryport to Aspatria • Dune slacks contain some ephemeral freshwater ponds undulating hummock-hollow mosaics, including water Landscape Character Area F3 Wigton and Bromfield and pools pools, marsh, moss, reeds and fringing wet woodland, Landscape Character Area F4 Aikton and Orton usually birch, heather and purple moor grass grow in the • Dune heath or heather dominated areas occur behind the Landscape Character Area F5 Fingland and Kirkbampton drier areas mobile dunes where acid soil conditions prevail due to the Landscape Type G: Undulating Coastal Farmland underlying boulder clays and the leaching of sandy soils • Sharply contrasting with adjacent improved grasslands Landscape Character Area G1 Allonby • Dune grasslands grow on the alkaline shelly sands and • Dynamic landscape changing colour with the seasons, Landscape Character Area G2 Burgh-by-Sands and Beaumont soils and contain a rich variety of herb species and time of day and weather Landscape Type H: Coastal Town and Urban Fringe orchids • Sense of remoteness and tranquillity, absence of Landscape Character Area H1 Kingmoor and Cargo • The rare natterjack toad is resident throughout the dune settlement and intrusion Landscape Character Area H2 Silloth system • Landscape supports rare assemblages of deep peat Landscape Character Area H3 Maryport • SSSI status for Silloth and Mawbray Dunes and the with sphagnum mosses and many acid loving plants Grune • Important habitat for specialised wading bird species Seascape/Intertidal Landscapes – Key features • Open, flat expanses of saltmarsh, transitional to the flat Type C: River Floodplain and Marshy Grassland • Long views to the Lake District, across low-lying coastal plains, mosses and enclosed farmland of the Areas of low lying, mosslands and attributes inland areas flat floodplain, marshy • Increasingly promoted as an attraction for visitors to the Type A: Inner Firth Intertidal Flats and Saltmarsh • Large scale of the landscape with expanses of tidal flats grassland and improved area pasture follow the This area falls within the extending towards open sea and the skylines of • Designated as SSSI and SAC courses of the River Waver, Intertidal Flats and Coastal Dumfries and Galloway Wampool and Eden and Type E: Coastal Plain Marsh sub-types in the • Open skies and sense of space the glacial basin of Black The coastal plain areas are Cumbria Landscape • Saline tolerant species often grazed by sheep and cattle Dub, Holme Dub and included mainly as sub-type 2c Character Assessment. with sights and sounds of large number of birds Crummock Beck Coastal Plain in the Cumbria This document was • The Estuary is designated as SSSI, SPA, SAC and Landscape Character produced by Cumbria Some areas are backed by low cliffs, e.g. Crosscanonby area. Ramsar Assessment. County Council in 2011 These areas are reclaimed from other wetter habitats. and is divided into two Type B: Outer Firth Beaches and Dunes The key characteristics of the River Floodplain and Marshy Low lying farmland occurring parts; part 1 is the Cumbria Landscape Character guidance Occurs throughout the open coastal area, the eastern section Grassland type are: along the coastal fringes of the LCA study area, along the West coast and through the and part 2 the Cumbria Landscape Character Toolkit. has more channels and has finer deposits due to the low • Low lying, flat areas of floodplain and wet pasture, with northern areas bounding the Inner Firth. • Dynamic character influenced by the state of the tide energy tidal regime characteristic of the inner estuary. The some areas of grazed marsh, which follow the course of and changing with the longer term cycle of erosion and seascape and intertidal estuary environment here within type rivers that flow into the firth. • Large, flat, open landscape, with a strong relationship to B differs from the inner Firth environment of Type A, being the coastal margins and the rural farmland of the plains deposition • Enclosure is partial and irregular, with fencing and closer to the influences of the open sea. The western section occasional, fragmented hedges, creating an open • Wind sculpted trees lining roadsides, including avenues • Large expanses of fine sands and mudflats dissected by has open sea and is more characteristic of a traditional landscape with long views along flat river valleys. of beech dendritic creeks and channels seaside landscape with high wave and tidal energy providing

14 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 15 • Coastal pasture predominates, enclosed by ditches and winding becks that run through the area. SETTLEMENTS salt-marshes and raised mires along with the England Management Plan Management hedgerows planted on raised banks (kests), with a • Distinctive wide and sunken lanes, that are former Coast Trail ‘spreading room’ distinctive pattern of small inner fields and larger outer Settlements within the AONB are strongly associated with drove roads, run through some parts of the farmland, • Natural England Coastal Path along the coast from Allonby fields and long narrow strip fields the coastline and rivers. Where settlements do not conform with clear edge profiles of ditches and raised banks to Whitehaven (Maryport as end of the AONB stretch) • Historic villages, such as Newton Arlosh, Kirkbride and to this pattern they are usually associated with major roads, topped with hedges, locally known as ‘kests’. Ferns Tranquillity Mawbray are clustered within coastal pasture and closely and wild flowers grow in the hedgerow bottoms and disused canals and railways, farmsteads or Hadrian’s Wall. related to the field patterns, with traditional buildings of • The AONB generally is mapped as a ‘most tranquil’ area Part One ditches. Settlements cobble, sandstone and ‘clay dabbin’ with the level of tranquillity decreasing slightly in the • There is a coastal outlook from some of the northern • Most of the larger settlements have a strong linear form southern area of the AONB along the coast from Silloth • Sandstone gate stoops and western sections, with views out across the either influenced by the coastline or an adjacent highway to Maryport. The impact of the roads on tranquillity is Solway seascape, although views are often contained • Open views to Lakeland Fells and over to the Scottish • The settlements in the eastern section have clear clearly seen by the varied undulating landform and the network of Hills seaward frontages with some development behind hedges planted on banks. Significant features • Sunken roads often winding across more linear roads • The establishment of villages is extremely varied from One Part • Varied mixtures of architectural styles and building • Hadrian’s Wall, contemporary defences of the Cumbrian those with 12th Century origins to those developed Type F: Drumlinised Lowland Farm materials, with thatched roofs, ‘crook’ barns, and long coast, remains and earthworks (Mileforts and Vallum) through new ports and latterly by WWII airfields The Drumlinised Lowland houses built of ‘clay dabbin’ found in the historic • Elizabethan Sea Dyke at Skinburness Buildings Farmland is the most settlements. Farms often have large sheds and • Salt extraction sites on saltmarshes and behind open extensive character type in outbuildings. • There is a complex mixture of vernacular styles from beaches

Management Plan the study area. Large areas fortified stone buildings to ‘cruck-roof’ based structures • A variation in tree cover across the different character • Carlisle canal lie predominantly beyond the • Fortified farm houses or ‘Bastles’ are common in the areas according to coastal exposure, with the • Railway buildings, bridges and cuttings AONB boundary to the hedgerow trees and small copses being important Borders area and the AONB has one at Drumburgh south and southeast and • Ministry of Defence wireless array (15 masts) near features in areas with sparse tree cover. • Fortified churches can be seen at Burgh by Sands and play an important role as the Anthorn • Views inland over series of rolling ridges to the Cumbria Newton Arlosh setting of character areas • Robin Rigg Turbines in the Outer Firth high fells, which rise up in the far distance to the south • Longhouses, clay dabbins and cruck roofed dwellings Solway Coast AONB within the AONB. Landscape/Seascape and southwest. are scattered around settlements and farmsteads across Character Assessment • A deeply rural, agricultural landscape, with green Historic Landscape Characterisation • Tranquil and peaceful areas of farmland, less exposed the landscape Figure 8: Historic Landscape pastoral fields divided by hedgerows draped over the Character Solway Coast AONB and open than the adjacent coastal plains. • The only large country estate at Castletown near Landscape/Seascape rolling drumlin landforms. Key Character Assessment Figure 8: Historic Landscape Rockcliffe has an associated ‘Hall’ type dwelling Solway Coast AONB • Predominantly agricultural land, intensively managed for Type H: Coastal Town and Fringe Character Outer study area • Building materials are extremely diverse from shoreline Key grazing and silage production with some arable crops. Lying outside of the AONB Unenclosed coast cobbles to dressed stone, brick and clay. Many Solway Coast AONB • Large regular, geometric fields of parliamentary boundary, but in close Unenclosed land Outer study area buildings, especially multi-phase farm settlements have a Monastic sites Unenclosed coast proximity to it, are the larger Unenclosed land enclosures are interspersed with older field enclosure Planned enclosure range of fabrics Monastic sites patterns of medium sized irregular fields and long narrow settlements of Maryport, Railways • Roofs are usually covered in slate or sandstone pan-tiles. Planned enclosure strip fields. Silloth and an area of urban Recreation Railways fringe west of Carlisle Some reed thatch still survives Settlement Recreation • Distinctive wide and sunken lanes, that are former drove Woodland Settlement Woodland between Kingmoor Nature • Architectural influences are typical of the northwest Extraction roads, rise up and down across the farmland, with clear Extraction Reserve and Rockcliffe coastal area where single storey longhouses hug the Former common arable Former common arable edge profiles of ditches and raised banks topped with topography and the settlements tend to be two storeys Intakes Intakes • Low-lying areas, generally flat and open in character. Roads hedges, locally known as ‘kests’. Ferns and wild flowers Roads with the upper floor as part of the roof apex and Water Water grow in the hedgerow bottoms and ditches. • Linear settlements with old centres and a wider range Designed landscapes probably added at a later date Designed landscapes of development types surrounding them, or areas of Deer parks • Varied mixtures of architectural styles and building Built environment • The village of Port Carlisle has Georgian terraces, and is Deer parks urban fringe with loosely dispersed developments of Built environment Ancient enclosures materials, with thatched roofs, ‘crook’ barns, and long the product of early 19th century investment into the port different types. Ancient enclosures houses built of ‘clay dabbin’ are found in the historic associated with the Carlisle canal; it is a peculiar and settlements. Farms often have large sheds, outbuildings • Settlement cores and facades are characterised by quirky feature in the area 0 1 2 4 Km and slurry tanks. distinctive architecture styles and building materials, • Allonby has some notable Victorian buildings and was including the Georgian and Victorian facades fronting 0 1 2 4 Km • Tranquil and peaceful areas of farmland, less exposed developed during that period as a spa-style resort Source: Cumbria County Council and influenced by the coastal setting and more onto the sea in the seaside resorts of Maryport and Silloth. • Recent building styles have taken away much of the Date: 20/09/2010 enclosed than the adjacent coastal plains, with views to Source: Cumbria County Council Revision: character of the villages with modern bungalows Lakeland Hills. • Hard, man-made forms shape the shoreline and the Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265 providing infill and boundary expansion FFigureile: S:\4800\4808 Solway Co ast5. AONB LCA\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\4808-01_014_HLC_A3.mxd coastal edge of the settlements of Maryport and Silloth. Date: 20/09/2010 Type G: Undulating Coastal Roads, Footpaths and Waths Revision: • Urban fringe areas comprise a disparate collection of Historic Landscape Characterisation has taken place for This landscape occurs Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265 development with very mixed land uses includingFile: S:\4800\4808 So lway Coast AONB LCA\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\4808-01_014_H• LC_A3.mx Droved roads or sunken lanes with high hedge kests are Cumbria at a County wide scale. A range of historic immediately inland from the airfields, allotments, caravan parks, and railway sidings common landscape types have been defined and historic landscape coast from the Inner Firth on the fringes of Carlisle. • Extant, derelict and in-filled ponds occur along highways; character areas have been developed. The AONB forms part area to the Outer Firth area. of the Solway Plain character area. This extends from the • Rich historical interest, including industrial heritage and most are within settlement boundaries • Deeply rural, agricultural coast from near Carlisle to Crosscanonby and inland towards archaeological sites associated with the Roman frontier. • Estuary crossing points known locally as ‘Waths’ are landscape, with green the A596. It also forms part of the Ellen and Marron Valley • Vast seaward views out across the Solway Firth, large unmarked and shift with the movement of estuary pastoral fields divided by sediments Character area south of Crosscanonby. More information hedgerows, hedgebanks and drainage ditches. skies with changing colours and moods depending on can be found in the Guide to Cumbria Historic Landscape • Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, Hadrian’s Cycle Route, weather and seasonal changes. Characterisation Database for Cumbria’s Planning • Predominantly agricultural land, managed largely for the Cumbria Coastal Way and the England Coast Trail all • Small areas of agriculture interspersed with Authorities. grazing and silage production with some arable crops share the highways and byways of the AONB and occasional copses and woodland plantations. development at the edges of the settlements and areas The following section (Section 2) deals with real and • A large Public Rights of Way network criss-crosses the of open mown grass within the settlements themselves. anticipated forces for change that impinge upon the • Medium sized enclosures are interspersed with areas of landscape many parts of which follow sunken lanes and • Views to the offshore wind farm at Robin Rigg, visible landscape of the AONB, some forces are perceived as older field enclosure patterns of medium to small sized field boundaries irregular fields, contained by the undulating landform and across the open horizon. having a negative effect and others positive. Whichever way • Open access areas include a selection of sand dunes, they fall they need objectives, strategies and plans for action.

16 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 17 Ecologically and culturally, development. It also has an important role to play in Plan Management the whole Solway, English the AONB including wind turbine proliferation, tidal guiding the management of changes and trends, and in Part Two and Scottish, is a single barrage research entity and traditionally there so doing, protecting, managing and planning the quality has been much connection of the landscape and seascape character. Part 1 described the context of this Management Plan across the Solway, not just in terms of its landscape, designation, management The Cumbria Landscape Character Guidance and Toolkit around the head of the and where the Plan sits within the local, national and also provides a way to inform planning decisions on all Part Two Solway. This has been lost major developments international framework. by the dependency on the Part 2 provides a more detailed description of each road network in recent landscape type and the forces for change acting upon decades and also politics. However, there is a need for a it. Wider considerations come later where the setting common Solway identity to put nature conservation, water Tranquillity is under threat due to increasing pressure Quiet Roads initiatives, calming measures and of the AONB, coastal issues, climate change and management, historic landscape and cultural identity into from noise and light pollution development planning for noise and light pollution other areas are considered. Finally, Part 2 explores the common context. TwoPart Small but significant increases in traffic has affected relationship between the AONB designation and the The Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the tranquillity of the AONB (noise and light) primarily rural economy, tourism, education and access. Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment was caused by the widening of the A74 M from Floriston published in 2010 and describes, in detail, the to Gretna and the Carlisle Northern Relief Road. More principal landscape elements that exist across the frequent use of gyrocopters and other motorised 2.1.1 Landscape AONB and which, either singly or in combination recreation add to loss of tranquillity

Management Plan contribute the unique character and quality of ‘’The Solway Coast AONB contains a unique the AONB and its setting (within 8 distinct mosaic of coastal and pastoral landscapes landscape character types, see Part 1 section 6). Loss of traditional land management skills such as set within a low and expansive coastal plain North Cumberland Style Hedgelaying training courses to The study area includes the extent of the AONB, North Cumberland Style hedgelaying, which is being restore Cumberland Style kested hedges are run on an and lying under the ever-changing drama of but also considers those areas of similar or replaced by mechanised flail cutting, is altering the annual basis lead by the AONB Partnership keeping skills the dominant sky. The landscape is further matching landscape and seascape character around landscape, denuding the area of hedgerow trees and alive. Agri-environmental schemes are a mechanism to enriched by the twice daily influence of it, so that it can be seen where landscape/seascape creating a manicured field boundary pattern. support future management guarantees the tide that in turn reveals the rich character areas extend over the boundary, as well as birdlife which uses the estuary all year those areas of land and sea which constitute the Standard trees in hedgerows are disappearing and 1 round’’ ‘setting’ of the AONB. Thus, developments such as are not being replaced creating lower horizons The simple and subtly changing landforms renewables and visible developments can be across the AONB. Each farm has a different way of within the AONB reflect the effects of glacial considered. flailing hedges and as such there is a lack of continuity of styles creating discord across the and post-glacial erosion and deposition on the Natural England has recently reviewed its Natural shaping of the landscape. The resulting natural Character Area profiles (NCAs). The AONB forms part of agricultural landscape landscape and its ability to retain water has, in turn, the Solway Basin NCA although the NCA area extends Loss of traditional sandstone gateways (gatestoops) influenced the pattern of settlement, constraining the Gatestoop replacement projects will enable promotion of beyond the AONB boundary. There is a great relevance of due to neglect/mega farm mechanisation traditional boundary furniture activities of the early settlers and the ways in which they the NCA ‘’Statements of Environmental Opportunity’’ to this utilised the natural resources of the area. 2 Management Plan. 3 (link:) The landscape has been greatly modified by the actions of The character of the Solway Coast landscape is intricately Increased road signage and road markings and road Quiet Roads initiatives, calming measures and human communities, most significantly by land drainage linked to its coastal setting, its historical cultivation and urbanisation development planning for noise and light issues from the Neolithic period to the modern industrial era and landuse and as a ‘frontier’ between Scotland and England. Through AONB seeking opportunities to share signage plays a significant role in the formation of its local identity. It The deeply rural setting of the AONB, which due to its Loss of traditional cast iron highway signs which are where possible, reducing clutter. has been created from a mix of cultural, social, economic, isolation has remained relatively unchanged and undisturbed being replaced by modern aluminium signs. Posts historical, geological, and ecological features. Today it is in character, contributes to the strong sense of remoteness are being shared by a proliferation of smaller plates Encouraging PC and the Highways Authority to extremely fragmented but retains its identity as a large which is fundamental to the character of the area. for cycle routes, walking routes, etc. Concrete kerbs collaborate to replace and restore cast iron highway signs scale wetland. and other highway hardware is particularly eye Specific issues that affect the significance of the AONB are: catching in a rural setting. The majority of the AONB, around 55%, is farmland, natural processes; climate change; development pressures; including arable. Raised mires cover a further 10% and the leisure and tourism; traffic and transportation; agricultural The accumulation of windfarms, wind clusters and Reducing the carbon footprint by achieving reductions in remaining 35% are areas such as saltmarshes, sand change; land management; nature conservation; habitats single turbines are creating a ‘windscape’. This is greenhouse gas emissions will help to reduce the degree dunes, rivers, settlements and highways. and species; and the fabric and setting of historic sites. increasing around the Solway Firth in general with and impact of climate change. This can be achieved Scottish developments being outside the scope of through increasing energy efficiency, e.g. using Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts the English planning process. The higher than appropriate forms of renewable energy, reducing car use average wind resource is being exploited by and using public transport, purchasing locally sourced developers across the area. Tidal barrage research food and services. Change in Climate is driving changes in The Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership was created continues in the estuary with a view to developing To provide impetus to locking environmental carbon agriculture, affecting the water balance of the to restore lowland raised mires making them more robust to major schemes. mosses, influencing shoreline and coastal erosion, change. After the project, the legacy of the remaining through sequestration within the biota, habitats and and saltmarsh features partnership will continue to restore the Solway’s wetlands landforms of the Solway Coast. Wetter warmer winters are bringing increased Agri-environment (AE) schemes have been secured on Promote renewable energy sources that are storminess and rainfall creating erosion, water- Local Authority owned land that are designated SSSI’s complementary to AONB character logging (standing water in fields), though a portion dunes, raised mires and Nature Reserves are all in the of this is oversize farm machinery causing soil scheme. Work with partners to forward plan and prepare Overhead power and telecommunication wires and Continue to underground overhead wires with Electricity compaction creating poor drainage adaption strategies in order to accommodate future change poles are intrusive in the flat open landscape North West and identify new areas for the next 15 years including the overhead high voltage wirescape Use of the Cumulative Impact of Vertical Infrastructure around the Eden estuary. Inappropriate developments impacting on the The Solway Coast AONB Landscape and Seascape information (Cumbria County Council in partnership with landscape and its management, close to and Character Assessment 2010 creates a basis upon which Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, et al) within the AONB boundary, affecting the scenic to comment upon planning applications helping us make beauty and the skylines and views into and out of informed decisions and responses regarding Landscape Objective 1: To ensure that the distinctive character and qualities of the Solway Coast AONB landscape and seascape are understood, 1 AONB (2009) Solway coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2010-2015 2 The Solway coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment 2010 conserved, enhanced and restored. 3 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/solway_basin.aspx 18 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 19 Management Plan Management 2.1.2 Land Management Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts

The Farmed Landscape Uncertainty of incomes in farming caused by Influencing agri-environment scheme targeting and volatility in markets, the reform of the Common uptake. The economics of farm incomes on the Solway Coast Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the impacts of Implementing agri-environment schemes and farm Part Two reveals a marginal and ‘hand to mouth’ type of turnover, potential diseases diversification schemes that support management that low incomes and consequently less capital for reinvestment Farmers are growing sceptical that certain complements the AONB landscape and character is a real problem. A large majority of farms are livestock subsidies will be withdrawn based with dairy, beef and lamb being the dominant Use of Environmental regulation, and Environmental product and the small amount of arable being cereals for Between 2000 and 2009 there was a consolidation of dairy Impact Assessment (EIA) to prevent damaging change winter stock feed as well as increasing prevalence of

production into fewer, larger but more intensive holdings TwoPart maize. The whole of the Solway Plain is heavily cropped for and was probably initiated by the devastating effect of Foot Insecurity of farm incomes driving farm Implementing agri-environment schemes and farm grass-silage. The intensification of stock numbers and and Mouth Disease in 2001 which resulted in many farm diversification for economic sustainability. diversification schemes that support management that modern methods has resulted in the production of more businesses making a switch from dairy to meat production. complements AONB character. silage and slurry, which requires adequate storage, slurry Farm diversification is evident in a variety of forms being a valuable fertilizer when applied at the correct time. Between 2000 and 2009 Defra data indicates a broadly such as tea rooms, accommodation, etc. While Influence Rural Development Programme investment Nitrate vulnerable zones limit slurry spreading in winter so stable agricultural land use with the exception of ‘other some diversification can reinforce the landscape strategies for the AONB its boundaries and setting Management Plan crop types’ which increased and this is likely to be driving a need for long periods of slurry storage. This need character other types of investment can have Influence development planning with Local Authorities has been met by the installation of larger slurry tanks and attributable to the increased use of maize which is also an damaging impacts, such as wind turbines silage clamps and some farms have created cooperatives efficient way to get rid of large volumes of slurry in the Raise the priority attached to landscape impact and Driven by the need for low carbon energy sources and are jointly running bio-digesters to provide fertiliser and spring. landscape damage where large wind installations are and associated Government policy the proliferation energy. Farming occupies around 55% of the AONB’s area concerned Over recent decades a change in sheep management has of farm based wind turbine applications to off-set and there are 85 farm holdings. In 2006, the area was 65% occurred on the Solway with increased numbers in winter electricity costs and to provide income from selling with 134 holdings. In 2010, there were 209 people as a consequence of ‘off-wintering’ of sheep from nearby the excess electricity employed in farming within the AONB, of these, 119 were upland areas. Changes in agricultural policy have caused full-time farmers. some changes in stock management; for example loss of Changes in farming patterns, linked to sustainability some subsidies, and an increased need for movement Use of Environmental regulation, and Environmental Agriculture is the dominant land use of the Solway of certain crops could lead to landscape character testing of cattle, have led to a decrease in cattle numbers Impact Assessment to prevent damaging change landscape. Pastoral systems are most common but there change with biodiversity affected. is a small amount of arable land resulting in the retention of in some areas. This has an effect on the summer grazing of Support populations of farmland birds on land under a mixed farming landscape. The vast majority of agricultural some marshes which in-turn affects their vegetation An example of this could be due to further arable management using AE to support area (73.8%) is grass (temporary and permanent) and is structure. intensification of livestock management affecting used for grazing. A further 5.8% is classed as rough the way agricultural land is managed. One example Future cessation of Environment Agency maintenance of grazing. 13.6% is used for crops, mainly spring and winter of this is the creation of grey partridge habitat land drainage pumps on naturally water-logged land may barley, maize and wheat. Woodland comprises only 2.4% along field edges, however, if this is combined with result in the establishment of an Internal Drainage Board of the agricultural land, 1.9% of the AONB. Away from the mature hedgerow trees avian predators are likely to (IDB) to oversee water level management in the near future open coast a landscape pattern characterised by the impact on the population but will be dependent upon landowner cooperation. Even presence of relatively small square or narrow fields, with with the establishment of an IDB farming economics may Splitting of farmsteads from farmland, or generally maintained boundary hedges sometimes with result in decreased levels of water level management in consolidation of dairy farms may be unsympathetic associated ditches, reflect the evolution of the landscape some areas with the consequent wetting up of areas of to the landscape over time. marginal farmland. However, a wider water management Farming has been a major influence on the development of partnership providing an opportunity for new visions, the Solway Coast landscape, with the raised mires, managed change and new partnerships should bring Larger farms, isolated farm houses and larger herds Influence Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) or Rural saltmarshes and sand dunes being subject to different lasting improvements. with their needs for winter layerage, slurry tanking Development Programme (RDPE) priorities to provide management regimes which in turn have shaped their and silage clamping for winter fodder. rural business development Woodland cover on the coastal plain is minimal with trees Intensification results in decreasing numbers of in varied characters. All of the land has been modified in Promote cooperation between landowners where this being largely restricted to occasional hedgerow standards, field stock with an increasing level of stock some way, in general to supply the need for agriculture can aid sustainability (for example in maintaining fringes of raised mires and river valleys. Low woodland permanently kept indoors and more mechanically whether for livestock or arable use. biomass digesters) cover increases the expansive and open feel to the managed grassland. The majority of farms within the AONB are dairy and landscape in the flatter parts of the Solway Plain. lowland livestock grazing and this has remained the same Summer grazing on the marshes by livestock, provides for many years (at least since 1990 from when data is Influencing agri-environment scheme targeting and inland grasslands to be managed for silage production. Loss of traditional field boundary skills, hedgelaying, available). The figures do, however, show a continuing uptake The marshes thus provide an important agricultural asset and removal of hedges can lead to landscape decline in the number of holdings involved in dairy farming. supporting dairy and meat production as well as the character change, with larger fields and fences as Implementing agri-environment schemes and farm intertidal and floodplain grazing marsh being the most boundaries. Flail cutting taking out trees denude the diversification schemes that support management that extensive priority habitat for wildlife in the coastal parts of field patterns of mature trees complements AONB character the Solway basin. Hedges are declining and are being replaced by post Use of Environmental regulation, and environmental Many species of birds are associated with the agricultural and wire fences. Cumberland style hedgelaying is impact assessment to prevent damaging change landscape during the breeding season, including lapwing, only used sporadically around the AONB. The use of skylark, grey partridge, corn bunting (now locally extinct) mechanical flails is increasingly creating a highly Promotion of Land Management skills training and yellow wagtail but all have declined in number across groomed look to field boundaries with different Support populations of farmland birds on land under the area in tandem with agricultural intensification in the landholdings often cutting in different styles arable management through appropriate hedgerow latter decades of the 20th Century. However, non-breeding The loss of traditional sandstone gatestoops management and uncultivated margins providing nesting wintering migratory species such as pink-footed goose, continues to increase as they are damaged by locations barnacle goose and whooper swan which use pastures, heavier and wider farm implements and tractors. stubbles and saltmarshes in the winter have increased their numbers significantly in recent years.

20 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 21 land ownership and are based on the Medieval stint system

2.1.3 Intertidal Saltmarshes Plan Management that is based on ‘headage’ (stock numbers) rather than Loss of wildlife diversity and wildlife corridors and Implementing agri-environment schemes and farm and associated Mudflats land area with the stinted rights on different marshes habitats due to any of the above and uptake of AE diversification schemes that support management historically linked to individual Parishes. The salt marsh and Schemes to counter it is important. that complements AONB character Summer grazing on the marshes by livestock is an intertidal systems are of important agricultural asset supporting dairy and meat AE Schemes can combat these changes but need Influence targeting and uptake of AE schemes national and international production Part Two to be tailored to reflect all key features identified importance and provide an within Farm Environmental Plans including the Use of Environmental regulation, and Environmental Impact Assessment to prevent damaging change area of high tranquillity that The marshes are priority habitats and support nationally overarching aim of supporting landscape quality have a remote and and regionally important populations of many species. The within the AONB. Support populations of farmland birds on land under isolated feel and are away few un-grazed marshes tend to be more diverse in coastal arable management through appropriate hedgerow from the major transport plants while natterjack toads are associated with the more management and uncultivated margins providing routes. These marshes are a component of three of the five tightly grazed marshes. In the inner Solway marshes there Part TwoPart nesting locations Natura 2000 sites in the AONB. Known as the ‘Upper are areas of erosion and deposition, but as a whole there Solway Flats and Marshes’ they are designated as Special has been an increase in salt marsh extent, this is most Conservation Areas (SAC) (as the Solway Firth SAC), prevalent in the inner most part of the Solway to the east of Increased prevalence of tree pests and crop pests, Use of Environmental regulation, and Environmental Special Protection Area (SPA), RAMSAR site and also as a Bowness-on-Solway, where Rockcliffe marsh has both from global trade, climate change and import of Impact Assessment to prevent damaging change Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). expanded and risen in response to sediment deposition. diseased material

Management Plan Monitor to provide an early warning and allow The salt marshes of the Solway estuary provide an On the salt marshes of the inner Solway the grazing regime Locally invasive species are an increasing issue remediation before impacts are realised unbroken ribbon around the inner estuary, some form is important for maintaining the grass sward height for with Himalayan balsam a particular issue along narrow fringe areas and others are extensive, such as wintering wildfowl (swans, geese and ducks) and breeding river courses. (This is also an issue in other areas in those at Rockcliffe and Newton. The areas are generally waders (lapwing, redshank and oystercatcher). As well as later sections) grazed with cattle during the summer months and sheep their importance for biodiversity the marshes perform an The situation is getting worse with the spread of brought down from the surrounding uplands during the important role in providing coastal protection, carbon known species increasing as is the list of new winter, both wander freely on the unenclosed marshes but sequestration and storage (through retaining organic matter invasive species. The resistance of invasive species are moved according to the tides. On smaller marshes and carboniferous material), food provision, sense of place to clearance measures cannot be under estimated. grazing is managed by ‘marsh committees’ separate from and tranquillity. Combining the high cost of eradication alongside the fecundity of these species makes intervention Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts a priority.

Changes in agricultural policy have caused some Retaining grazing systems that provide the conditions for changes in stock management, for example loss of Policy shifts affecting the management of Use Agri-environment schemes and farm key species and allow the natural development of the some subsidies, and increased need for movement agricultural drainage infrastructure including diversification schemes to manage change marshes, and managing recreational use, will be agency withdrawal from watercourse maintenance, testing of cattle, have led to a decrease in cattle important in maintaining the value of the marshes into wetting up of agricultural land for AE schemes and Promote awareness of AONB and biodiversity duties numbers summer grazing on the marshes the future. lack of an Internal Drainage Board. The activity of to a new IDB should it be established. subsequently affecting their vegetation structure Implementing agri-environment schemes that help with wetland restoration is driven by changes in water- the perpetuation of traditional land management level management policy and economics systems. Withdrawal of the EA funding to provide a pumped Influence targeting and uptake of AE schemes land drainage scheme on the southern edge of the AONB is providing a debate on what the value of Use of Environmental regulation, and Environmental this land is for society. Landscape in general is A number of species characteristic of the coastal Impact Assessment to prevent damaging change likely to be subject to change when the issue is zone have seen declines in recent years, in combined with climate change and predicted particular breeding waders on the saltmarshes, and Gaining a better understanding of causes of change will increased rainfall. wintering waders on the intertidal flats. However, allow for adaptive future management. species such as barnacle goose and whooper swan Policy drivers such as Biodiversity 2020, Water Frame- have increased. work Directive and Natura 2000 targets are likely to see Where agriculture is present on peaty soils, Promotion of sustainable and carbon sensitive the continuation of a programme of restoration of semi- intensive management can often result in the farming regimes that are economically viable. natural habitats, particularly wetland and coastal habitats, reduction of stored soil carbon through peat of which there is an exceptional coverage in the AONB wastage and soil erosion, particularly where land is Conserve the Inner Firth Intertidal Flats for nature ploughed for grassland reseeding or arable conservation for SPA/SAC status and possibly restore cropping. areas of reclaimed farm land to marshes where possible

Policy drivers such as Biodiversity 2020, Water Frame- Along the saltmarsh coast there may be an incre- work Directive and Natura 2000 targets are likely to see Farming Objectives ased dynamism of coastal processes ,with sea level the continuation of a programme of restoration of semi- Objective 2: To ensure that sustainable farming practices become the primary means by which the distinctive farmland rise and exacerbated storminess causing floods natural habitats, particularly wetland and coastal habitats, of which there is an exceptional coverage in the AONB landscapes and qualities of much of the AONB are maintained Objective 3: To ensure that the skills required to care for the traditional landscape and its special qualities are appreciated Conserve the Inner Firth Intertidal Flats for nature and increased, with opportunities to acquire and develop such skills made available to all conservation for SPA/SAC status and possibly restore drained farmed areas to marshes where possible Objective 4: To ensure rural land management, which conserves and enhances natural resources, including biodiversity, landscape character and the historic environment, and which aids public enjoyment of the AONB is supported and Seeking management which supports saltmarsh function promoted as a regulator of coastal process

22 20 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 23 Management Plan Management Saltmarsh sediments and soils (3% of the area) Policy drivers such as Biodiversity 2020, Water Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts may be lost to coastal erosion, including from sea Framework Directive and Natura 2000 targets are likely level rise. At present there is a net accretion of salt to see the continuation of a programme of restoration Coastal processes have caused modification of Encourage integrated designation management to help marsh soils in the area fed by material delivered to of semi-natural habitats, particularly wetland and coastline with some areas subject to erosion and ensure the objectives of differing designations do not the Solway estuary both by rivers (alluvium) and coastal habitats, of which there is an exceptional others deposition. Erosion along the coast from conflict with objectives for the Outer Firth Beaches and coastal processes. coverage in the AONB Part Two Dubmill to Beckfoot has reached a point where hard Dunes. defence of the coastal road has been undertaken. To Monitoring changes in sea level and coastal erosion to the south there are a number of points where erosion Seascape/Intertidal Landscape Character Type B: Outer Developments such as tidal barrages in the Solway determine any trends or patterns; and to manage the is approaching the coast road. Further north coastal Firth Beaches and Dunes (LCSA 2010) Estuary would create visible effects and alterations process of realignment and allow natural processes to defences have been strengthened at Skinburness. Appropriate management would be linked to seeking long to the hydrology of the estuarine intertidal flats and act as stated in the shoreline Management Plan 2, if Grune Point, the northernmost point on the outer term sustainability including opportunities to adapt in

marshes TwoPart appropriate Solway, continues to realign in response to accordance with SMP policy modification of sediment supply with erosion of the Use of Environmental regulation, and Environmental western shore and deposition on the east. Impact Assessment to prevent damaging change Increases in coastal dynamism due to the impacts of Encourage integrated designation management to help Influences such as the Marine and Coastal Access Respond to the requirements of legislation such as the climate change including, variously increased ensure the objectives of differing designations do not

Management Plan Act, may require modifications for a long distance Countryside and Rights of Way Act and Marine and erosion and deposition along tidal water courses, conflict with objectives for the Outer Firth Beaches and coastal access route and may affect key species. Coastal Access Act to promote development of the frequency and intensity of storm flooding events, will Dunes. Seascape/Intertidal Landscape Character Type B: Influences of the Shoreline Management Plan 2 will coastal access route whilst ensuring its development have far reaching impacts including risk to coastal Outer Firth Beaches and Dunes (LCSA 20100) influence management recommendations affecting and implementation is in line with the landscape historic assets (saltpans, Roman Cemetery) and the intertidal landscape management of the marshes for all its key features. community demands for coastal defences around settlements and infrastructure. Loss of coastal car parks due to increased storms Work with PCs and landowners to close informal car Saltmarsh Objective and erosion parks but maintain main car parks Objective 5: To ensure the effective conservation and management of the saltmarsh habitat for its unique character, specialist species and role regulating coastal process. Access to the dunes and foreshore for recreation/ Working with PCs, landowners and key user groups to fisheries/travellers can create issues if not done ways of managing access that supports legitimate and sympathetically for both other users and nature traditional land use without causing conflict with the 2.1.4 Sand Dunes conservation. character and nature conservation value of the dune system. Fringing the outer Solway Firth an extensive coastal dune and ‘pinch points’ occur along the length of the dunes where hard Discourage groups of travellers from settling along the heath system is situated along the southern section of the engineering has been deployed to protect the highway dune areas. AONB including stretches designated as Silloth Dunes and infrastructure from loss due to wind and tidal erosion. Mawbray Banks SSSI and the Grune Dunes which are part of Ensure the sections of the Hadrian’s Cycleway on the dune the USF&M SSSI and Solway Firth SAC. To the south the People enjoy dunes for summer recreation and this has an Increases in recreational access by foot, through areas are sensitive to the archaeology dunes also extend beyond the SSSIs to Allonby Bay. undoubted effect on the fragile dune system. As dunes are Open Access and the Coastal Path, and cyclists primarily created from vegetated unconsolidated sands they along the Hadrian’s cycleway and other access types Work with PCs and landowners to close informal car parks The Silloth Dunes and Mawbray Bank SSSI extend for about can be damaged very easily by human interventions such as (e.g. fishery, travellers) may increase dune erosion but maintain main car parks 8km from Silloth in the north, to Dubmill Point in the south, and may have an impact on tranquillity, sensitive cars, motorcycles and even footfall from walkers. This in turn Respond to the requirements of legislation such as the excluding the narrow area around Beckoot. It covers 0.79% species and archaeology can compromise the resistance of the dunes to tidal energy Countryside and Rights of Way Act and the Marine and of the AONB. 41.4% of the SSSI is in unfavourable/recovering which can eventually lead to flood breaches and the Coastal Act to promote the positive development of a long condition. subsequent damage to infrastructure distance coastal access route whilst ensuring its The areas of acidic dune grassland and inland. development and implementation is in line with the heath are of particular note, as they In recent years the dune system of the landscape management of the dunes for all its key features. comprise the second best example of outer Solway Coast has seen a decline Monitor access to mussel fisheries through the dunes so this rare and restricted habitat in in direct damage caused by that no further erosion occurs Cumbria. There is a rich diversity of unmanaged access, such as by Discourage groups of travellers from settling along the dune and maritime heath plant and vehicles, allowing stabilisation of sand dune areas. animal communities and the protected dunes. However, recent declines in natterjack toad and great crested newt coastal grazing have also seen Higher Level Stewardship of Allerdale owned land on the have breeding sites within the dunes. changes in vegetation to those The SSSI status needs to move towards favourable dunes (2012-2022) will be used to support the manag- The SSSIs and non-designated dunes associated with grazed systems, so condition ement of the dune grasslands and until appropriate and form one dune series which is one of more rank grasses, gorse, invasive sustainable management techniques are found to restore only three sand dune systems in north species such as ragwort and other appropriate levels of grazing, mechanical grass cutting will and west Cumbria. shrubs have invaded the heath and dune grassland areas. be undertaken. This will continue to conserve the dunes The dune system as well as the salt marshes of the inner Open access land along the Solway coast, includes a large and heathlands for nature conservation ( reflecting their Solway act as a natural sea defence in that they absorb and proportion of the sand dune coast. Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway improving SSSI status) dissipate tidal energy thus protecting inland areas. This and Cumbria Coastal Way are long distance routes which dynamic system also helps to trap sediments so increasing also cross the area. This has also been one of the first areas Some overhead electricity lines and poles still affect Continue to work in partnership with Electricity North West the level and extent of sand dune and salt marshes providing in the UK to receive formal Coastal Access provision of views to the dunes SSSI and from the dunes inland in undergrounding more 11kv overhead lines to improve enhanced natural protection as they increase in height or England Coastal Path within a section from Allonby to to the fells visual amenity. expand seawards. Maryport Coastal squeeze is significant with the B3500 highway Access to the dunes and foreshore for recreation/fisheries/ creating an unnatural barrier to dune extension further inland. travellers can create issues if not done sympathetically for Objective 6: To ensure that organisations responsible for the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the As a consequence, where erosion dominates, a number of both other users and nature conservation dunes deliver appropriate actions and that the dunes are enjoyed sensitively by all users

24 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 25 Management Plan Part Two 27 and condition the improve Solway Coast AONB Management Plan and the protect to legislation Management Management to reduce carbon loss includes reversion of high risk arable land to pasture and management which promotes the return of organic material to the soil On some sites species may reintroductions be appropriate for specialist species to facilitate recolonisation, e.g. the Marsh Fritillary butterfly and increase public engagement with the sites Seek management of lowland wetlands and pasture that delivers benefits both biodiversity and sustainable farm business, in particular measures that support key species such as breeding waders, and reduces nutrient loading of watercourses. Work with local Planning Authorities to control inappropriate developments through through improved awareness make the mosses more widely valued for their biological and historical values Protecting Protecting and restoring lowland raised bogs by restoring appropriate hydrology for their biological value, their historical values as an archive of past environmental conditions and their value as a climate regulator by both securing the storage of carbon in peat and preventing its release as carbon dioxide and by enabling the sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (SWLPS) Restoration of peatlands will provide many environmental and ecological benefits as well as contributing significantly to reduction in local flood risk in downstream areas Restoration which of generally site involves hydrology, the removal of recently established woodland and scrub and work to block drains on the moss surface, would be expected to result in a freshwater buffer to any saline incursion. Protecting and restoring lowland raised bogs for their biological value, their historical values as an archive of past environmental conditions and their value as a climate regulator by both securing the storage of carbon in peat and preventing its release as carbon dioxide and by enabling the sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (SWLPS) Seeking sustainable management regimes that ensure areas of agriculturally managed peat are managed in the most appropriate manner In tandem with generally increasing awareness of the mosses and the valuable role they perform securing appropriate access provision to allow engagement with sites that is sympathetic to their character. Restoration of site hydrology which generally involves the removal of recently established woodland and scrub and work to block drains on the moss surface. Use ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ Pressures for Pressures renewable energy development including onshore and wind offshore farms and other large scale development which may change the views from the mosses, particularly extension of developed skylines along open and undeveloped land or sea horizons Increased flows in water courses and increased winter rainfall, contrasting with increased summer drying potentially result in damage to the raised mire systems, such as cracking, erosion and moorland type fires Possible increases in the salinity or incidence of sea water incursion to the edges and deep basal layers of the mosses due to sea level rise Drainage of areas of wetland moss, intensification of agriculture across areas which are already drained, demand for crops, different or changes in grazing regimes in response to increasing demands for food or energy crops Increasing visitor affecting pressure tranquillity and for example at biodiversity, Glasson Moss and Drumburgh Moss Changes in water quality influencing landscape for example through character, presence of higher levels of nutrients which could alter vegetation, or reed growth which may affect the extent of open water. Inappropriate scrub control and water pollution (discharges). : To ensure continued Objective creation, restoration 7: and To enhancement of new and raised restored mire habitat 87.5% happened Common recovering has or Bowness on restoration favourable in that this is so far So 63.8% SWLPS Moss the 1990’s. late Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts To protect and lowland restore raised To bogs for their biological and historical value through sustainable management The restoration and management of peat bogs has potential to reduce the loss of nationally important carbon storage capacity and reduce emissions from degraded peat soils. Increasing awareness of the biological, historical and carbon value of the bogs amongst the local community. outside the AONB but there is potential to further restore populations in the AONB. Peatlands are carbon rich and contribute greatly to the national carbon balance. When raised mires are in favourable condition carbon uptake through the burial of peat forming vegetation when is in considerable. However, unfavourable condition, through modified drainage, peat stripping or habitat succession as a consequence of damage their ability to both sequester and store natural carbon is compromised. This situation leads to a double negative whereby stored carbon is lost to the atmosphere and the mechanism for primary storage is also lost. The importance of these sites cannot be over emphasised both on nature conservation grounds and as natural carbon storage vaults. Current long range climate projections for the future 10 years and more, point toward wetter milder winters and drier warmer summers. This scenario could prove to be a climatic ‘perfect storm’ for these sites accelerating decline of damaged sites and as such the time is right to return them to their natural state through restoration. condition. However, the other condition. lowland However, raised mire in the AONB Salta Moss, remains largely in unfavourable declining condition due to inappropriate ditch management draining the site, pheasant rearing, inappropriate scrub control and water pollution (discharges). Visually the most extensive changes in recent years have been seen on some of the lowland raised mires where restoration has taken place with resultant decreases of secondary woodland cover and a directly related increase in wetland species. On the mire edges unimproved semi-natural grasslands have declined through the latter half of the 20th Century as agricultural management has intensified and sites have been subject to reseeding with the related increases in nutrient levels compromising the wetland habitats which once flourished adjacent to the mires. Conversely habitat restoration work has allowed some habitat specialist species to be such restored as the marsh fritillary butterfly which had declined to local extinction in the of the SSSI is in favourable or recovering condition; and on Glasson required to required function well with a minimum of drainage and complete vegetation cover. Little of the surviving lowland raised mire (SSSI) is in favourable condition because of past degradation. Historically conservation landowners have provided much valuable restoration work with much of this ‘good practice’ being passed onto surrounding landowners. As a result the larger mires are now being in restored a collective way through the around consequently and Solway Coast AONB Management Plan and on the fed found are rainwater are mosses mires largest raised four The Issues and Forces for Change Continued decline of sites not subject to restoration with consequent loss of condition, species, carbon and resilience

‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ at the head of hydrological systems, acting as reservoirs and releasing their latent water slowly into the surrounding system. The mosses are able to hold which water for longer, good requires soil and vegetation management. Within the Solway Plain this is not the case where past hydrological interventions have been made to de-water peat land for reclamation as low-grade pasture. These ‘interventions’ continue to compromise natural hydrology and have a devastating effect on the flora and fauna of the bogs and their edge habitats and landscapes. Peat habitats are Cardurnock Peninsula: Bowness Wedholme Flow, Common, Glasson and Drumburgh Mosses (of which Bowness Common and Glasson Moss are in the AONB). The sites and their margins include a range of wetland types including raised bog, mire, reeds, heathland, fen open and water, some fringing wet woodland. The latter typically includes birch, alder and goat willow. Wetland and wet woodland habitats are of high biodiversity value and are rich in birdlife. The mosses provide a tranquil environment and are generally not very visible from the surrounding areas of coastal pasture due to their low elevation and screening by fringes of woodland. Large parts of the mosses are managed by Cumbria (CWT), WildlifeNatural England Trust (NE) and the RSPB, though others are still under private ownership. Several of the mosses have been subject to, and continue to be subject to, re-wetting’, to their restore hydrology and condition as wetland habitats for nature conservation, as have some surrounding pastures through reversion. Some of the species present are lapwing, reed bunting, curlew, and willow tit and the area is popular with bird watchers. The mosses are also enjoyed by visitors for their attractive semi- natural landscapes .The Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme (SWLPS) seeks to provide much of the improved access as well as facilities for visitors and some wetting up (reversion) projects. Unmodified 2.1.5 2.1.5 Lowland Raised Mires - Mosses Within the coastal plain a series of lowland raised bogs are present. Parts of the series are collectively designated as the South Solway Mosses Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with parts of the SAC also designated as National Nature Reserve (NNR). The SAC designation recognises the fact that the raised mires comprise the most intact and extensive series of sites in England, with their unique communities of peat-forming mosses, dwarf shrubs, cotton grasses, sundews, dragonflies and large heath butterflies. The mosses were once even more extensive across the Solway Plain, before being fragmented through drainage and improved for agriculture (low grade pasture). These large areas of rain-fed peatland form shallow raised domes of peat at a maximum depth on the Solway Plain of around 6.5m.

Management Plan Plan Management Part Two Part 26 Great-Crested Newt; recorded in the AONB and a number of

2.1.6 Biodiversity and Geodiversity Plan Management EU protected species 6 - Brown long-eared Bat, Common The Solway Coast AONB landscape is unique for several Porpoise, Natterers Bat, Pipistrelle Bat, Otter, Bottle-nosed reasons. Following the last ice age (Devensian) the area was Dolphin, Natterjack Toad and Great-Crested Newt. Fish cloaked in glacial deposits such as gravels, sands and species include Atlantic Salmon and Sea Lamprey. similar deposits described collectively as ‘Drift’. These There are also those plants and animals that are classified deposits have been scoured and modified by subsequent as invasive, non-native species. These fall into the opposite Part Two meltwater events, changes in sea level and coastal category whereby measures are being taken to try to processes These processes [plus post-glacial peat eradicate them from the AONB. Himalayan Balsam along formation] have created the basis for the generation of watercourses, and Japanese Rose within the sand dunes habitats and the species which inhabit them. The hand of are two such plants. Wildlife disease has been detected man has since modified the natural landscape through Species within the AONB one of which, chytrid fungus, impacts on a

drainage, woodland clearance and agriculture leaving us with priority species, the Natterjack toad. TwoPart Within the AONB there are a number of a patchwork of modified habitats. What is left is important to In recent years there has been a shift from site based policy The Outer Solway Firth is dominated by sandy beaches S41 Priority species present. Of these conserve and restore as it supports a range of distinctive to secure biodiversity to one that prioritises a landscape- and sand dunes, including both mobile and fixed dune there are eight species for which there features, habitats and their dependent flora and fauna. scale approach and which raises awareness of the types hosting a range of plant and animal communities. As is a Cumbria recovery plan (see The layer of designations designed to protect the areas important role biodiversity plays for society this is set out in well as their biodiversity these dunes provide the first line of Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan): habitats and wildlife is testament to their importance locally, the Natural Environment White Paper published in June coastal defence away from the coastal settlements and are Management Plan nationally and internationally. • Song Thrush, 2011 Outcomes will be delivered through actions in four an important recreational asset used for walking and golf. The area is exceptional for its biodiversity associated with a • Barn Owl, areas: The reefs and scaur banks of the outer Solway are • Long-eared Bat range of lowland habitats. These are important both in their • a more integrated large-scale approach to important in their own right but additionally provide a food own right, as key assets of local sense of place and in • Natterer’s Bat, conservation on land and at sea; resource for wintering waders, and they support a many cases as the support for other services. • Pipistrelle Bat, • putting people at the heart of biodiversity policy; commercial mussel fishery in years of high yield. The Solway Firth is designated as a Special Area of • Marsh Fritillary, • reducing environmental pressures; Little of the surviving lowland raised mire is in favourable Conservation (SAC) for its salt marshes, sand dunes, and • Natterjack Toad and • improvement of knowledge. condition because of past degradation, however, a number intertidal habitats and Special Protection Area (SPA) and • Great-Crested Newt In the short term the policy ambition focuses on 2020, of the larger mires are now being restored. Ramsar site for its populations of breeding birds and (also known as Warty Newt) which coincides with the end of this management plan. The farmland landscape of the AONB is also important for National outcomes are set out in “Biodiversity 2020: A wintering waders and wildfowl, including barnacle geese There are also six EU Habitats a suite of species in decline adapted to the agriculturally strategy for England's wildlife and ecosystem services" and whooper swans, whose daily movements between Directive ‘Annex II’ Species 5 – managed landscape such as grey partridge, tree sparrow and it is anticipated that protected landscapes will make a roosts and feeding areas are also an iconic feature of the Common Porpoise, Common S and barn owl. significant contribution to achieving its aims. landscape. eal, Grey Seal, Otter, Marsh Fritillary, Inland from the coast many of the series of lowland raised Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural bogs make up the South Solway Mosses SAC which Communities (NERC) Act (2006) include lists of habitats includes the most intact and extensive series of raised and species which are of principal importance for the Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts bogs in England, with their unique communities of peat- conservation of biodiversity in England commonly referred forming mosses, dwarf shrubs, cotton grasses and large to as ‘Priority Habitats/Species’. The following habitats and Policy shifts away from site-based approaches to Through the SWLPS and beyond work with AONB heath butterflies. In the East is the River Eden and species are considered to be characteristic of the Solway landscape scale delivery of biodiversity that link partners to align ambitions and maximise opportunities Tributaries SAC which extends far beyond the AONB with Coast AONB. core sites through a permeable wider landscape arising. from the suite of reserves that are such an its populations of salmon, otters, lamprey and beds of Habitats important component of the AONB landscape. water crowfoot. Current Biodiversity 2020 targets of 9% priority The following S41 ‘Priority Habitats’ are present Influence targeting and uptake of AE schemes so that the Priority habitats within the AONB include coastal and 4 habitat under favourable/recovering condition with within the AONB wider landscape is well managed for biodiversity, with a floodplain grazing marsh, salt marsh, lowland raised bog 50% favourable by 2020, and 90% priority habitat • Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh particular emphasis on areas that link core sites. and sand dunes as well as a number of other habitats. under favourable/recovering condition by 2020, and • Coastal Sand Dunes (including both Dune Grassland (Priority habitats within the AONB include 3014 ha of 17% of England under sustainable management is a Implementation/enforcement of policy and legislation, e.g. and Dune Heath) coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, 2694 ha of saltmarsh, huge driver for positive change as are WFD targets WFD, Designated Sites protection, Biodiversity 2020 • Lowland Raised Bog (and Lowland Heathland) 1136 ha of lowland raised bog and 260ha of sand dunes and the implementation of the Marine Coastal Act prioritisation to secure key outcomes as well as 1871ha of undetermined habitats from a total of • Coastal Vegetated Shingle with the potential designation of Allonby Bay and Extension of the Solway Firth SPA and designation of 9077ha). The area also supports nationally and regionally • Coastal Grassland (in sand dunes and maritime cliffs the potential extension of the Solway Firth SPA may Allonby Bay as a Marine Conservation Zone will further important populations of many species, such as natterjack and slopes) also be a driver for positive change increase and protect biodiversity toad, breeding and wintering waders, wintering wildfowl • Maritime Cliffs and Slope and coastal plants. However, others, such as farmland • Reedbed Characteristic habitats and some species are in Implementing agri-environment schemes that support birds, are associated with the wider landscape. • Lowland Fen decline or may be lost because of a range of sympathetic management across the habitats that Geodiversity • Saltmarsh factors including, changes in farming practices, underpin AONB character. The post-glacial geology of the area is important with • Mudflats climate change influences, poor management Influence targeting and uptake of AE schemes coastal features and terrestrial peats providing significant • Saline Lagoons techniques, development pressures from new Implementation/enforcement of policy and legislation, e.g. information about past climatic fluctuations and the palaeo- • Honeycomb worm reefs (Sabellaria alveolata) planning regulations on green and brownfield sites WFD, Designated Sites protection, Biodiversity 2020 environmental record .There are two SSSIs within the • Traditional Orchards prioritisation AONB – Upper Solway Flats and Marshes and the River • Wet Woodland Eden and Tributaries – which are designated partly for their • Purple Moor grass and Rush Pasture 5 "Animal and plant species of Community interest (i.e. endangered, vulnerable, rare or endemic in the European geological importance. The location and extent of Priority habitats within the AONB Community) whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation." There are also four Regionally Important Geological/ is available on the Natural England website but there is 6 The Conservation Regulations (1994) are the UK law that enacts the EU Habitats and Species Directive Annex 4 and 5, Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) in the AONB: Beckfoot- currently no information available on the condition of those which are respectively lists of "Animal and plant species of Community interest (i.e. endangered, vulnerable, rare or submerged forest; Rockliffe – sandstone outcrop; Swarthy habitats outside the designated SSSI series or whether endemic in the European Community) in need of strict protection. They are protected from killing, disturbance or the destruction of them or their habitat." and "Animal and plant species of Community interest (i.e. endangered, vulnerable, Hill – drumlin and raised beach profile; Dubmill Point and they are recovering or declining or remaining stable. Allonby – raised beach profiles. rare or endemic in the European Community) whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures. Member states must ensure that taking wild specimens and their exploitation is compatible with the species 4 AONB (Nature on the Map, http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/map.aspx?m=sssi being maintained in favourable conservation status."

28 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 29 2.1.7 Water Environment Plan Management AONB driven views on planning and development The Solway Coast AONB landscape is essentially a heavily control modified and fragmented lowland wetland. Over the past Ensuring appropriate SMP implementation 1000 years, since the establishment of a Cistercian Abbey Increasing awareness of sensitivities especially among and its ancillary trades and land uses, the area has been recreational users drained to provide agricultural land. Until recently the Part Two Develop programmes targeting Invasive Non-Native network of drainage channels, rivers and ditches have been Species (INNS) maintained by the Environment Agency through the understanding of the complex hydrology created through Securing actions such as retaining grazing systems piecemeal drainage schemes. However, since the that provide the conditions for key species and allow publication of the Catchment Flood Management Plan the natural development of the marshes and (CFMP) in 2005, the EA has reduced the extent of its TwoPart of semi-natural habitats, particularly wetland and coastal managing recreational use, will also be important in maintenance activities in rural areas. maintaining the value of the marshes into the future. habitats, of which there is a large coverage in the AONB. Within the Waver and Wampool river catchments and Key actions to restore raised mire sites will include the The combinations of low lying geography, high average adjoining smaller waterways both surface water and ground restoration of site hydrology which generally involves rainfall, areas of free draining soils and under surface drift water aquifers are used by agriculture and amenity users. the removal of recently established woodland and deposits, some of which are also free draining (sands and Around 504ha of farmland in the Waver-Wampool

Management Plan scrub and work to block drains on the moss surface. gravels), should provide high water tables in many areas. catchment is pump drained at present by the Environment On some sites species reintroductions may be Agency, some of which is in the AONB, but the formation of National measures implemented to improve water quality in appropriate for specialist species to facilitate a new Internal Drainage Board (IDB) by 2016 is proposed. recent years have included the upgrading of waste water recolonisation. Generally increasing awareness of the There are currently 4 pumping stations the EA wants to treatment facilities discharging into both the coastal waters valuable role these mosses perform through actively withdraw from any involvement with along with the and the river systems that feed the Solway. The ecological appropriate access provision would also be desirable. cessation of ditch clearing and dredging for solely status of river waters and estuaries is generally moderate It will be important to continue to allow dynamic agricultural benefit. Future work of this nature undertaken or poor. coastal processes, secure appropriate grazing regimes by the EA will be more tightly prioritised to protect property The AONB includes three designated bathing water and manage recreational access to the dunes if they and other infrastructure from flooding both tidal and riverine. are to continue to fulfil this varied role as biodiversity beaches (Silloth West Beach, Allonby Bay and asset, recreational asset and flood defence. Climate change is likely to be a major driver of change in Crosscanonby). In recent years two of these have passed the Solway Coast AONB, its low lying character and water quality standards however the third has experienced network of coastal and wetland sites are likely to be some failures which are attributable to nutrient loads There has been a drift to site based approaches Develop landscape scale initiatives, e.g. Nature especially vulnerable to change.(See NE CC Risk Model: following storm events. From 2015 bathing waters which are not effective in the long term to meet Improvement Areas and Landscape Partnership http://naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/climateandenrgy/ standards will be increased in line with European policy species needs. So there is the need for better site activity, such as the Solway Wetlands Landscape climatechange/vulnerability/nationalvunerabilityassessments. which may affect categorisation of AONB beaches. linkage and more permeable fabric of the Partnership Scheme, to create a wider scale of aspx) Marine litter is a problem with the Solway’s position at the landscape biodiversity improvement. Environmental policy drivers such as Biodiversity 2020, the head of the Irish Sea meaning that litter can be carried up This will move focus away from site based solutions Water Framework Directive and Natura 2000 targets are the Cumbrian coast as well as down the Eden and other toward site linkages and wildlife corridors. likely to see the continuation of a programme of restoration rivers.

There is still a limited knowledge about the overall Improve biological recording and use of record centre biodiversity resource of the AONB because of the Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts (Tullie House) for all species including non-native Issues and Forces for Change scale of the task and lack of recorders species Climate change projections suggest that the AONB Global changes influencing local climates cannot be Non-native species are appearing in the AONB and is likely to see increases in both summer and winter directly influenced by local measures. However, Improve awareness by identification training and not being targeted or eradicated temperatures, an increase in winter rainfall but a opportunities exist for local mitigation or adaptation to leafleting. decrease in summer rainfall, and an increase in the impacts. Opportunities arise through changes in land Raising awareness on marine non-native species number and intensity of storm events. Rainfall is management such as ‘wetting-up’ and other schemes across the whole Solway is being undertaken by the likely to be focused into fewer events of higher such as reversion, restoration and re-wilding. Solway Firth Partnership supported by the AONB intensity. Recent years have seen increased Mechanisms include AE schemes, WFD priorities and Partnership in England instances of flooding in the river systems. new policy/programmes eg Carbon credits. These will help by managing flows and supporting water quality WFD policy is a driver for change Sabellaria reefs are at risk from disturbance and targets. trampling by mussel and crab fishers though for Raising awareness of this sensitivity may be Securing sympathetic management of the diverse array many years there hasn’t been any commercial appropriate through the Marine Protected Areas of high quality wetlands both inside and outside mussel stock available due to size restrictions. The (MPA’s). The Allonby Bay Marine Conservation Zone designated sites including rivers, valley mires, lowland reefs however are adapted to natural cyclical (MCZ) would be appropriate for this approach and is raised bogs, coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, change in the dynamic coastal system. currently undergoing consultation as a Tranche 2 site reedbeds and fens to reinforce the AONB character; and support the provision of ecosystem service benefits

Objective 8: To ensure the conservation, enhancement, expansion and enhanced connectivity of habitats, creating resilient Inland wetlands are likely to experience lower Global changes influencing local climates cannot be ecological networks across the Solway Coast AONB and beyond with a focus on 2020 priorities summer water levels and consequent decreases in directly influenced by local measures. However, Objective 9: To protect the establishment and spread of invasive non-native species (INNS) and plant diseases, and where water quality, increases in CO2 emissions from opportunities arise through changes in land appropriate eradicate populations dried out peat, increased risk of flooding events in management such as ‘wetting-up’ and other schemes Objective 10: To ensure conservation and understanding of geodiversity and its importance in the landscape and low lying areas and a risk of saline intrusion into such as reversion, restoration and re-wilding. biodiversity of the AONB coastal fresh water wetlands Objective 11: To ensure the conservation and protection of Marine Protected Areas and coastal dunes and marshes

30 28 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 31 Management Plan Part Two 33 is many which in 1150, being in ‘Kirk’ founded name the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Abbey, the e.g. time, Cultram over Holme Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts village and town names. Non-scheduled features, including ponds, traditional field boundaries (kested hedges), saltpans, ‘clay dabbins’ and traditional farm buildings are all important and distinctive features of the historic landscape but which can be threatened by neglect, or under-management lack of consistent A recording. sense of how the land was sequentially adapted for agriculture over time is evident in the patterns of drainage ditches, hedgerows and stone- faced hedgebanks (kests). Oral and cultural traditions also provide a sense of history. In addition to place names, many of which are Viking and French in origin, the persistence of traditional fisheries maintains a direct cultural past. link Of to the area’s particular note is the tradition of ‘haaf netting’ for salmon in the river mouths of the Solway Firth. This technique has a Viking origin and language retains and Viking technology, equipment. There is also a shared nomenclature between many areas on the north and south sides of the Solway reflecting a common heritage despite movement of the national boundary just outside Much the of AONB the boundary. framework of the present landscape was formed in the medieval period and the archaeology of the Abbey and its related sites are most important in understanding the past lives of the Cistercian monks. Promoting awareness of the surviving historic landscape including both the built features and their associated landscapes, improving access to sites and linking up cultural heritage sites to natural heritage sites and the rights of way network including long distance paths and cycle ways. Conserve and enhance the important sites and features linked to cultural heritage and their surrounding cultural landscape and Wall with particular to reference Hadrian’s Buffer Wall World Heritage Sites and Hadrian’s the historic the ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ activity, human of years 5000 than more by Issues and Forces for Change There There are seven Conservation Areas (built environment) and one listed building within the AONB. There are a number of sites that are designated as ‘Heritage at Risk’. In rural areas most farm buildings were considered intact in 2003 (CQC) though some had been converted. Since that time Agri-environment funding has seen many remaining under active management and some None restored. the less there remains a continued loss of some building types, in particular clay dabbin buildings which specialist require building techniques. These have declined greatly in recent years as other building Solway Coast AONB contains a wealth of archaeological sites and historic buildings set within a distinctive historic landscape. The conservation of these is essential to the well- being of the local settlement character and the sense of history of the area. There are many historic assets and influences in this landscape, most notable being the features associated with the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site itself Wall as well including as Hadrian’s a series of forts, mile fortlets and earthworks associated with the monument. More during the Medieval recently, Period, the landscape was heavily influenced by monastic activity and its position within the ‘debatable lands’ - land an – administrative no-man’s that once separated England from Scotland and was dominated by the ‘Border Reivers’. This has left a legacy of abbey ruins, fortified farmsteads and a nucleated rural settlement pattern as well as the field patterns and areas of ridge and furrow that are a key feature of the Mediaeval rural landscape. The most recent features of the historical landscape are again those of conflict and are associated with the Second World comprising War a suite of airfields now largely adapted to light industrial uses. A mixture of materials have traditionally been used as building material including red sandstone; limestone; cobbles; local clay; and Welsh and Cumbrian slate, reflecting the varied history of the area, local skills and particular trade links. Of particular local note are the cruck roofed and clay- walled buildings, known as ‘clay dabbins’ which are to be found on the Solway Plain. 2.1.8 2.1.8 Historic Environment (and Culture) A Historic Environment Assessment does not exist for any part of the AONB leaving only the Ancient Monuments Register (AMR) to provide a list of significant archaeological and from historic a sites. landscape However, point of view it is the pattern of land use, the periods and the changes created by the hand of man. This is underpinned by culture, language, dialect and tradition. Shaped by to Board driver a is management Directive Level change/solutions. for driver Framework IDB/Water a of as Water up EU Seek opportunities to reduce impacts on bathing waters by reducing diffuse pollution entering watercourses and monitor marine litter protect protect water bodies including bathing waters from pollution and seeks to secure good ecological condition Farmers and landowners would oversee and support management – but costs would still have to be met so there is still likely to be a significant agricultural impact. Funding could be found through a local tax (enhanced community charge contributions) attributed to households within IDB catchments. Developing new wetlands that trap sediments, manage agricultural flood risk and help support wetland species though CSF funding, Nitrate sensitive zone regulations and Code of Good Agricultural Practise linked to the Single Farm Payment on Pressure land to receive agricultural waste such as slurry when ground conditions are not suitable can be reduced through measures such as the timing of operations and securing improvements in farm infrastructure. Supporting and guiding programmes such as CSF can help address these issues. While generally beneficial in-field measures would be likely to result in short-term decreases in some services such as impacts food in provision, however, the longer term would likely be neutral or positive. Covering slurry areas to reduce high nutrient runoff entering water courses, covering yards (to prevent rain water increasing the volume of material to be stored), increasing and slurry better storage capacity, management of point source points of pollution such as around gateways. Regular soil sampling to promote a better understanding of soil nutrient status and potential is also recommended. Ensuring that ditches and other watercourses have buffers of vegetation, including trees where appropriate, and riparian habitats along their margins to support riparian species and enable species movement, trap sediment and run-off in areas of high erosion risk, and ensure that stock access does not result in sediment entering watercourses The Locally Locally measures such as the restoration of lowland raised bogs can reduce water loss at periods of high rainfall, with consequent benefits for surrounding agricultural land. Restoring and enhancing the suite of wetland SSSIs, and SACs, and their component habitats present in the AONB. Setting Solway Coast AONB Management Plan the To ensure freshwater watercourses are appropriately managed and To their quality enhanced, Ensuring marine bathing water is monitored and marine litter is controlled Flood management policy prioritising to resources residential property and key infrastructure is likely to draw government funding away from agricultural areas, which may have particular implications in what is a predominantly rural, low lying and flat landscape with large areas of farmland close to sea level. Because of water quality failures the catchments of the Rivers and Waver are Wampool Priority Catchments for Catchment Sensitive Farming funding initiatives. Soil erosion and diffuse pollution are identified as issues within these catchments. Soil erosion can carry pollutants such as inorganic fertilizers and slurry as well as sediment into watercourses

Objective 12: secure sustainable Objective land 13: management To that regulates flooding make Objective a 14: significant To contribution to the delivery of the Framework Water Directive by improving water quality and water body status in and around the AONB and Coast ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’

Management Plan Plan Management Part Two Part 32 2.1.9 Development and Planning Plan Management

Villages and individual buildings and farmsteads and their materials have become readily available through Seeking opportunities to maintain local vernacular settings form a vital element of the character of the Solway transport improvements. Knowledge of how to styles in new developments and seeking to ensure Coast AONB, particularly because of the traditional maintain clay walled buildings has declined, a good that the layout of new developments reflects local materials used in the vernacular buildings on the Solway. example is the importance of using lime-wash settlement structure.

Part Two The planning and design of development, both within the mortar rather than concrete, as the latter corrodes Promote increased awareness of the Roman and AONB and around it, is of major importance in maintaining the clay. Cistercian Solway through improved interpretation and the landscape and scenic beauty of the area. Decision archaeology research making is the responsibility of the local planning authorities Lack of quality access to sites of historical interest within the context of the National Planning Policy and their interpretation and potential damage due To work with site owners to provide agreed access Framework, Local Plans, and Neighbourhood Plans. to new developments which might affect important

and infrastructure (signage, car parks etc.) to reveal TwoPart cultural sites their existence to the public. Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts

Along the outer Solway coast some sites are being Conserve and maintain the 17thc Saltpans and lost to coastal erosion, for example the Roman Roman remains in the AONB in collaboration with There is a need for affordable housing within the Affordable housing programmes developed by the Local Management Plan cavalry cemetery at Beckfoot Ecosal UK and English Heritage. Where sites cannot AONB and it will be very important to ensure that in Authorities and social housing providers. be protected from coastal erosion then prioritise their meeting these needs, detrimental impacts upon the recording and archiving as a last resort if physical character of individual settlements and the overall All new development needs to consider local settlement conservation measures cannot be achieved. landscape character of the AONB of any new character including housing layout, scale, design, housing development are minimised. vernacular tradition and fabrics

Generic land management practises and the loss of Protecting and restoring traditional buildings, and Development of infill plots for residential housing Position Statements and design guidance provided by local skills are a threat to the long-term developing the skills to restore them using traditional can lead to loss of important semi-natural habitat the Local Authorities in conjunction with the AONB, maintenance of the historic assets of the area, for techniques, using appropriate materials and and have an urbanising effect on villages, removing Parish Councils and the wishes of local communities example clay dabbin building skills are almost lost techniques including cobbles, clay dabbin and local the local character in its setting. through Village and Parish Plans. while much field boundary maintenance no longer sandstone. follows traditional management practise. All new development needs to consider local settlement Protecting and restoring boundary features such as character including housing layout, scale, design, hedges, mature trees, ditches, sandstone gate stoops vernacular tradition and materials and riparian corridors. Carrying out works such as earth-bank ‘kest’ restoration, and gapping up and protecting hedges, including management in the Conversion of buildings continues within the AONB Through National Planning Policies, Local Plans and Cumberland Hedgelaying Style. and inappropriate repair or insensitive conversion neighbourhood planning control will be regulated to the can result in features associated with the building’s setting of the AONB original use being lost. Addition of features and All new development needs to consider local settlement Poorly documented sites are under threat from loss Conserving archaeological features through securing styles which detract from their setting, all character including housing layout, scale, design, through inappropriate management, for example sympathetic land management practices – for contribute to a gradual erosion of settlement vernacular tradition and materials some roman sites are managed as part of arable example, through reversion of arable land to grassland character systems and other sites such as some mile forts, where ploughing threatens the integrity of below- which should be present, are undocumented. ground archaeology. In rural locations where conversions of redundant Position Statements and design guidance provided by Identifying the locations of sites that should be present agricultural buildings result in the intensified use of the Local Authorities in conjunction with the AONB, but are undocumented. a site, there can be detrimental effects on character Parish Councils and local communities will be adopted and tranquillity. This also may lead to adverse to mitigate the perceived gradual erosion of the rural impacts on wildlife such as bats. The rural nature of ‘feel’ of the area. Maintaining a strong sense of history throughout Improving interpretation of historic sites through both the AONB and its villages is an important element Minimising light and noise pollution from development the landscape will require raising awareness both of onsite information and new technologies such as web of the special landscape character of the area. and recreation. key assets and their value and securing increased based resources and mobile technologies. Gradual urbanisation of settlements and rural roads capacity to deliver appropriate management into through, for example, increased road signage and Engagement with the Highways Departments, Local the future. Provide improved access, interpretation and road markings and inappropriate street furniture Authorities and Parish Councils on road infrastructure educational facilities to increase visitor experience of, needs to be avoided. improvement and signage within the AONB understanding of, and enjoyment of the AONBs natural and historic heritage, and engage the local community in its future management Pressure for commercial scale wind energy Through National Planning Policies, Local Plans and development, both terrestrial and offshore, remains neighbourhood planning control will be regulated to the Continue to promote Haaf Netting as a traditional strong in the area surrounding the AONB, also setting of the AONB means of fishing in the Solway farm-scale commercial wind energy developments Position Statements and design guidance provided by Promotion of events celebrating traditional land are part of the cumulative effect. Development in the Local Authorities in conjunction with the AONB, management skills e.g. North Cumberland Style the setting of the AONB can be just as damaging to Parish Councils and local communities Hedge laying training the character of the area as development within the boundary. Turbines can be visually intrusive, Continued assessment of planning applications within particularly if seen against the skyline, and have the the AONB, and other large scale developments outside the boundary but which may affect the setting of the Objective 15: To ensure the effective conservation and management of the Solway Coast AONB historic environment, potential to significantly affect views out from the AONB and impacts on the landscape character of the including historic buildings, archaeological sites, heritage landscapes and heritage fisheries AONB. AONB, whilst not discouraging small scale renewable Objective 16: To ensure and increase professional and public knowledge and understanding of the AONB’s historic energy schemes in appropriate locations environment

34 32 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 35 Management Plan Part Two 37

Solway Coast AONB Management Plan the The management and improvement of the rights of way network by local authorities and others with the assistance with of coordination volunteer of activity, activity encouraged by the AONB partnership Looped walks also support wider access to the AONB than just linear routes for the benefit of visitors and residents and joining up diverse environmental assets Secure provision for appropriate access and promote best practise. Access to particular areas, such as agricultural grazing land and sensitive wildlife sites should be restricted at certain times to avoid disturbance to wildlife or breeding animals. Continued work with NE and Local Authorities to develop and deliver well informed coastal access Information the regarding safe access on the coast needs to be widely available and promoted. The development of the coastal access trail will bring significant social and economic benefits to the coastal communities and visitors to west Cumbria and provide a quality resource. recreational Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts are are also 11.4km of Easy Access walks. Natural England has completed improved public access along a section of the England Coast Path between Allonby and Whitehaven. The next planning phase is now underway to link the rest of the AONB coast from Allonby to Floriston, and beyond the AONB to Gretna on the There have also Scottish been border. area-wide access improvements (via the new ‘coastal margin’) that sit alongside the approved England Coast Path route such as secured access to beaches and dunes, etc. A range of information using multiple media such as books, leaflets, films, web, etc. on walking, wildlife watching, cycling in the AONB is available to help people discover parts different of the AONB, including many of the lesser-known areas. lesser-known Retaining this high quality access network and ensuring it is maintained and promoted will ensure that residents and visitors can continue to access and enjoy the area to its full potential. the public with of Access through m ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ Open AONB, passes 86,418 the Countryside and of 72 over of area Route (7224m), the (14,193m), of network Trails Access Network 19% B5300. to Cycle the Linear National extensive on an amounts is National traffic Issues and Forces for Change Access, via Rights of Way, Access, should via be Rights maintained of Way, and available for use by people with a wide range of mobilities. There may be much less input from Cumbria County Council on upkeep of PRoW and reduced funding in countryside management can impact on accessibility standards. There is often some conflict between recreational users and private landowners where dogs may interfere with grazing sheep and cattle, or on sensitive sites which may harm wildlife and high biodiversity value Generally there is an increase in access recreational to the coast in various forms e.g. on foot, with dogs, and through flying gyrocopters, this can cause disturbance for both wildlife and other user groups. Need to ensure increases in recreational access are managed so they do not compromise key assets. The coastal area of the AONB can be very dangerous with the strong currents and fast moving tides Increased coastal of access the under Solway. the Marine and Coastal Act is likely to lead to additional visitor numbers using this area The salt marsh creeks and erosion here can also be very dangerous to visitors not familiar with these areas Four long distance footpaths pass through the AONB: the Path Wall National Trail the Hadrian’s Cumbria Coastal Way, the England Coast Path and the Allerdale Ramble. There AONB (the Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway) Wall and AONB part (the of Hadrian’s this (and the Cumbria Cycle between Way) Silloth and Maryport has been specifically due off-road re-routed to the danger of the spreading spreading room associated with the England Coast Path increasing the available area. The which Stewardship rights of way (PRoW) within the AONB including footpaths, bridleways, 2.2.1 Access Access 2.2.1 & Recreation The Solway Coast AONB is ideal for outdoor recreation and enjoyment, particularly walking, cycling, wildlife- watching and horse riding. It features a range of different landscape types, each offering their own opportunities for exploring and enjoying, such as the sand dunes and coast, the lowland raised mires, salt marshes and the important World and Heritage Wall associated Site of Hadrian’s Mileforts and traditional villages. There 2: UNDERSTANDING AND AND ENJOYMENT UNDERSTANDING 2: Visual for Undergrounding on E-NW with work Amenity project whilst assessing the impact of designated sites Through National Planning Policies, Local Plans, neighbourhood planning control will be regulated to the setting of the AONB Minimising light and noise pollution from development and recreation Through Through National Planning Policies, Local Plans and neighbourhood planning control will be regulated to the setting of the AONB. Continued assessment of planning applications within the AONB, and other large scale developments outside the boundary but which may affect the setting of the AONB and impacts on the landscape character of the AONB, whilst not discouraging small scale renewable energy schemes in appropriate locations Through National Planning Policies, Local Plans and neighbourhood planning control will be regulated to the setting of the AONB Position Statements and design guidance provided by the Local Authorities in conjunction with the AONB, Parish Councils and local communities Continued assessment of planning applications within the AONB, and other large scale developments outside the boundary but which may affect the setting of the AONB and impacts on the landscape character of the AONB, whilst not discouraging small scale renewable energy schemes in appropriate locations Continue to engage with the Solway Energy Gateway Scheme to monitor and help guide proposals for a Solway Barrage Continue to advise and work with National Grid to create the ultimate solution to the new high voltage power line linking Harker (Carlisle) to West Cumbria Position Statements and design guidance provided by the Local Authorities in conjunction with the AONB, Parish Councils and local communities Minimising light and noise pollution from development and recreation Engagement with the Highways Departments, Local Authorities and Parish Councils on road infrastructure improvement and signage within the AONB Continued assessment of planning applications within the AONB, and other large scale developments outside the boundary but which may affect the setting of the AONB and impacts on the landscape character of the AONB, whilst not discouraging small scale renewable energy schemes in appropriate locations Continue Solway Coast AONB Management Plan the To ensure the special qualities To of the AONB and its setting are fully respected in all Local Plan (National The development of high-speed broadband connections and undergrounding for Visual Amenity could potentially disturb designated areas As part of the North West Coast Connections Project National Grid is currently carrying out and research consultations on how best to connect a number of new energy projects to the national electricity network including several offshore windfarm projects in the Irish Sea and the proposed new nuclear power station near Sellafield, West Cumbria. There is currently a need to upgrade and develop the existing electricity transmission network to provide these connections. The route of this network may pass through, or pass by the boundary of the AONB in certain locations but there remain significant concerns potential regarding impact on the setting of the AONB and views out from the area. Proposals Proposals for a Solway Barrage or other tidal energy generator would have significant impact on the AONB in terms of both landscape and the natural environment. The potential for the development of bioenergy (biofuels derived from agriculture e.g.; miscanthus, and other biomass sources such as short-rotation coppice) within the AONB is limited but could lead to large-scale agricultural operations taking over some permanent pastureland. This would have major landscape and agricultural impacts unless sensitively managed.

‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ Objective 17: Plans) documents and decision-making processes have to regard the Statutory Management Plan. ensure that Objective development 18: in To the AONB and its setting, is of a nature, scale, location and design so that it meets community need without compromising the special qualities of the Solway Coast AONB

Management Plan Plan Management Part Two Part 36 The impact of increased walkers and cyclists along the Signage and speed limits need to be placed on the rural Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts Plan Management Hadrian’s Wall route adds extra impact on the rural and coastal road to improve safety in partnership with roads with the dangers associated with motor traffic. the Highways Authority. Survey data regarding visitor make-up for the Development of a single destination management plan AONB is not currently available but it is thought for the AONB by Destination Management Encouraging access to and improving the quality of and Access onto the peatlands can be difficult and that day visitors come chiefly from Carlisle, North Organisations enjoyment of the recreational experience for all should Part Two dangerous to visitors who do not know the areas Cumbria, Southern Scotland and from the be a priority, including improved, but site appropriate and the nature of the peatlands northern Lake District; staying visitors are Working with businesses to improve their environmental and asset sensitive, access to the peatlands through the dominated by traditional seaside holidays based and ‘Green’ credentials will be important as can be legacy of the Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership at the coastal chalet and caravan parks. visitor payback schemes to fund environmental projects Safe access can be achieved through the deployment of Promoting locally produced food and other products will high quality boardwalks and these will continue to be help to reinforce the local distinctiveness and add value Part TwoPart implemented on the peatlands of the AONB. to the local economy (saltmarsh fed beef, shrimps, fish). Work with the LEP, Cumbria Tourism and other partners Encourage the promotion of all forms of access via The AONB attracts relatively low numbers of to implement a sustainable visitor strategy for the leaflets, interpretation signs, mobile device ‘apps’, and under-represented, hard to reach groups. In AONB. particular people from inner-city areas, ethnic any other media to increase the awareness of the vast opportunities of safe ‘Access for All’ in the AONB

Management Plan minority groups, and young and less mobile people are infrequent users of the rural environment. Although visitor numbers recorded by both Close working relationships need to be developed and Allerdale Borough Council and Carlisle City maintained between tourism businesses, the AONB Promotion of access via public transport where possible The low level of public transport provision inhibits Council (and across Cumbria) have shown a partnership and tourism support organisations (Cumbria and encourage the provision of more regular rural visiting much of the AONB for recreation for those recent downward trend the number of visitors to ACT, Cumbria Tourism, Allerdale Borough Council services without access to a car. the AONB specifically is rising mainly as a result (ABC). of the designation of Hadrian’s Wall as a World Work with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Over-use of some of the more popular countryside Heritage Site and the development of the Encourage the promotion of all forms of access via Cumbria Tourism and other partners to implement a and recreational sites, combined with reduced Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway and Trail. leaflets, interpretation signs, mobile device ‘apps’, and sustainable visitor strategy for the AONB. funding for site management, leads to degradation any other media to increase the awareness of the vast and erosion of key areas, including important sites opportunities of safe ‘Access for All’ in the AONB for biodiversity. There is limited but essential collaborative Development of a single destination management plan working with Cumbria Tourism for the Solway for the AONB by Destination Management Objective 19: To ensure that a wide range of opportunities exist for all to gain physical access with sound infrastructure, Coast in general but also for the AONB. Organisations and information about the AONB to understand its special qualities Objective 20: To maintain, improve and promote access and quiet recreational opportunities in a sustainable way for a Close working relationships need to be developed and diverse group of people maintained between tourism businesses, the AONB Objective 21: To encourage and promote understanding, well informed access and enjoyment of the coast and AONB partnership and tourism support organisations (Cumbria ACT, Cumbria Tourism, ABC). 2.2.2 Tourism There are nine caravan/holiday parks within the AONB Promoting locally produced food and other products will predominantly located along the south coast, and two help to reinforce the local distinctiveness and add value hotels. Further accommodation is available in the form of to the local economy (saltmarsh fed beef, shrimps, fish). Bed and Breakfast, guest-houses, self catering Work with the LEP, Cumbria Tourism and other partners accommodation and camp sites. to implement a sustainable visitor strategy for the There are a further six caravan/ holiday parks and three AONB. hotels in and around Silloth, which although not within the AONB boundary, provide bases for tourists visiting the AONB. There is one Tourist Information Centre (TIC) within There is a heavy reliance among visitors on the Marketing and promotion of the area and its special Tourism is a key component of the local economy and a the Solway Coast Discovery Centre at Silloth, managed by use of private cars. qualities and accessibility, both locally and more widely shared approach to the development and management of Allerdale Borough Council with further centres at Maryport is important and close working is needed with sustainable tourism in the AONB is needed, which takes Facilities and infrastructure are required such as and Carlisle. organisations responsible for carrying out pre-arrival into account the needs of the environment, local residents, adequate car parking, cycle hire, tramper hire, marketing. businesses and visitors. Historically tourism within the Allerdale Borough Council in its Tourism Strategy 7 identifies litter bins and accessing the AONB via public AONB has been concentrated along the coast and, tourism as a vital sector in the local economy and a large transport needs to be explored Work with the LEP, Cumbria Tourism and other partners particularly, around Silloth and Allonby for traditional employer in the borough. Tourism is seen as an important to implement a sustainable visitor strategy for the ‘seaside’ holidays. component of Allerdale’s economy. The report also AONB. confirms that Allerdale attracts a predominantly day visitor Becoming more popular are the quiet recreational activities market, as well as shorter days and lower spend, the Promote the Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership such as, walking, cycling, bird watching, wildlife, fishing AONB also attracts a high proportion of day visitors Scheme and its legacy, as a destination for important and windsurfing. Heritage tourism and cultural tourism are peatlands and wildlife also important, with more visits to the Hadrian’s World Tourism activity in Cumbria (and the AONB) and the Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall and the related cycle route consequent tourism revenue is subject to seasonal Develop circular day routes to increase visit lengths and National Trail variations, July to September being the busiest part of the linking to visitor infrastructure such as cafes. year. Revenue created by tourism activity is a key measure The tourism offer within the AONB is based on the area’s of a destination’s performance. In 2012, visitors to special qualities and this relies on good quality information Cumbria generated 50.6 million tourist days Within Cumbria there is insufficient, specific, Development of a single destination management plan being available and how people can experience them and (Cumbria STEAM Report8). visitor-focused information, in a variety of for the AONB by Destination Management support their conservation. formats, about the AONB, its sense of place and Organisations distinctive features 7 A Strategy for Tourism 2005-2015, Allerdale Borough Council, August 2005. Close working relationships need to be developed and 8 Cumbria STEAM (Scarborough tourism Economic Activity Monitor) Report (2012), Research Dept., Cumbria Tourism http://www.cumbriatourism.org/research/surveys-data.aspx

38 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 39 2.3: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING Plan Management maintained between tourism businesses, the AONB partnership and tourism support organisations (Cumbria ACT, Cumbria Tourism, ABC). The level of unemployment in the AONB has remained fairly 2.3.1 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS stable over recent years. An important element of promoting the AONB as a In the AONB, farming and tourism are both key generators There are around 200 businesses operating in the AONB. nature and wildlife destination will be to help businesses of income for the local economy and key employers. The Just over half (53%) of these are related to agriculture, Part Two understand and promote the nature of the area (and to total number of people employed in farming has fallen forestry and fishing. Construction accounts for 11% and understand what businesses need from the wildlife asset significantly since the 1990s. tourism a further 10% of the number of businesses. With as a two way process). the exception of agriculture, forestry and fishing ( 47% of Through the NAAONB learn about and build on best Tourism is important to the local economy. AONB specific the AONB working population) and construction ( 10% of practise promotion of AONB’s data is not available but some figures give a picture of the the AONB working population) there are no published

importance of tourism to employment within the local area. numbers of people employed in the AONB by industry. TwoPart Develop cross interest group ‘sense of place’ type Direct employment in tourism includes accommodation, 81% of households are owned and 8.5% are rented. within information packages (physical or electronic) that link food and drink, recreation, shopping and transport but the AONB, with rented accommodation being nature, history, culture and landscape into one. indirect employment is also important. The accommodation proportionately higher in the south. Owner occupation is Working with businesses to improve their environmental sector is the primary direct tourism employer in Cumbria higher in the AONB than in Cumbria (71%) but rented is and ‘Green’ credentials will be important as can be but the food and drink sector is also important in much lower (27%). supporting tourism employment. Management Plan visitor payback schemes to fund environmental projects House prices range considerably across the AONB , but in Marketing and promotion of the area and its special Ward profiles based on the 2011 Census indicate that a 2013-14 house prices have fallen. significant number of people within the AONB work from qualities and accessibility, both locally and more widely Figures show that the majority of the resident population in home ranging from around 7.2% of the working is important and close working is needed with the AONB cannot afford to buy a house. Caravan sites in population in Burgh to 10.7% in Holme. This compares organisations responsible for carrying out pre-arrival the AONB can also effectively be second homes and have with 4.5% for Cumbria as a whole. marketing. a positive economic importance in the area. Locally produced food and other products will help to reinforce the local distinctiveness and add value to the local economy (saltmarsh fed beef, shrimps, fish).

Increased recreational pressure, infrastructure not Work with the LEP, Cumbria Tourism and other partners in keeping with landscape context and (visual, to implement a sustainable visitor strategy for the noise, litter) pollution risk AONB. Promote the Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme as a destination for important peatlands and wildlife Make use of M6/mainline rail to Carlisle as a source of visitors to the Eastern part of the AONB to tap in to potential economic market and audiences Develop the offer to visitors transiting the area on long distance trails eg. Hadrian’s Wall, England Coast Path

There is a lack of up-to-date and accurate Development of a single destination management plan research data to improve understanding of visitor for the AONB by Destination Management Organisations profiles, patterns and tourism trends in the AONB in order to inform future plans/actions Marketing and promotion of the area and its special qualities and accessibility, both locally and more widely Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts is important and close working is needed with organisations responsible for carrying out pre-arrival marketing. The Government’s Rural Economy Growth Review Working in partnership with land owners, land managers Work with the LEP, Cumbria Tourism and other partners in 2011 confirmed the large contribution made by and local businesses is needed to support and to implement a sustainable visitor strategy for the rural areas to the national economy. In the encourage sustainable growth in the rural economy AONB. subsequent Rural Statement 2012, the need for during the life of this Management Plan. rural businesses to make a sustainable contribution The production of an AONB visitor survey as part of a Promote locally produced food and other products to to national economic growth was highlighted. wider project help reinforce local distinctiveness and add value to the local economy, developing a local products initiative (see tourism) to support local product development. Also support local complete supply chains from production to Objective 22: To ensure the developing tourism industry and associated economy market; and generate value added products that sustain is environmentally sustainable, is based on, and actively supports, the special a sense of place qualities of the Solway Coast AONB and brings benefits to the community and Through the NAAONBs influence the next phases of the has a consistent recognisable brand EU and UK government investment (including RDPE, Objective 23: To ensure an increase in heritage management, tourism, hospitality and outdoor education LEP, Natural Environment White Paper Initiatives) to to help secure the future of the area ensure that investment is targeted at supporting land managers in the AONB. Objective 24: To monitor and manage recreational pressure to avoid harmful impacts on the special qualities of the AONB

40 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 41 Management Plan Part Two 43 RDPE, Strategies Strategies (including plans/Core Plans/Core Local Local Solway Coast AONB Management Plan investment the Policies, Policies, government Planning Planning UK and including the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), neighbourhood planning Plans and all Local Transport are important for employment and development. including the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), neighbourhood planning Plans and all Local Transport are important for employment and development. There is a need to manage development and pressures land use changes, both within and contiguous with the boundaries of the AONB, with sensitivity in order to maintain a balance in promoting economic and social viability whilst retaining traditional AONB character. Position Statements and design guidance produced by the AONB, agencies and local authorities can help in providing suitable housing developments. The Localism Act and provision for Neighbourhood Planning provides an opportunity for local people to actively engage in the development of their community. National LEP, Natural Environment White Paper Initiatives) to LEP, ensure that investment is targeted at supporting land managers in the AONB. Position Statements and design guidance produced by the AONB, agencies and local authorities can help in providing suitable housing developments. Promoting best practise in design through use of the AONB Management Plan The Localism Act and provision for Neighbourhood Planning provides an opportunity for local people to actively engage in the development of their community. National Work Work with local tourism businesses to develop sustainable tourism within the AONB (see tourism) is an important Tourism element of the economy of the AONB. It is inevitable that there will be a continuing need for new sustainable tourist-related developments within the AONB Work with Coastal Communities Schemes (and FLAG) where possible to promote coastal business and sustainable tourism Through the NAAONBs influence the next phases of the EU ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ To ensure that access to To securing of funding such as AE, will support sustainable farming practices and Increasing Increasing fuel costs and changing markets will add on pressure business (especially small businesses) and farming costs. Noise and activity arising from developments in the countryside, together with lighting, can have an adverse impact on tranquil and dark sky areas. The AONB and its surroundings may well attract proposals for developments of significant scale, such as wind turbines. These could have significant adverse effects on the AONB landscape Objective 25: support implementation of identified measures that support the conservation of natural beauty Objective ensure opportunities 26: are there to To access training and employment and build skills base in sectors related to the purpose of designation such as land management and sustainable tourism ensure planning Objective for 27: housing To development is both appropriate to the needs of communities and has to regard the AONB character Objective 28: Across the sectors to develop an economy based on the valuing of, and support of, the key attributes of the AONB with a consistent brand that makes the link to the AONB landscape ensure maximisation Objective of 29: opportunities designation, To for special the qualities AONB’s and management to drive and support rural economic growth RDPE, Strategies (including Plans/Core Local investment Policies, government Planning UK and LEP, Natural Environment White Paper Initiatives) to LEP, ensure that it is targeted at supporting land managers in the AONB. Promote value and role of traditional local skills. including the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), neighbourhood planning Plans and all Local Transport are important for employment and development. Work with AONB partners to encourage and target, the uptake of Conservation Schemes within the AONB especially Countryside Stewardship through the Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme with an emphasis on land management options that reinforce landscape character and support key attributes. Support traditional skills development using training and Cumberland style hedgelaying. Farm diversification may provide opportunities for local business to set up. Increasing the number of training events for volunteers, landowners and contractors in traditional local skills will benefit the landscape and the rural economy. Through the NAAONBs influence the next phases of the EU Modern telecommunications, including access to high- speed broadband, are vitally important to a successful rural economy throughout the AONB and the delivery should be supported Work with and support local businesses and facilitate projects that support sustainable growth Work with local tourism businesses to develop sustainable tourism within the AONB, and outside the AONB is (see an tourism). important Tourism element of the economy of the AONB. It is inevitable that there will be a continuing need for new sustainable tourist-related developments within the AONB Work with Coastal Communities Schemes (and FLAG) where possible to promote coastal business and sustainable tourism The importance of providing housing affordable throughout the AONB is recognised as vital to ensure that balanced communities can survive and prosper and particularly that those who care for the landscape of the AONB have an opportunity to live within it. Conversions need to be carefully appraised so that the buildings’ distinctive character and setting are retained and adverse impacts on important nature conservation interests, such as bats, are avoided. Equine-related activities provide valuable farm diversification opportunities. Position Statements and design guidance produced by the AONB, agencies and local authorities can help in providing suitable housing developments. The Localism Act and provision for Neighbourhood Planning provides an opportunity for local people to actively engage in the development of their community. National Solway Coast AONB Management Plan the

The future of public funding for farming and other environmental payments is uncertain and expected to follow a downward trend. This may lead to pressure on the profitability of farms in the AONB, and lead to farm diversification (see agriculture) or abandonment and potential development of derelict barns. The AONB retains traditional agricultural buildings that have not, as yet, been converted for other uses. This development could lead to urbanisation of the rural countryside landscape, but could also provide a mechanism to retain and landscape reinforce character by preserving buildings in vernacular styles that would otherwise become redundant and be replaced by generic buildings. Holiday accommodation, campsites and other facilities (e.g. equestrian uses) may also be a spin off from diversification. Diminishing traditional local skills among contractors and land managers for hedgelaying and dry stone- faced kest banks may affect opportunities for small business development but also affect the quality of the landscape Modern telecommunications, including access to high-speed broadband and good mobile phone coverage are vitally important to a successful rural economy and the development of local businesses. Limited availability in rural areas like the AONB of other services such as locally-based job centres and training schemes, business advice, start- affordable up premises and regular affordable public transport can restrict employment opportunities, restrict economic growth and lead to loss progressive of young people from the area.

‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’

Management Plan Plan Management Part Two Part 42 2.3.2 Services 2.3.3 Transport Plan Management Within the AONB, the provision of local services is very variable and often services lie outside the AONB and can only be The majority of visitors arrive in the AONB by private car, however, the use of sustainable transport options such as public accessed via public transport or car transport. transport, cycling and walking are encouraged so that people can enjoy the special qualities of the AONB.

Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts Part Two

Local services, including GP surgeries, schools, Continue the promotion of local services, businesses Links to, through and around the AONB by public The AONB partnership promotes walking and cycling libraries, banks and building societies, post offices, and products in all AONB communications transport is poor with buses running only through in-house guides and publications. petrol stations, shops, and pubs, all contribute to the infrequently and only on certain routes. This is more Initiatives under Local Transport Plans and Sustrans, may Gain better understanding of what AONB designation quality of life and community cohesion. However, problematic on weekends where services are continue to stimulate better use of public transport and

could do for local communities and businesses TwoPart these vital services may be threatened with closure further restricted. Cutbacks in County Council cycling events. or reduced service due to local government fiscal Support local services, businesses and product which spending may lead to further reduced routes. Integration of public transport network with other transport austerity measures. contribute to AONB objectives through funding from the businesses to create hubs is a priority. To maintain the vibrancy of local communities within SWLPS or its legacy and other sources. Traffic speed can be an issue on smaller roads Put in place traffic calming measures especially where cyc- list, walkers and vehicles use the same roads or cross them the AONB, one of the special qualities, retention of Work with Local Authorities and other partners to retain these services is vital

Management Plan and promote local services People without a car in the AONB rely on the Develop/promote walking/cycling loops that integrate with The Localism Act and provision for Neighbourhood frequency and quality of public and/or community public transport Planning provides an opportunity for local people to transport and on local shops and facilities which Work with local councils to promote opportunities in the actively engage in the development of their community are vulnerable to closure AONB at key public transport ‘get on points’. and its services. Linking events and activities to available public transport The AONB partnership can provide an opportunity for wherever possible, e.g. volunteers events and workdays. developing skills and training around business services To explore the possibility of creating community based linked to its special qualities, such as tourism, traditional solutions focusing on mobile services. skills, environmental management skills The main coast road, the B5300, has suffered a Cumbria County Council has continuing costs on highway infrastructure repairs. Sections of highway also perform a Finding appropriate locations for affordable housing large amount of erosion due to storm damage and The continued cost of local housing in the area requires constant upgrading. sea defence role. Repairs to this infrastructure is usually compared with average earnings means that the which will not have detrimental impacts on the carried out with little understanding of the wider coastal provision of affordable housing for local needs landscape should be a priority processes affecting these sections of the coastline and do not serve the sustainable approaches to managing flood remains a significant issue within the AONB (see Preparation by Allerdale Borough Council, and Carlisle and coastal erosion risks identified in Shoreline employment and business). City Council of dedicated Local Plans which incorporate Management Plans. the AONB and Development Management guidance and design guidance in cooperation with the AONB Support the development of a more strategic approach to coastal defence work promoted by Cumbria County partnership, Parish Councils and local communities Council as Highway Authority and Lead Local Flood Authority (Flood and Water Management Act 2010) Many villages appear to have less than thriving Continue the promotion of local services, businesses facilities and services, which may lead to social The Hadrian’s Cycleway section which opened in and products in all AONB communications There are a large number of lorries and ‘Heavy isolation November 2013 provides a safe route for cyclists, avoiding Goods Vehicles’ now using the minor roads in the Support local services, businesses and product which the busy stretch of the B5300 coast road between Allonby contribute to AONB objectives. AONB which increase noise and pollution but also and Maryport. make it dangerous for walkers and cyclists to Electric cycles from the ‘Wave’ at Maryport may be The Localism Act and provision for Neighbourhood co-use. The increased HGVs on minor roads can available for day hire, promoting cycling for all abilities and Planning provides an opportunity for local people to also be an issue to the local communities and to actively engage in the development of their community a good link to Allonby to provide more visitors to the local the degradation of the road. services. Build on this model. This can also impact on the landscape. Lorry routing schemes could be introduced through the Training and skills to service the growth of rural Support local services, businesses and product which highways authorities working with the AONB partnership. micro-businesses is essential to sustain business contribute to AONB objectives. Practical lorry routing can be beneficial and CCC publishes growth a HGV route map which supports this. However, HGV The AONB partnership can provide an opportunity for access onto minor roads is often required for access to developing skill and training around business services properties and sites and is therefore inevitable. linked to its special quality, such as tourism, traditional skills and environmental skills. Excessive transport signage has a negative impact New low cost speed restrictions have been put in place on Use NAAONB network to identify information share case on the special qualities of the AONB the B5300 to slow down speeding vehicles and increase studies to learn from other AONBs. awareness of cyclists. This could be done throughout the minor roads of the AONB. There is still a need for improved links to high-speed Further links to high-speed broadband and the relevant To remove cluttering of transport signage from the AONB the highways authorities could undertake clutter audits, to broadband to support small businesses and services infrastructure are needed for the further development of remove unnecessary signage and that any signage should rural businesses in the AONB. be in keeping with the special qualities of the AONB.

Objective 30: To ensure the current level of local services and access to those services by all is maintained and Objective 32: To ensure the special qualities of the AONB are respected in the planning, design, provision and enhanced where possible to support sustainable communities management of all types of transport and associated infrastructure Objective 31: To encourage infrastructure improvements to achieve superfast broadband and mobile phone coverage Objective 33: To ensure opportunities are taken to promote walking, cycling and public transport and enhance for the whole of the AONB without a significant adverse impact schemes where possible to provide an alternative to private car use.

44 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 45 and its stewardship.

2.4 ENGAGEMENT 2.4.2 Community Involvement Plan Management Information regarding the special qualities and the importance a consequent respect which will ensure its future protection. Community involvement is vital to promoting understanding Communities within the AONB rely on sustainable sources of the designation of the AONB is essential in order to ensure The AONB Partnership has a key role in raising awareness and awareness of the AONB and its special qualities. of food, water, air quality, and a healthy living style. Through that the area is effectively managed, conserved and enhanced regarding the special qualities of the AONB. Different groups Through involvement and participation of local communities a healthy lifestyle the economic benefits of the AONB can for the future. By improving awareness and understanding of such as children, residents, visitors, etc. each need a the ‘ownership’ of the AONB is sustained and preserved be promoted through good management of the natural these qualities (ecosystem services and other processes) to bespoke approach to awareness of the AONB, and locals for years to come. environment.

Part Two who know the area and people new to the area may have local people and visitors will help their understanding of the Sustainable lifestyles within communities help mitigate different perceptions of the AONB’s attributes which will Maintaining links between people and the management of importance of effective management of the area and lead to against climate change. greater appreciation and enjoyment of these special qualities need differing forms of awareness-raising. their local environment raises awareness of management need and gives them ownership of the wider landscape in order to conserve it. Information provided to help raise awareness can include education through an AONB Officer, Volunteer Coordinator,

2.4.1 AWARENESS AND COMMUNICATION other forms of social media from the AONB website, Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts TwoPart Facebook, Twitter, interpretation panels, leaflets and the (Education) Solway Coast AONB tourism signage with its unique brand There is a lack of understanding as to what the Only through involvement of communities in AONB Education is central to the promotion of the AONB to drive image. meaning is of the designation of the AONB and what projects and outcomes can this be improved. this means in terms of sense of place Issues and Forces for Change Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts Through involvement of the Solway Coast Community Management Plan Volunteers, schools, colleges and other organisations, the importance of conservation and enhancement of the There is lack of evidence to document the condition Research, monitoring and analysis to address data gaps AONB is maintained for future generations. and value of attributes and direction of change of and ensure there is a good understanding of the status of Opportunities for people to get involved and actively local wildlife sites, condition of hedgerows, speed of the AONB’s special qualities participate in the conservation of the area should be erosion of the shoreline and its dynamics, condition The range of interpretation and electronic media will supported and widely promoted monitoring of heritage sites and assets of the AONB continue to enhance communications effectiveness and Seeking opportunities to extend stewardship of natural and a lack of continuity of recording cultural provide many opportunities to present information and environment to new areas heritage within the AONB (CCC cutbacks), amongst help to reach new audiences. The use of Facebook, others. Datasets that are cut to AONB boundaries is Twitter and the AONB and SWLPS websites, or partner’s Gain better understanding of what volunteers would still limited to sources from NE and EA. websites will enable greater communication of the special want to do if enabled to do so qualities (ecosystem services) and events within the AONB. Improve Geographic Information System capability in the Through seeking opportunities to work alongside AONB team and develop data sharing protocols with key Rural communities that are quite isolated do not communities, helping them to identify local issues and partners. share the same knowledge of the AONB and outputs generated. develop solutions, whilst conserving and enhancing the Use of Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS2) will special qualities of the local natural and built improve wildlife data environment.

Local communities and visitors need high quality More highway signage to help visitors realise the The Education and Community Engagement Officer information and a range of interpretation about the importance of England’s Solway Coast and the AONB involved in the SWLPS will continue to engage with special qualities of the AONB and the opportunities should be extended beyond the boundary to the M6 local communities to provide information, seek active motorway. for enjoyment including walking, cycling, wildlife engagement and promotion of the AONB, events and watching, fishing, to enable them to make the most Continued production of interpretative leaflets, booklets, activities. This is also provided by the Volunteer of the area and to help support its conservation. newsletters will further promote the AONB and activities Coordinator through the media This would also include the appreciation of why the Produce a new website with daily information on weather, Volunteer activities, promotion of walking, cycling, AONB is special compared to non-AONB wildlife watching and other healthy activities will landscapes tides and events throughout the area. Continue to run the Community Volunteer Group and continue to be promoted through our websites, leaflets, other volunteering opportunities with partners to promote newsletters and other electronic media. This will engage quiet recreation and involvement with the management of with Government policies for health and well-being and the AONB opportunities to form partnerships with the health sector in promoting access and enjoyment of the AONB. Lack of knowledge of less accessible or well-known Further development of the SWP, or partners places, such as the peatlands, hinders the interpretation and access at Campfield Marsh (RSPB) Reserve, Drumburgh Moss (CWT), Glasson Moss (NE) appreciation of these important habitats for Lack of recycling schemes and promotion of Continue to work with partners towards a low carbon and Wedholme Flow (NE) will enable people to explore biodiversity sustainable measures to reduce carbon emissions landscape for the AONB, following on from the SWLPS and better understand these fragile habitats. and water and energy efficiency all affect the ‘green projects of wetting-up and repairing the peatlands. Supporting programmes that deliver social, cultural and credentials’ of the AONB. Promotion of public transport, cycling and walking economic benefits from sustainable management of instead of car use, and small scale renewable energy wetland resources and promote informed interaction with schemes appropriate for the AONB could all help to the wetland landscape such as educational and volunteer programmes that raise awareness of the unique wetlands produce a contribution to energy reduction targets in the AONB and promote skills associated with traditional management such as wetland grazing. Raise awareness of ecosystem service roles of healthy habitats Objective 35: To enable communities to get involved in the custodianship of the AONB through engaging with the management and support of key assets. Education is essential to promote the AONB as a Creation of a communications and education officer will national asset, a special area of economic diversity provide the necessary engagement to fulfil the needs of Objective 36: To support local communities in moving towards sustainable low carbon living and a great place to live or visit. the promotion of the area Objective 37: To ensure less waste is produced through waste minimisation and recycling of waste materials generated by Objective 34: To ensure fostering a community interest and culture linked to the AONB’s strong sense of place. communities

46 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 47 48 Management Plan Part Two Climate Report: Assessment Fourth (‘IPCC change Climate on Panel Intergovernmental the of report recent most the of ‘’unequivocal’’.finding is the warming is Global This CLIMATE2.5.1 CHANGE CONSIDERATIONSGLOBAL 2.5 through changes in the marine environment including including environment marine the in changes through felt impacts to vulnerable particularly be will AONB the Sea Irish the of head the at and lying low coastal, Being concentrations’’.gas greenhouse anthropogenic in increase observed the to due likely very is Century mid-20th the since temperature averaged globally in increase observed the of ‘’most ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ special very a for responsibility shared ‘A leading to further coastal squeeze on infrastructure on squeeze coastal further to leading erosion extensive caused has 2013-14 of winter The sites. breedingbird important and inter-tidalhabitats of loss in result may and occur could dunes and marshes salt the of erosionMore water.salt by habitats freshwater of infiltration with flooding and erosion coastal of risk increased an to lead could surges storm of frequency and strengthincreased by compounded rise level Sea change. climate of consequence a as increase to likely is change coastal of Rate it. on life plant the and peat the of erosion and dioxide carbon releasing summers, the in out dry may peatlands consequence a as events weather extrememore experience to likely is AONB The summers. drier warmer and winters wetter milder to leading 2007 since patterns weather in Changes Issues and Forces for Change for Forces and Issues

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AreasImprovement Nature deliver to habitats natural of networks expand and sites heritage and habitats of conditions favourable Maintain Possible Mechanisms to Manage Impacts Manage to Mechanisms Possible provision and small scale renewable energy generation. energy renewable scale small and provision tourism sustainable sequestration, carbon natural restoration, habitat adaptation, habitat and species management, soil flooding, of control and supplies water ofprovision the habitats, coastal of management with case the particularly is This AONB. the around degree, a to and within change climate to adapt and mitigate to approach comprehensive a develop can partnerships the Plan, Management this in policies the Through consequence. a as arise that dynamism coastal on impacts and events, storm of intensity and frequency increases levels, sea raised habitats and to consider impacts on heritage assets heritage on impacts consider to and habitats 40: Objective stressdrought to resilience maximise and pollution 39: Objective siting their for scale and type appropriate an of are that technologies generation energy renewable utilising and development, of patterns sustainable more encouraging measures, conserving 38: Objective area. Solway the resourcein wind and tidal increased the to due turbines wind sized inappropriately or barrage tidal a for development Potential resources tidal and wind increased on based exponentially increasinginfrastructure renewable tidal and Wind developments energy Renewable silage) (grass fodder winter reducing summer in pasture drier and shift) (arable landuse in changes creating waterlogging Winter character.landscape the affect will which use land arable more to leading agriculture in changes to lead may patterns weather in Changes land-use agricultural in Changes availability food and conditions soil habitats, breeding on effect an having Change colonists. new by replacement with flora and fauna habitats, characteristic of Loss environmentsterrestrial and aquatic marine, affecting diseases plant and invasives of species various of increases and range the driving Change disappear may species some and patterns weather changing to due introduced be could diseases and pests and species invasive non-native New occur could land water-loggingof winter through sites archaeological and buildings historic to Damage To work with the SMP2 policy in managing coastal change and securing adaptive management of coastal of management adaptive securing and change coastal managing in policy SMP2 Tothe with work water and erosion minimise to practice best with accordance in sustainably Tomanaged is land ensure energy applying consumption, energy reducing by reducedare AONB the Towithin emissions carbon ensure ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ special very a for responsibility shared ‘A Use this for funding delivery to access find and impacts change climate to possible as robust as systems ecological make to networks habitat and habitats of conditions favourable Secure stability and enhancement habitat on-going deliver to volunteers and partners with working Continue section) Biodiversity (see NIAs deliver to habitats natural of networks expand and sites heritage and habitats of conditions favourable Maintain possible wherever invasives of establishment prevent to vigilance Increase networks. warning’ ‘early support and species invasive of awarenessImprove inevitable is loss where sites of documentation include Also NIAs. deliver to habitats natural of networks expand and sites heritage and habitats of conditions favourable Maintain development and a possible Solway Barrage Solway possible a and development turbine wind generation, energy domestic to relating matters on Authorities Planning with work to Continue character.AONB to complementary are that sources energy renewablePromote services. and food sourced locally purchasing transport, public using and use car energy,renewable of reducingforms appropriate using efficiency,energy increasingthrough achieved e.g. be can This change. climate of impact and degree the reduce to help will emissions gas greenhouse in reductions achieving by footprint carbon the Reducing stability and enhancement habitat on-going deliver to volunteers and partners landowners, with working Continue NIAs deliver to habitats natural of networks expand and sites heritage and habitats relatedagriculture of conditions favourable Maintain appropriate.where species colonising new receive to able are habitats sure Make stability and enhancement habitat on-going deliver to volunteers and partners with working Continue use. land sustainable more and networks ecological improved foster to WFD and Paper policy drivers such the as Manage access to the coastal the to access Manage rise. level sea offset to rise level land and accretion saltmarsh allow to schemes, AE through e.g. impacts, mitigate that regimes management coastal secure to partners with Working SMP.the of delivery the of part as measureserosion coastal address to partners with Work stability and enhancement restoration, habitat on-going deliver to volunteers and partners with working Continue Paper White Environment Natural the in out set as policy Government with line in habitat connected quality good of principles have These (NIAs). AreasImprovement Nature deliver to habitats natural of networks expand and sites heritage and habitats of conditions favourable Maintain Impact Manage to Mechanisms Possible Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Management AONB Coast Solway Natural Environment

White

Management Plan Plan Management 49 Two Part Plan Management Theme: Landscape Objective 1: To ensure that the distinctive character and qualities of the Solway Coast AONB landscape and Using the Action Plan seascape are understood, conserved, enhanced and restored.

How to interpret the Action tables Action Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked Lead Team Role Objective Priority

Part Three 1.1 Ensure that land management decisions are appropriate (e.g. through NE SCAONB 2015-2020 Executive 1 Agri-environment (AE) schemes), reinforce landscape character including Initial the mosaic of sand dunes, lowland mosses, salt marshes and agricultural Timescale land

Lead Three Part 1.2 Support and facilitate the conservation of characteristic landscape NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 They may not do When it will be features such as in-field barns, hedgerows, drystone hedge-kests, EH, done by Action all the work, but gatestoops and ponds through development management and Owners they start the (sometimes ‘how environmental land management schemes Work towards process of making many’ per year or Objective meeting the it happen and during the life of 1.3 Develop landscape character area conservation guidelines for use by SCAONB NE, CCC, 2015-2020 Executive 1 objective report on progress the plan) developers, AE advisors, etc. ABC, Management Plan Something we CaCC want to achieve 1.4 Identify ‘Indicators of Landscape Change’ and establish a monitoring SCAONB NE, CCC, 2015-2020 Executive 1 Scheme ABC, CaCC 1.5 Support the conservation of drystone hedge kests, North Cumberland SCAONB NE,CWT 2015-2020 Executive 1 Style Hedgelaying through training schemes and sandstone gate stoops by Owners replacement projects

1.6 Monitor and act on tree and plant diseases, notably Chalara and NE FCom, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 4.2 Phytopthera, and other non-native invasive species which may have a SCAONB 9.4 significant impact on the landscape with Cumbria INNS strategy

NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 1.7 Continue to wet up areas of farmland and lowland raised mires EA,CWT, through water management schemes RSPB, Priority Owners 1.8 Develop guidance on management of rural roads, highway SCAONB ABC, 2015-2020 Executive 1 1 high – 3 improvement schemes, signage and street/outdoor furniture appropriate to CaCC, CCC the AONB landscape

1.9 Reducing the carbon footprint by achieving reductions in greenhouse CCC, SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 gas emissions will help to reduce the degree and impact of climate ABC, NE change. This can be achieved through increasing energy efficiency, e.g., CaCC using appropriate forms of renewable energy, peatland restoration, reducing car use and using public transport, purchasing locally sourced food and services.

1. 10 Promote renewable energy sources that are complementary to CCC, CaCC, SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 AONB character ABC, FLD NE

Linked 1.11 With AONB partnerships encourage and target the uptake of Agri- AONB NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 Partners environment schemes within the AONB, with an emphasis on land RSPB, Objectives management options that reinforce landscape character and support key CWT, Team Role attributes Owners Not an exclusive Other objectives to

list of those The role of the which this 1.12 Continue to underground overhead wires with Electricity North West involved, but AONB Partnership action is linked ENW SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 and identify new areas for the next 15 years Owners those which are Staff Unit in this vital to action; Executive 1.13 Ensure that proposals for National Grid’s new power infrastructure CCC, SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 implementing the -work it does itself seek to minimise impacts on the setting and views from the AONB through ABC, FLD, NE CaCC, action and with others continued engagement of the Stakeholder Reference Group Catalyst -things it brings together 1.14 Ensure that wind energy applications that affect the AONB or its CCC, SCAONB 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 setting are required to demonstrate that the Landscape and Visual Impact CaCC, to make happen Assessments have used the best available data and information and taken ABC,NE Advocate - things full account of the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework it promotes regarding AONBs. Seek to ensure that visualisation work that supports and champions such applications is submitted in accordance with the requirements of relevant good practice

50 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 51 Management Plan Part Three 53

Linked

Objective Priority 2 1 2 3 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst AONB Advocate Advocate Executive Executive Catalyst Catalyst Advocate Executive Executive Executive Team Role Team

2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020

Timescale

NE, NE, PCs ABC CCC CCC IFCA MCS ABC, ABC, ABC, ABC, ABC, ABC, ABC, ABC, CCC, CCC, RSPB RSPB RSPB, RSPB, Owners Owners Owners Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Groups, Groups, SSWA, Owners, Owners, Schools, Schools, SCAONB NE, HWT, HWT, NE, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, Owners, Owners, Owners, Owners, Owners, CWT, EA CWT, PCs, ABC, PCs, SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB MMO, NE, NE, MMO, ABC, EA, EA, ABC, ABC, ARC, ARC, ABC, SCAONB, Volunteers, Partners ABC, CCC, ABC, Community CCC, CaCC, CaCC, CCC, the

NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NWIFCA Sustrans SCAONB SCAONB Lead Initial

SCAONB SCAONB

or any and the for raising car and whilst Volunteers and marshes changes ensure shellfishing species whilst to other discourage determine Path informal any help key to conservation land contribute and SAC/SSSI and to for manage to Coast close adaptation Community farm Firth resources to

ensuring erosion nature Council fisheries for ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ Coast related England natural effectively conditions whilst continues Solway of coastal management of Flats reclaimed to mussel Borough landowners of Solway and SSSI, by provide and orders the Cycleway areas Intertidal management –level that Allerdale dunes management designation development Marshes using management sea Firth fishery land the with Councils restore in and Hadrian’s to systems Inner of positive and work saltmarsh integrated relevant Flats Parish the workforce to use the access changes sustainable a that appropriate grazing status with Solway Ensure Provide Deliver Promote Implement Monitor Promote Continue Work Encourage Monitor Conserve Retain Ensure and other groups to help with basic management of the dunes, invasive weed removal, gorse and scrub removal. mitigation actions identified in the Shoreline Management Plan2 6.9 development is in line with the landscape management of the AONB and dune management 6.8 activity from the sand dunes and ensure potential impacts on the AONB are minimised. 6.7 travellers from settling along dune areas to prevent further erosion 6.6 ensuring any changes or development is in line with the landscape management of the AONB and dune management 6.5 landowners to manage the dunes for key and species (Natterjack Toad) allow natural development through AE schemes 6.4 parks on the dunes but maintain main car parks 6.3 Silloth Dunes and Mawbray Bank SSSI 6.2 objectives of differing designations do not conflict with objectives for the Upper trends trends or patterns and if possible to manage the process 6.1 where where possible 5.5 SPA/SAC awareness awareness of disturbance to breeding birds 5.4 allow natural development of the marshes 5.3 positively to conservation special of qualities the by AONB’s providing bespoke advice and hands on support to farmers and land managers to promote and encourage uptake of environment and land management grant schemes 5.2 4.4 Support NAAONB and other bodies’ lobbying for CAP reform which benefits farming and wildlife 5.1 Saltmarsh ensure the Objective effective conservation 5: and To management of the saltmarsh habitat for its unique specialist species and character, role regulating coastal processes Sand Dunes ensure that Objective organisations 6: responsible for To the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the dunes deliver appropriate actions and that the dunes are enjoyed sensitively by all users Action

1.5 1.6 1.2 10.4

Linked Linked

Objective Objective

Priority Priority 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 AONB AONB Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Executive Executive Executive Executive Advocate Advocate Executive Executive Team Role Team Role Team 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2019-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020

Timescale Timescale

2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020

EA EA, EA, EA NE NE EH NFU NE, NE, ABC, ABC, CWT, CWT, NE, NE, ABC, ABC, CCC, CCC, CWT, RSPB, RSPB, CWT, CWT, CaCC CaCC, CaCC, RSPB, RSPB, Owners Owners FCom, SCAONB Owners RDP, LEP, LEP, RDP, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, Owners SCAONB SCAONB, Partners Partners SCAONB CCC,ABC, CCC,ABC, CCC,ABC, CCC,ABC, CCC, CaCC CCC, NE, CCC, CCC, NE, RSPB, CWT, CWT, RSPB, CaCC, ABC, ABC, CaCC,

NE NE NE NE NE NE NE Lead Lead Initial Initial SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB

to storage linked that Character Character carbon Vertical for of systems monitoring Seascape Seascape Impact and

and farming management landscape Visual Solway Coast AONB Management Plan of & soil support the Landscape to Landscape good of AONB AONB Landscape programme schemes a the Coast deliver importance update Cumulative the and Solway and the the Agri-environment Develop Review Promote Use Adopt Use

management plan indicators Assessment 1.19 and water quality, ensuring and that water this quality, protection resource is given priority within environmental land management schemes 1.18 Assessment Assessment 2010, to comment on planning decisions to make informed decisions and responses development. regarding 1.17 Infrastructure Infrastructure – Assessment & Guidelines 1.16 1.15 Objective 4: To ensure rural Objective land 4: management, To which conserves and enhances natural including resources, landscape character and biodiversity, the historic environment, which aids public enjoyment of the AONB Objective 3: To ensure that Objective the 3: skills To to required care for the landscape and its special qualities are appreciated and increased, with opportunities to acquire and develop such skills made available to all Theme: Farming Theme: and Other Land Management Objective ensure that 2: sustainable farming To practices become the primary means by which the distinctive farmland landscapes and qualities of much of the AONB are maintained maintain and enhance populations of priority farmland birds on arable land 4.1 Support the conservation of characteristic landscape features such as in-field barns, hedgerows, drystone hedge- kests, gatestoops and ponds through development management and environmental land management schemes 4.2 Monitor and act on tree and plant diseases, notably Chalara and Phytopthera, and other non- native invasive species which may have a significant impact on the landscape in conjunction with Cumbria INNS strategy 4.3 3.1 Support the conservation of drystone hedge kests and North Cumberland Style Hedgelaying through training schemes, and sandstone gate stoops by replacement projects- which raise local awareness. 2.1 Ensure that agriculture continues to contribute positively to conservation special of qualities the by AONB’s providing bespoke advice and hands on support to farmers and land managers to promote and encourage uptake of environment and land management grant schemes 2.2 Continue to wet up areas of farmland and lowland raised mires through water management and to deliver sympathetic management of key assets 2.3 Promote the importance of good soil management for carbon storage ensuring and that water this quality, protection resource is given priority within environmental land management schemes 2.4 Support farm diversification schemes where appropriate through AE LEP and development planning schemes, RDP, Action Action

‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’

Management Plan Plan Management Part Three Part 52 Action Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked Plan Management Lead Team Role Objective Theme: Biodiversity and Geodiversity Priority Objective 8: To ensure the conservation, enhancement, expansion and enhanced connectivity of 6.10 Provide clear and adequate information and signage for users of the SCAONB NE, ABC, 2015-2020 Executive 2 habitats, creating resilient ecological networks across the Solway coast AONB and beyond with a focus dunes to respect the delicate nature of the dune system and its wildlife, and CCC, on 2020 priorities behave accordingly. Action Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked Lead Team Role Objective Priority Part Three 6.11 Continue to work in partnership with Electricity North West in SCAONB E-NW, 2015-2020 Executive 2 undergrounding more 11kv overhead lines to improve visual amenity Owners, 8.1 Ensure that 95% of the AONB’s SSSIs are in favourable or recovering NE SCAONB 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 condition by 2020 and take appropriate action to bring those SSSIs that are Owners, 6.12 Work with landowners maintain favourable condition of the Grune CWT, RSPB dune system, and where feasible seek to restore grazing management on NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 currently in recovering condition into favourable condition, so that at least Owners the Silloth-Allonby dune system 50% of SSSIs are in favourable condition by 2020 Three Part

8.2 Carry out condition monitoring of the AONB’s Local Wildlife Sites and NE CWT, RSPB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 Lowland Raised Mires-Mosses aim to deliver positive management on all sites by 2020 by providing SCAONB, bespoke advice and support, negotiating management agreements and ABC, CCC, CaCC Objective 7: To ensure continued creation, restoration and enhancement of new and restored raised mire securing environmental land management or other grants habitat 8.3 Carry out research into habitat connectivity that is applicable to the NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 2

Management Plan CWT, RSPB, intimate scale of the AONB landscape EA 7.1 Support research into peatland hydrology, vegetation cover, grazing, UNI SCAONB, 2015-2020 Executive 1 biodiversity, carbon storage and the historic environment. Use research NE, EH, 8.4 Develop a more conservation friendly management of vegetation to EA CCC SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 3 findings to guide peatland management enhance the wildlife and landscape value of verges and highway margins CWT and link to B-lines proposals and government pollinator strategy 7.2 Continue the restoration and re-wetting of the peatlands and associated NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Executive 1 RSPB, CWT, farmland, to reduce carbon loss and rebuild organic content of soils 8.5 Retain, improve and expand areas of priority habitats, including lowland NE Owners, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 Owners, EA ABC, CWT, raised bog, coastal sand dune, saltmarsh and other areas within and RSPB, 7.3 Continue to manage the lowland wetlands and pasture that delivers NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 around the AONB SCAONB benefits from biodiversity and sustainable farm business, in particular Owners, measures that support key species such as breeding waders RSPB, CWT 8.6 Demonstrate improvements in the AONB Partnership’s ecosystem SCAONB NE, CWT, 2015-2020 Executive 1 approach to landscape management through use of criteria based RSPB check lists 7.4 Work with Planning Authorities to control inappropriate developments SCAONB CCC, ABC, 2015-2020 Executive 1 CaCC, NE such as wind turbines that affect the skylines along the open views from 8.7 Develop an AONB Biodiversity 2020 Local Delivery Plan SCAONB NE 2017-2020 Executive 2 the peatlands

8.8 Ensure that any plans, projects and actions take into account the SCAONB NE 2015-2020 Executive 1 7.5 Continue to restore lowland raised bogs by restoring appropriate NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Executive 1 conservation objectives of, and where possible seek to enhance, European hydrology for their biological value, historic value and as a climate regulator RSPB, CWT, designated sites within and adjacent to the area EH, EA by both securing the storage of carbon in peat and by enabling 8.9 Carry out regular condition monitoring of the AONB’s SSSIs NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Executive 1 sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Owners

7.6 Continue the restoration of site hydrology involving removal of recently NE RSPB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 8.10 Retain, improve and expand priority freshwater wetland habitats NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 CWT, including wet grassland, wet woodland (lagg), peatlands and reedbed within EA, RSPB, established woodland and scrub and continue to block drains on the moss CWT, SCAONB, and around the AONB, in particular the programme of lowland peatland surface EA Owners and wetland restoration

7.7 Increase visitor awareness of the role the mosses play through SCAONB RSPB, NE, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 8.11 Conserve and enhance priority coastal habitats including saltmarsh, NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Executive 1 CWT, continued appropriate access development (boardwalk), interpretation, coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, maritime cliffs and slopes, vegetated EA, CWT, Campfield Barn Visitor Centre provision, viewing platforms, school visits, Volunteers RSPB, shingle, coastal sand dunes and mudflats Owners visitor activities and other social media information 8.12 Promote connectivity by providing linkages, corridors and stepping SCAONB NE, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 CWT, RSPB, 7.8 Continue to use AE schemes to incentivise appropriate management, stones in the landscape ABC, RSPB, Owners, LAs and partnership working CWT, CCC, CaCC 8.13 Support research into peatland hydrology, vegetation cover, grazing, UNI SCAONB, 2015-2020 Executive 1 biodiversity, carbon storage and the historic environment. Use research CWT, NE, findings to guide peatland management RSPB, EH

NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Executive 2 8.14 Develop new opportunities to enhance, restore and connect priority RSPB, CWT, habitats Owners 8.15 Support the continued work of biological records centres LAs/NE SCAONB 2015-2020 Advocate 1

8.16 Implement conservation grazing on appropriate sites to manage areas NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 of saltmarsh, sand dunes and other areas of herb-rich pasture by Owners, supporting appropriate conservation grazing initiatives RSPB, CWT

8.17 Maintain favourable conditions of habitats and heritage sites and NE EH, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 habitat networks to make ecological systems as robust as possible to SCAONB, climate change, using policy drivers such as the Natural Environment RSPB, CWT, White Paper. Owners, LAs

54 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 55 56 Management Plan Part Three ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ special very a for responsibility shared ‘A ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ special very a for responsibility shared ‘A

Action dunes and marshes and dunes coastal and AreasProtected Marine of protectionTo and 11: conservation Objective the ensure AONB the of biodiversity and landscape the in importance its and geodiversity of Tounderstanding 10: and Objective conservation ensure populations eradicate appropriatewhere and diseases, plant and (INNS) species non-native invasive of spreadTo and establishment : the protect9 Objective 8.18 8.19 identified is need the 8.20 8.21 species priority 41 section NERC on focus 8.22 species associated and butterfly Fritillary Marsh the conserve to sites target at 8.23 Butterfly Fritillary Marsh the of recolonization 8.24 ponds Natterjack and roosts tide high e.g. areas sensitive of note taking them, benefit to actions management relevant and species important locally internationally,and nationally 8.25 (re)introductionand release species for guidance practice good following 9.1 habitats and species coastal of benefit 9.2 findings the on act to programme follow-on rapid a establish and land, on and marine Balsam, 9.3 initiatives wider of part as AONB the within INNS other and 9.4 species marine the for Partnership Firth Solway with working also AONB, the within INNS and biosecurity of awareness raise and monitor 9.5 reptiles and amphibians for diseases and health monitor and plans, action disease and surveys tree of implementation through Phytothphora 9.6 Partnership England Northern Squirrels Red the from guidance and strategy conservation squirrelred recognised unsympathetic land management including RIGGS including management land unsympathetic or development to lost areinterest of features no that Ensure 10.2 condition favourable in are they ensure to AONB the in SSSIs geological of monitoring condition out Carry 10.1 activity volunteer ongoing and leaflets through possible, where invasives of establishment prevent to vigilance increase and plants and Co-ordinate Develop Establish Protect Contribute Continue Develop Develop Develop Develop Continue Develop Support Secure Japanese and programmes sustainable a to and and and and and a species to rapid list raise monitor an monitor implement deliver deliver support deliver Knotweed, of invasive response awareness species introductions tree fisheries an an new grey of conservation and enhanced Initiative activity health appropriate characteristic funded Giant squirrel plan non-native of and invasive with and to Hogweed for to the the shell programme encourage control programme provide specialist and programme a Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Management AONB Coast Solway Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Management AONB Coast Solway Species focus fisheries species non to research in

the connectivity -native on accordance species eradication Recovery of AONB of Chalara management assessment, of wetland initiatives monitoring activity species to to and Programmes, include of facilitate with management of to pollination with of Himalayan both where report, for animals a the

SCAONB

SCAONB SCAONB NWIFCA LAs/ NE LAs/ Buglife/ RSNEP Initial Lead BC BC NE NE NE NE NE NE EA FC

CWT,RSPB, CWT,RSPB, RSPB, CWT RSPB,CWT RSPB, ARC, FC,SCCVG RSPB,SFP, SFP,MMO, CWT,LAs, CWT,SFP RSPB,NE RSPB,RT RSPB,RT SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, NE,CWT, SCAONB CWT,RT, RT,CWT, SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB WCIFCA, Partners CWT,RT Centres Centres Owners Owners Owners Record Record RSPB, CWT, CWT, CWT, ARC NE, NE, NE, NE, NE, NE, EA,

2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020

Timescale

TeamRole

Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst AONB

2 1 3 2 2 2 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 1 1 1 Priority Objective Linked 1.6 4.2

Action Action Honeycomb Reefs in the proposed Allonby Bay Marine Protected AreaProtected Marine Bay Allonby proposed the in Reefs Honeycomb on disturbance and trampling of risks the of awareness Raise 11.2 mudflats and dunes sand coastal shingle, vegetated slopes, and cliffs maritime marsh, grazing floodplain and coastal saltmarsh, including habitats coastal priority enhance and Conserve 11.1 12.5 enrichment nitrogen of forms other and activity agricultural to due pollution groundwaterdiffuse and sources point- agricultural also tanks, septic fromeffluent of outflow the from pollution source point of issues tackle to opportunities new Develop 12.4 sites wildlife designated its and estuary the of importance the reflect Plan Management Basin TweedSolway the River that ensuring Firth Solway the into feed that catchments river all for quality water of standardsimproved Deliver 12.3 targets WFD meet to delivered and defined be to measuresappropriate enabling WFD the requirementsof the under AONB the around and in monitoring quality water of programmeimprove and Expand 12.2 engineered) over solutions natural favouring and management watercourse improving rivers, into run-offreducing erosion, bankside reducing status, body water good achieving include (actions Plan Management AONB the and Plan TweedManagement Solway Basin to River linked area’sthe for rivers, Plans main Management Catchment Implement 12.1 14.1 water store and flows regulate to floodplain the of capacity the increasing including flooding, downstreamregulate to catchment its and AONB the in management floodplain sustainable secure to Work 13.4 thresholds. quality meets that restoration wetland and peatland lowland of programme the particular in AONB, the around and within reedbed and peatlands grassland, wet including habitats wetland freshwater priority Expand 13.3 IDB an by implemented and promoted is management watercourse practise best ensure and aspirations its influence to (IDB) Board Drainage Internal prospective with Engage 13.2 marsh grazing floodplain and coastal bogs, raised lowland including sites, designated outside and inside both wetlands quality high of array diverse the of management sympathetic Secure 13.1 Catchments WaverPriority Wampooland the in AONB, issues at Allonby Bay North Bay Allonby at issues Objective 12: To ensure freshwater courses are appropriately managed and their quality enhanced quality their and Tomanaged appropriately12: are Objective courses freshwaterensure Theme: Environment Water improving water quality and water body status in and around the AONB and Coast and AONB the around and in status body water and quality water improving by Directive WaterFramework the of delivery the to contribution Tosignificant 14: a Objective make flooding regulates that Tomanagement land 13: sustainable secureObjective Implement Investigate the and Catchment resolve with Sensitive United Utilities, Farming ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ special very a for responsibility shared ‘A

bathing initiative water within quality the

NWIFCA/ Initial Initial Lead Lead MMO UU NE NE NE EA EA EA EA EA EA EA

the RSPB,pIDB EA,RSPB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, NE,CWT, EA,CWT, EA,CWT, Partners Partners SCAONB Owners, Owners, Owners Owners Owners Owners Owners NE,RT, NE,RT, Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Management AONB Coast Solway RSPB, RSPB, RSPB, CWT, CWT CWT NFU NE, NE, NE, EA, RT, RT,

2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2016 2015-2020 Timescale Timescale

TeamRole TeamRole Executive Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Executive Advocate Catalyst Catalyst AONB AONB

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 Priority Priority Objective Objective Linked Linked

Management Plan Plan Management 57 Three Part Plan Management Theme: Historic Environment and Culture Objective 15: To ensure the effective conservation and management of the Solway Coast AONB historic environment, including historic buildings, archaeological sites, heritage landscapes and heritage fisheries

Action Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked Lead Team Role Objective Priority Part Three 15.1 Conserve and enhance the important sites and features linked to EH NNP, CaCC, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 cultural heritage and surrounding cultural landscape with particular CCC, ABC, Dioc, PCs, reference to Hadrian’s Wall, Hadrian’s Wall buffer World Heritage Sites and SCAONB, the historic Holme Cultram Abbey SM, Part Three Part SCAONB EH, Dioc, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 15.2 Promote increased awareness of the Roman and Cistercian Solway SM, ABC, through improved interpretation and archaeology research (SWP) CCC, CaCC, Theme: Development and Planning TH Objective 17: To ensure the special qualities of the AONB and its setting are fully respected in all Local Plan 15.3 Continue to promote awareness of the surviving historic landscape SCAONB EH, ABC, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 (National Plans) documents and decision making processes have regard to the Statutory Management Plan both the built features and associated landscapes through improved CaCC, CCC, Sus, access, rights of way network including long distance paths and Owners, Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked cycleways NE Action Management Plan Lead Team Role Objective SCAONB Ecosal, 2015-2020 Executive 1 Priority 15.4 Work with agencies (ECOSAL) to conserve and maintain the Owners, EH, Crosscanonby Saltpans and others in the AONB NE, ABC, CCC 17.1 Establish robust detailed policies in local plans and neighbourhood LPAs SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 development plans which support the purpose of AONB designation. PCs

15.5 Through training schemes protect and restore traditional buildings SCAONB NE, EH, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 Such policy should - reflect the national importance of AONBs and Owners, and develop the skills to restore them using traditional techniques, prioritise the conservation of tranquillity, wildness and remoteness, local including cobbles, clay dabbin and local sandstone Trainers distinctiveness and landscape quality and character. It should also protect the AONB from the adverse effects of development in its setting. Produce 15.6 Through training and competitions protect and restore field boundary SCAONB NE, EH, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 features such as North Cumberland Style hedgelaying and dry stone Trainers, a dedicated DPD for any aspect of development in the AONB hedge kest building, ditching and gatestoop replacement projects Owners 17.2 Support the development of parish, community and neighbourhood PCs LPAs, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 15.7 Improve and identify the location and the documentation of historic EH NE, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 plans to include a strong focus on the conservation of the natural and SCAONB sites that are at threat from loss through inappropriate management and SCAONB, cultural heritage of the Solway Coast AONB Owners, secure sympathetic land management at these sites LAs

17.3 Continue to comment on all planning and development proposals SCOANB NE, 2015-2020 Executive 1 15.8 Provide an improved visitor experience of, understanding of, and SCAONB EH, ABC, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 which may have a significant impact on the purpose of AONB EA, EH CaCC, designation or which may provide opportunities for enhancement, and enjoyment of the AONB’s natural and historic heritage and engage the CCC, local community in its future management through events celebrating its Owners, comment on emerging policy in any draft local plan consultation or review traditional management Grampus 17.4 Work with other partners to resolve potentially conflicting EH SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 15.9 Continue to improve interpretation of historic sites through both on SCAONB EH, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 management needs of coast, ecology and archaeology, particularly at the NE, LAs site information and the use of web base resources and mobile Grampus, Roman Cemetery at Beckfoot and Crosscanonby Saltpans technologies NE Objective 18: To ensure that development in the AONB and its 15.10 Promote Haaf Fishing as a sustainable and traditional method of sea SCAONB EA, 2015-2020 Advocate 3 setting, is of a nature, scale, location and design so that it meets fishing for salmonids Haafs community need without compromising the special qualities of the 15.11 Work with the custodians of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Site to monitor EH SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 Solway Coast AONB

and preserve the Buffer Zone and Wall itself NE, LAs

18.1 Ensure robust detailed policies in local plans and neighbourhood LAs SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 Objective 16: To ensure and increase in professional and public knowledge and understanding of the development plans support the purpose of the AONB designation, and PC AONB’s historic environment reflect the national importance of AONBs, to conserve local distinctiveness and landscape quality and character 16.1 Work with Development Planners to maintain local vernacular styles LAs SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 in new developments and to ensure the layout of new developments EH, NE 18.2 Support the development of parish, community and neighbourhood PCs SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 reflect local settlement structure plans to include a focus on the natural and cultural heritage of the Solway LPAs Coast AONB 16.2 Establish projects which empower local people to record and SCAONB Volunteers, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 Grampus, celebrate what’s special to them about their local historic environment EH, NE 18.3 Comment on all development proposals which may have a

significant impact on the purpose of AONB designation or which might SCAONB NE, 2015-2020 Executive 1 16.3 Arrange workshops and other events primarily aimed at local provide opportunities for enhancement, and comment on emerging policy EA, LAs SCAONB Groups, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 landowners, farmers and land managers to raise awareness of the historic EH, NE, in any draft local plan consultation or review environment and good practice in its management, based initially on Volunteers 18.4 Support the retention of local services to support community life LAs SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 Cistercian Monastery sites in the AONB PC

18.5 Consult the AONB partnership about new road management and CCC SCAONB 2015-2020 Advocate 1 improvement schemes in the AONB

18.6 Influence any proposals to minimise/negate any negative impacts SCAONB BEC, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 with the Solway Energy Gateway Scheme for a Solway Barrage NE, EA

58 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 59 60 Management Plan Part Three

SECTION 2 UNDERSTANDING2 ENJOYMENT SECTION AND ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ special very a for responsibility shared ‘A AONB and coast the of enjoyment and access informed well Tounderstanding, promote and 21: encourage Objective 19.1 19.2 activity volunteer of assistance the with network, way of rights the 19.3 access coastal informed well and safe deliver and develop 19.4 assets biodiversity and geological historic, key on impacts detrimental significant have not does which route extended an implement and plan to organisations partner and 21.5 crime wildlife tackle to activity coordinated Encourage 21.4 Bay Allonby around particularly place in is signage effective ensuring by safety coastal Promote 21.3 animals farm and wildlife of disturbance of effects the of awareness raising and signage providing by dogs, their after up clean and farmland) and saltmarsh zone, intertidal the on (particularly effectively and closely dogs their control to owners dog Encourage 21.2 animals. breeding or wildlife to disturbance avoid to times certain at sites wildlife sensitive on access to restrictions any behaviour,about countryside information considerate and for Code Countryside the partners and agencies other with Promote 21.1 services rural regularmore provide to firms transport local engaging by and possible where transport public via access promote and Encourage 20.3 AONB the in All for Access of opportunities vast the of awareness the increase to information based web media, social panels, interpretation leaflets, via access of forms all of promotion the Encourage 20.2 information local Hadrian’sroutes the cycling on and Wallcyclists walking and walkers provide organisations, lead other with collaboration In 20.1 Centre Visitor Marsh Campfield at information date to up and boardwalks of provision 21.6 cyclists by lanes and roads or proliferations of signage of proliferations or resourceswasted or duplication no is there that so signage and information people of group diverse a for way sustainable a in recreationalopportunities quiet and Toaccess promote20: and improveObjective maintain,

Action infrastructure, and information about the AONB to understand its special qualities special its understand to AONB the about information and infrastructure, sound with access physical gain to all for exist opportunities of range Towide 19: a Objective that ensure Recreation Theme:and 2.2.1 Access Work Continue Deliver Encourage Encourage Identify with the the to Cumbria England safe appropriate need work access to with County develop Coast Natural use for Path all Council of a to bridleways unified England within the the Rangers lowland Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Management AONB Coast Solway strategy the and and AONB,

Local to peat the towards maintain Authorities working network bogs the through and with of provision to improve quiet owners of

SCAONB

SCAONB Initial Police Lead RSPB CCC CCC CCC CCC CCC NE NE NE NE

SCCVG, CCC,CaCC, RSPB,CWT organisations organisations PCs,Owners CCC, ABC, Bus firms Bus SCAONB, SCAONB, Partners SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, providing CCC,EH, Partners, SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB ABC,CT SCAONB, Owners, Owners, Owners, SCCVG EH, CT EH, CaCC, CaCC, RSPB, signs CWT, CWT, CCC, ABC, ABC, ABC, CVS, NNP, PCs, PCs, LAs, NE, NE, NE EH All

LAs

2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 Timescale TeamRole Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst AONB 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 Priority Objective Linked

22.5 AONB the for strategy visitor sustainable a implement to Partnership Enterprise TourismLocal Cumbria the with Workand 22.4 economy local the to value add and distinctiveness reinforcelocal to products other and food produced locally Promote 22.3 schemes payback visitor and credentials‘green’ and environmental their improve to businesses local alongside Work 22.2 brand recognisable and consistent a with AONB the for plan management destination single a develop organisations management destination other With 22.1 22.6 opportunities tourism promote and AONB the in communities between relationships working improve to businesses 22.7 habitat. unique a and wildlife for destination 22.8 heritage cultural or community of aspects celebrating 22.9 AONB the through pass the special qualities of the area the of qualities special the highlighting panels interpretation and surfacing furniture, bins, of provision further through visitors for areas parking of infrastructure the Improve 24.4 production leaflet in promotedroutes access looped with hire, tramper hire, cycle as such AONB the within transport of means alternative Promote 24.3 AONB the within coast the on facilities parking limited the using vehicles other of number the reduce transport, public of promotion the Through 24.2 enquiries of uptake monitoring also marketing, pre-arrival including website, AONB upgraded an on accessibility and qualities special its and AONB the promote and Market 24.1 AONB the of qualities special the promote to partnerships of legacy its and Scheme Partnership Wetlands Solway Tothe through23.2 education outdoor provide AONB the in assets heritage of management sustainable promote to Hadrian’sof organisations custodians heritage Wall,Tullieother and House Abbey,Cultram Holme Heritage, English with work to Continue 23.1 visitors to services offer that businesses local promote to and trails national on information provide to website, help secure the future of the area the of future the secure help to education outdoor and hospitality tourism, management, Toheritage 23: in increaseObjective an ensure

qualities of the AONB the of qualities special the on impacts harmful avoid recreationalTopressureto manage 24: and Objective monitor brand recognisable consistent a has and community the to benefits brings and AONB Coast Solway the of qualities special the supports, actively and on, based sustainable, environmentally is economy associated and industry Totourism developing the ensure 22: Objective Theme:Tourism2.2.1 Action Continue Through Establish Use Seek the ways ‘Walk partnership events to to work Unlimited’ obtain programmes with working added Cumbria website value promote for ACT, residents, or from similar other the ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ special very a for responsibility shared ‘A users peatlands

partnerships sites day of visitors the including national as or an and tourists the important local trails AONB that SCAONB

SCAONB SCAONB

SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB Initial Lead LAs NE EH CT CT CT the Businesses Businesses, Businesses, Businesses Businesses CaCC,PCs CCC, ABC, NE,RSPB, CCC, ACT, LEP,CCC, ABC,LEP, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, Partners CT,CWT, SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Management AONB Coast Solway Diocese, Diocese, EH,CCC CT, ACT, CT,LEP CT,LAs WCAS WCAS CaCC, CaCC, RSPB, RSPB, RSPB, CWT, CWT, CCC, CWT PCs, ABC ACT NE, NE, TH, CT, CT

2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 Timescale

TeamRole Executive Executive Executive Executive Advocate Advocate Advocate Advocate Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst AONB 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 Priority Objective Linked

Management Plan Plan Management 61 Three Part SECTION 3 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING Action Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked Lead Team Role Objective Plan Management Priority

28.1 Work with businesses and organisations such as Cumbria Tourism, CT ACT, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 Theme: 3.1.1 Employment and Business NFU, LAs, Cumbria ACT and NFU, to facilitate projects that support sustainable Objective 25: To ensure that access to securing of funding such as AE, will support sustainable farming EH, growth in the AONB whilst valuing the key attributes of the landscape Groups practices and support implementation of identified measures that support the conservation of natural beauty 28.2 Provide clear, accurate and positive messages about the special SCAONB CT, ACT 2015-2020 Executive 1

Part Three Action Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked qualities of the Solway Coast AONB that can be used in marketing literature Lead Team Role Objective Priority Objective 29: To ensure maximisation of opportunities for the AONB’s designation, special qualities and SCAONB Groups, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 25.1 Promote locally produced food and other products to help reinforce CT management to drive and support rural economic growth local distinctiveness and support local product development

29.1 Involvement in projects which encourage further development of SCAONB NE, 2015-2020 Executive 1 Three Part 25.2 Through the NAAONB’s influence, including Natural Environment White NAAONB NE, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 nature and culture based attractions, including Campfield Barn, Holme RSPB, Paper Initiatives, ensure that investment is targeted at supporting land SCAONB, Cultram, Senhouse Museum and Tullie House Museum TH, SM Defra, LEP managers 29.2 Support Green Business networks and others on economic and Operators SCAONB 2015-2020 Advocate 1 environmental benefits of greening business 25.3 Provide bespoke advice and practical support to encourage NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 2

landowners and managers to apply for grants through the environmental NFU, 29.3 Promote seasonal activities, such as bird watching, walking and RDP Management Plan land management scheme and other rural development schemes cycling and promotion of nature/culture based activities/packages in the SCAONB Operators 2015-2020 Advocate 1 AONB to extend the visitor season from the traditional summer window by 25.4 Through grants and advice, support farm diversification which NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 supporting niche markets increases economic sustainability and helps to conserve and enhance the LEP, NFU, EH, natural environment including sensitive renovation of traditional barns LAs 29.4 Engage with Cumbria Local Economic Partnerships to develop new LEP SCAONB 2015-2020 Executive 2 opportunities to facilitate growth linked to the natural environment Objective 26: To ensure opportunities are there to access training and employment and build skills base in sectors related to the purpose of designation such as land management and sustainable tourism

26.1 Deliver and host an annual programme of land management and rural SCAONB NE 2015-2020 Executive 1 Theme: 3.2.2 Services skills training and events including North Cumberland Style Hedgelaying and Objective 30: To ensure the current level of local services and access to those services by all is maintained and dry stone kest facing, to landowners, contractors and those working in the enhanced where possible to support sustainable communities countryside of the AONB

26.2 Continue to work with Cumbria ACT, other partnerships and local CT ACT, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 Action Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked SCAONB, Lead Team Role Objective

businesses to improve working relationships between communities in the Priority AONB and promote tourism opportunities partners, PCs SCAONB CCC, ABC, 2015-2020 Executive 2 30.1 Promote local services, businesses and products in all AONB Businesses, 26.3 Work with Coastal Communities Schemes (and FLAG) where possible FLAG CCC, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 communications including the AONB website and publications delivered CaCC, SCAONB, in and around the AONB ACT to promote coastal businesses and sustainable tourism CT 26.4 Work with partners and organisations to deliver high-speed broadband CCC SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 30.2 Support local businesses and services which contribute to the SCAONB Businesses, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 UU, BT, AONB objectives through project funding or other sources of external LEP, ACT to support tourism and farm businesses and improve their outputs CT ensuring the sensitive siting of necessary infrastructure funding 30.3 Work with the Local Authorities and Cumbria County Council to SCAONB CCC, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 Objective 27: To ensure planning for housing is both appropriate to the needs of communities and has regard CaCC, retain and promote local services ABC to the AONB character 30.4 Provide training, through the AONB Partnership, for developing skills SCAONB CWT, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 27.1 Promote best practice in design and influence local authorities to around services linked to its special quality, such as tourism, traditional REPB, NE, LAs SCAONB, 2015-2020 Executive 1 CT, ACT provide suitable housing developments which do not have an adverse EH skills and environmental skills impact on tranquillity or on traditional village structure 30.5 Use the NAAONB network to identify information share case studies NAAONB SCAONB 2015-2020 Executive 1 27.2 Continue to respond to property development applications from the SCAONB LAs, 2015-2020 Executive 1 to learn more from other AONBs NE, Local Authorities within the AONB. Also to respond to large scale EH 30.6 Support the retention and expansion of local services to support SCAONB NE 2015-2020 Executive 1 developments outside the AONB boundary, such as wind turbines, that community life. Apply the AONB Partnership’s Sustainable Development could have a significant impact and adverse effects on the AONB landscape Fund (where budgets allow) and other funds to suitable projects

27.3 Engage with local communities in their Neighbourhood Plans with SCAONB PCs, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 Objective 31: To encourage infrastructure improvements to achieve superfast broadband and mobile phone regards to the special quality of the AONB ACT coverage for the whole of the AONB without a significant adverse impact

27.4 Establish robust detailed policies in local plans and neighbourhood SCAONB LAs, 2015-2020 Executive 2 31.1.Support positive action to achieve the roll-out of superfast CCC SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 development plans which support the purpose of AONB designation. Such NAAONB, broadband, ensuring the sensitive siting of necessary infrastructure PCs, BT policy should reflect the national importance of AONBs and prioritise the NE, EH 31.2 Support positive action to improve mobile phone signal within the CCC SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 3 conservation of tranquillity, wildness and remoteness, local distinctiveness AONB, ensuring the sensitive siting of necessary infrastructure BT and landscape quality and character. It should also protect the AONB from the adverse effects of development in its setting 31.3 Work with partners and organisations to deliver high-speed broadband to support tourism and all businesses and services and SCAONB BT, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 Partners, Objective 28: Across the sectors, develop an economy based on the valuing of, and support of, the key improve their outputs ensuring the sensitive siting of necessary CT, NE, EH, attributes of the AONB with a consistent brand that makes the link to the landscape infrastructure Owners

62 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 63 64 Management Plan Part Three

‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ special very a for responsibility shared ‘A

enhance schemes where possible to provide an alternative to private car use car private to alternative an provide to possible where schemes enhance and transport public and cycling walking, promote Toto 33: taken areObjective opportunities ensure management of all types of transport and associated infrastructure associated and transport of types all of management and provision design, planning, the in respectedare AONB the of Toqualities 32: special Objective the ensure Theme:3.2.3 Transport to process SMP the through Authority Highway Local the Encourage 32.2 TransportPlans Local of round next the to link and AONB the in schemes improvement and management road new about Partnership AONB the Consult 32.1 introduce Department, Highways the with working partnership Through 32.3 road 32.5 posts. finger traditional including AONB, the of qualities special the with keeping in be should signage any that and signage transport of cluttering excessive of audits undertake and develop Authority Highways the With 32.4 roads. 32.6 setting its to appropriate is signage ensuring 32.7 AONB the within signage and improvementsinfrastructure road on councils 33.5 transport public with integrate that loops cycling and walking promote and Develop 33.4 frequentlymore Hadrian’stravel to ability Wallwalkers Solway,on Bowness enhancing to Carlisle from period weekend the over run be to buses more enable to organisations partner with Work 33.3 network transport public of integration for point and hire cycle electric for centre a as Maryport, Wavein The as such sites, hub with Integrate events. cycling and transport public of use better stimulate TransportLocal to under Plans initiatives in Sustrans with Engage 33.2 supported Hadrian’sand Path WallCoast effectivelyTrailare the Cycleway and ensuresprovision infrastructure user that ensure and publications and guides Partnership AONB through cycling and walking Promote 33.1 AONB the in schemes improvement new and Roads Rural of maintenance 33.6 points’. on ‘get transport public key 33.7 workdays and events volunteer e.g., possible, Allonby and Maryport, north of Allonby towards Silloth towards Allonby of north Maryport, and Allonby Action identify Facilitate Engage Consult Work Link To further lorry events a with long-term with the roll routing extend Local and AONB out Highways activities Councils of schemes solution the Partnership 20mph Hadrian’s Departments, to to to away speed available storm promote about Cycleway the from limits damage Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Management AONB Coast Solway local Local management opportunities the within

off-road B5300 transport authorities on villages the and section coastal in and wherever other the while and AONB between B5300 Parish quiet at

SCAONB

Sustrans SCAONB

CCC SCAONB LAs SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB Initial Lead CCC CCC CCC

CaCC, ABC, Businesses ABC,CaCC CCC, ABC, Highways, SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, Partners SCAONB, SCAONB, SCAONB, Sustrans, ABC,NE, PCs,CT SCCVG CaCC, CaCC, CaCC CCC, CCC, CCC, CCC, CCC, CCC, ABC, ABC, CCC NNP ABC PCs PCs PCs NE, NE CT EA

2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2017-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 Timescale

TeamRole Executive Executive Advocate Advocate Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst AONB 1 1 3 2 3 1 2 1 3 2 2 2 3 Priority Objective Linked

SECTION 4:ENGAGEMENT SECTION

34.5 boundary AONB the beyond logos Coast Solway England’sAONB the with signage highway pursue to Continue 34.4 content stimulating and interesting has and updated, regularly and designed well focussed, customer accessible, is it ensuring audiences, relevant other and organisations partner residents, local visitors, for resourceinformation key the as website AONB quality high a Maintain 34.3 gathering data wildlife of process BARS2 the Toin 34.2 involved be team. AONB the in capability GIS improve and partners key with protocols sharing data Todeveloping 34.1 by gaps research,data monitor,address and analyse 34.6 partnership wider the by produced material including AONB, the of qualities special the of public wider the inform to newsletters monthly 2 and 34.7 AONB the outside and within groups and schools with activities through AONB the of areas unique other 34.8 media the through stories and activities Action visitors and residents to celebrate community or cultural heritage cultural or community celebrate to residents and visitors for programmes events establish and Partnership AONB the of works Objective 34: To ensure fostering a community interest and culture linked to the AONB’s strong sense of placey AONB’sof the sense strongto linked culture and interestTo community 34: a Objective fostering ensure (Education) Communication Theme: and Awareness Continue Promote Maintain Deliver talks an the to active produce and importance presentations social interpretative of media Holme as presence needed Cultram leaflets, ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ special very a for responsibility shared ‘A and

on booklets, Abbey, the promote special peatlands, AONB events, qualities Coaster and and SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB

SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB SCAONB Initial Lead the Partners Solway Coast AONB Management Plan Management AONB Coast Solway Partners, Partners Partners Partners NE, TH, Groups WCAS, CCC, ABC EH, NE CT CT

2015-2020 2015-2020 2016-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 2015-2020 Timescale TeamRole Executive Executive Executive Executive Executive Executive Executive Catalyst AONB 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 Priority Objective Linked

Management Plan Plan Management 65 Three Part SECTION 5: CLIMATE CHANGE Plan Management Theme: 4.1.2 Community Involvement Objective 35: To enable local communities to become involved in the custodianship of the AONB through engaging with management and support of key assets Theme: Climate Change Objective 38: To ensure carbon emissions within the AONB are reduced by reducing energy consumption, Action Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked applying energy conserving measures, encouraging more sustainable patterns of development, and utilising Lead Team Role Objective renewable energy generation technologies that are of an appropriate type and scale for their siting Priority Part Three 35.1 Build the capacity of community-based projects linked to natural and SCAONB SCCVG, 2015-2020 Advocate 1 Action Initial Partners Timescale AONB Linked Partners Lead Team Role Objective cultural heritage through grant aid and in kind support Priority CCC, NE, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 1.10 SCAONB CWT, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 38.1 Promote renewable energy sources that are complementary to the 35.2 Establish oral history projects focusing on peatland and farming CaCC, SCAONB RSPB, history AONB character ABC, FLD NE Three Part

38.2 Continue to work with planning authorities on matters relating to LAs SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 35.3 Develop and support projects which give communities, networks and SCAONB Partners 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 individuals opportunity to express what their ‘place’ means to them e.g. housing development, wind turbine development and possible Solway NE, PCs, EA through the Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme Barrage

35.4 Develop a successor to the Archaeology programme carried out in SCAONB Partners 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 38.3 Promote energy and water efficiency measures in any new EA SCAONB, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 NE, LAs the Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme development within the AONB Management Plan NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 35.5 Develop new opportunities for people to participate in survey, SCAONB NE, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 38.4 Continue to restore lowland raised bogs by restoring appropriate RSPB, hydrology for their biological value, historic value and as a climate regulator CWT, monitoring and hands-on conservation activities for the natural and historic EH, RSPB, environment WCAS by both securing the storage of carbon in peat and by enabling EA, EH, sequestration of Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Owners

35.6 Develop a Junior or Youth Rangers programme to engage involve SCAONB SCCVG, 2016-2020 Executive 3 Objective 39: To ensure land is managed sustainably in accordance young people in new ways, and optimise opportunities from linking with Europarc with best practice to minimise erosion and water pollution and the Europarc Federation network. Seek funding to maintain a schools maximise resilience to drought services programme NE EA, EH, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 SCAONB SCCVG, 2015-2020 Executive 2 39.1 Continue to work with partners and volunteers to deliver ongoing 35.7 Develop opportunities to promote volunteering as part of corporate SCAONB, LAs, CVS, habitat enhancement and stability RSPB, social responsibility programmes Businesses, CWT Groups 39.2 Implement Catchment Management Plans for the area’s main rivers, 35.8 Continue to run events and workdays for the Solway Coast SCAONB SCCVG, 2015-2020 Executive 1 EA SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 13.1 linked to River Basin Management Plans and the AONB Management Plan Community Volunteer Group and other partners, including beach litter SFP NE, (actions include achieving good water body status, reducing bankside Owners, picks and land management on reserves and SSSI’s in the AONB erosion, reducing run-off into rivers, improving watercourse management LAs NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 and favouring natural solutions over engineered) 35.9 Seek opportunities to extend stewardship of natural environment to CWT, new areas RSPB Objective 40: To work with SMP2 policy in managing coastal change and securing adaptive management 35.10 Continue to promote volunteering in the AONB through partnerships SCAONB SCCVG, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 of coastal habitats Groups, and seek best practise for volunteers and activities carried out in the Partners, 40.1 Work with partners to address coastal squeeze as part of the delivery CCC ABC, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 conservation of the area CVS NE, CaCC, of SMP2 and also embrace adapting to coastal change along the Outer SCAONB, 35.11 Actively engage with communities within the AONB to help identify SCAONB LAs, 2015-2020 Catalyst 2 Coast. Owners PCs, local issues and develop solutions, whilst conserving and enhancing the EH, NE, 40.2 Work with partners to secure coastal management regimes that LAs SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 special qualities of the local natural and built environment CWT, RSPB mitigate impacts, e.g. through agri-environment schemes to allow NE, EA, saltmarsh accretion and land level rise to offset sea level rise Owners 35.12 Continue to promote walking, cycling, wildlife watching and other SCAONB Sustrans, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 RSPB, LAs, healthy recreational activities through the AONB website, leaflets, social NE SCAONB, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 CWT, RSG 40.3 Work with partners to manage access to the coastal zone so that media and electronic media LAs, fragile ‘barrier’ habitats are not damaged comprising their coastal Owners, NWIFCA Objective 36: To support local communities in moving towards sustainable low carbon living protection function

NE LAs, 2015-2020 Catalyst 1 36.1 Promote alternative forms of transport such as walking, cycling, and SCAONB Sustrans, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 40.4 Work with partners to reduce the need for unsustainable SCAONB, LAs infrastructure in the coastal zone public transport where available, as a means of moving about in the AONB Owners,

36.2 Promote, where appropriate, small scale renewable energy schemes SCAONB LAs, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 40.5 Raise awareness of the inevitability of coastal change through SCAONB LAs, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 Owners partnership literature and media articles NE, EA, to help contribute to energy reduction targets EH, RSPB SCAONB EA, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 36.3 Promote energy and water efficiency measures in any new UU, development within the AONB Owners, NE 36.4 Promote reduction of car use and using public transport where SCAONB LAs, 2015-2020 Advocate 2 possible, and purchasing locally sourced food and services CCC, PCs, Groups

Objective 37: To ensure less waste is produced through waste minimisation and recycling of waste materials generated by Communities

PCs LAs, 2015-2020 Executive 1 37.1 Encourage recycling schemes in AONB villages and continue with SCAONB, beach litter picks with local communities and volunteers SCCVG, Groups

66 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 67 Management Plan Part Four 69 of

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the the Secretary of State to publish a list of habitats and species which are of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. habitats remain, however, important and valuable habitats reference remain, however, they have been used sources. Notably, to help draw up statutory lists of priorities in England. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act came into force Framework', Framework', published in July 2012, has now succeeded the BAP BAP processes and priorities, which included a review of the priority species and habitats lists. As a result of new drivers revised created (UK identified identified as being the most and threatened requiring conservation Nature Nature Improvement Area Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) were introduced by the Natural Environment White Government’s Paper (2011) to ‘enhance and reconnect nature on a significant scale’ in England. Priority habitats and species UK is is to most assure valuable the long-term survival of Europe’s and species threatened and habitats. It is comprised of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated under the Habitats Directive, and also incorporates Special Protection Areas under to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, to protect the and environment to promote sustainable growth. Natura 2000 An protect protect Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). These are a type of marine protected area, which will exist alongside European marine sites [Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) SSSIs and and Special Protected Areas (SPAs)], Ramsar sites to form an ecologically coherent network of marine areas. protected National Planning Policy Framework The National Planning Policy Framework was published on 27 the the biodiversity in our seas. The Marine and Coastal Access Act containing protection but protection are the subject of specific Local Plan policies aimed at ensuring their well-being. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Zones of the seas and coasts where wildlife is protected from damage and disturbance. The Government is committed to establishing a well-managed ecologically coherent network in of our MPAs seas. Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) A type of Marine Protected Area. They protect areas that are important to conserving the diversity of nationally rare or threatened a

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Localism Involving people, wherever possible, in the decisions that affect their life, and devolving to officers, members and civil power to make those society, decisions at the lowest possible level, so the real needs of local communities and individuals are met. Local Plan A written statement and Proposals Map formulating the detailed policies for District the Planning Authority’s development and use of land in its area. Local Nature Reserve Land owned by a local authority can be established as a Local Nature Reserve by that local authority in consultation with Natural England Plan Local Transport Plan produced by the Highway Authority setting out transport policies and proposals. Local Wildlife Sites Commonly known as County Wildlife Sites in Cumbria, these sites are of local or regional importance for These sites do not biodiversity. enjoy direct statutory landscape Business Scheme Green Tourism A national sustainable tourism certification scheme. Listed Buildings Buildings of special or architectural historic interest listed by the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Geodiversity The diversity of minerals, rocks (whether “solid” or ”drift”), fossils, landforms, sediments and soils, together with the topography, natural that processes constitute the Earth’s landscape and the underlying structure. Geology Science of the Earth (and other planets), including origin, composition, structure, development and history (including the development of life), and the processes that have given rise to their present state. Geomorphological Feature Landform shaped by the physical and chemical interactions surface and the between the natural processes earth’s acting on it. Glacial processes The processes of erosion and deposition of land arising from will will be done by establishing a river basin district structure within which demanding objectives environmental will be set, including ecological targets for surface waters. First cycle Aims Aims to protect and improve the condition environmental of all estuaries waters, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal waters to 1 nautical mile. Nearly all surface and groundwaters deliver deliver effective environmental management on their land. European Framework Water Directive has

what

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build

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already already been Stewardship delivered through Environmental (ES), the English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) and Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF). Environmental Stewardship is Stewardship Environmental a scheme that provides funding to farmers and other land managers in England to Clay Dabbin Cottages or barns, with walls constructed in the original clay daub mixed with straw and pebbles called clay dabbin Conservation Area An area of special or architectural historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Corridor of Way maintaining physical linkages between core areas for vital ecological or environmental connectivity. Countryside and Rights of Act Way 2000 An Act of Parliament that creates new rights to walk on mountain, ‘open heath, country’; down moor, and common land. It also conservation, nature covers public rights of way, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks. County Wildlife Site (CWS) Sites recognised by Cumbria which Wildlifeare non- Trust, statutory areas of wildlife value and are protected in local plans. Drumlins elliptical Streamlined hills of glacial till formed parallel to the direction of ice movement. Ecosystem A dynamic complex of plant, animal and microorganism communities and their non-living interacting environment as a functional unit. Ecosystem services The benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These include services provisioning such as food and water; regulating services such as of regulation floods, drought, land degradation, and disease; supporting services such as soil formation and nutrient cycling; and cultural services such as spiritual, religious and recreational, other non-material benefits. Environmental Assessment The assembling of information in relation to a proposed development which by virtue of its siting, design, size or scale would have a significant effect on the environment Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Areas designated by the Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) within which financial assistance is available to farmers to help maintain traditional farming practices in areas where landscape and wildlife are under threat from the intensification of agriculture. Environmental Land Management Scheme A scheme that will provide funding to farmers and other land managers in England to deliver effective environmental management on their land. Defra are currently developing a new scheme, which will be funded through the successor to the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2007-13. before

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‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ present present Catchment Sensitive Farming A joint project between the Agency Environment and Natural England, funded by Defra and the Rural Development Programme for England, Catchment Sensitive Farming delivers practical solutions and targeted support to enable farmers and land managers to take voluntary action to reduce diffuse water pollution from to agriculture protect water bodies and the environment. AONB Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are areas of high scenic quality that have statutory in protection order to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of their landscapes. AONBs are designated solely for their landscape qualities, for the purpose of conserving and enhancing their natural beauty (which includes landform, plants, animals, landscape geology, features and the history of human settlement over time). Housing Affordable Housing provided for those whose income does not allow them to compete in the open market for house purchase, or for whom private sector economic rents are too high. Appropriate Within the AONB Management Plan the word “appropriate” is generally used to mean to “appropriate the AONB statutory purpose special and designation and the AONB’s qualities” unless it is being quoted from another source, document or policy statement etc. Biodiversity The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Biomass Biomass is any organic material which has stored sunlight in the As form a of fuel chemical energy. it may include wood, wood waste, manure and many other from by-products a variety of agricultural processes. Bioenergy Renewable energy made available from materials derived from biological sources (bioenergy or biomass energy). Buffer zone Areas between core protected areas and the surrounding landscape or seascape which protect the network from potentially damaging external influences and which are essentially transitional areas. Carbon sequestration The process of capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) Carboniferous period Geological Appendix Appendix 1 Glossary of terms

Management Plan Plan Management Part Four Part 68 Management Plan Part Four 71

(2006) Act Union Consultants Farmers Utilities Communities Use West West Cumbria Archaeological Society Tree Preservation Order Tree Zones of Potential Visual Impact Tullie House Museum Tullie Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Town Councils Town World World Heritage Site Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme Water Framework Water Directive West West Cumbria Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority Site of Special Scientific Interest South Solway Wildfowlers Association and Action Silloth Group Tourism Marine Management Organisation Marine Protected Areas Marine Protected Zones Marsh Committee Marine Conservation Society Ministry of Defence Nature Nature Improvement Area National Scenic Area National Nature Reserve North West Coastal Forum Local Local Access Forum Local Action Group Local Community Landscape Character Assessment Local Enterprise Partnership Local Nature Reserve Plan Local Transport Natural Environment and Rural Landowners and managers Parish Councils Partnership of Irish Sea Coast & Estuary Strategies Public Right of Way Public Service Agreement National Character Area profiles Natural England NW Geodiversity Partnership National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority Solway Firth Partnership Solway Haaf Netters Association Shoreline Management Plan Shoreline Management Plan 2 Scottish Natural Heritage Special Protection Area Strategic Environmental Assessment Solway Coast AONB Solway Coast Community Group Volunteer Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Rivers Trusts Special Area of Conservation Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites Rights of Improvement Way Plan Rural Development Programme for England Red Squirrel Protection ( Northern Red Squirrel Group) The Ramblers Rural Development Agency

SUSTRANS

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WCIFCA UNI UU WCAS TPO ZPVI TH WWT MPA MPA MPZ NAAONB MCS MOD MMO MC TCs WHS NIA NSA NNR NWCF NWIFCA LAF LAG LC LCA LEP LNR LTP LUC SSWA STAG SUS SWLPS PC PISCES PRoW PSA RA WFD NCA NE NERC NFU NWGeo Owners SHNA SMP SMP2 SNH SPA SSSI SFP SCCVG SEA RT SAC SCAONB RoWIP RDPE RSNEP RSPB RDA RIGS

Counts Quality Union ‘The Atlantic Route’ and Rural Affairs (upgraded 2013)

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Joint Advisory Committee Local Authorities Invasive non-native species Higher Level Stewardship Trust Wall Hadrian’s Information and communications technology Internal Drainage Board Green Tourism Business Scheme Green Tourism Grampus Heritage Haaf netters Heritage Lottery Fund Geographic Information System Friends of the Lake District Favourable Condition Forestry Commission Fisheries Local Action Group Eden Rivers Trust Environmental Stewardship Electricity North West Diffuse Water Diffuse Pollution Water Plan Environment Agency Saltmaking Ecosal atlantis- Traditional English Heritage Environmental Impact Assessment European Landscape Convention European Marine Site Cumbria Voluntary Cumbria Service Voluntary Cumbria Management Waste Environment Trust Cumbria Wildlife Trust Cumbria Wildlife Site Department for Environment, Food The Diocese of Carlisle Cumbria Tourism Countryside Stewardship Funding Coastal Habitat Action Plan Country Land and Business Association Cumbria Landscape Character Catchment Restoration Fund Butterfly Conservation Energy Coast Britain’s British Telecom The Invertebrate Conservation Trust Countryside and Rights of Way Coastal Communities Fund Common Agricultural Policy Carlisle City Council Cumbria County Council Catchment Flood Management Plan Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biodiversity Action Plan Biodiversity Action Reporting System Allerdale Allerdale Borough Council Action with Communities in Cumbria Agri-environment Schemes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

European

JAC LAs ICZM HWT ICT IDB INNS Grampus Haafs HLF HLS GTBS FLD FC FCom FLAG GIS ES EU ERT EA ECOSAL EH EIA ELC EMS ENW CWMET CWT CWS Defra Dioc DWP CVS CT CLA CLC CQC CRF CSF Countryside BC BEC BT Buglife CRoW CCF CAP CaCC CCC CFMP CHAM BAP BARS2 Abbreviations (Acronyms) This Glossary provides a brief description of some of the terms used in the Management Plan and does not provide a full comprehensive list or legal definitions. ABC ACT AE AONB ARC which

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protection protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage across the world to considered be of outstanding value to humanity – World Heritage Sites. Organisation meets meets the needs of the present without the compromising ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ Sustainable Development Fund The Solway Coast AONB Sustainable Development Fund is a local grants scheme, to enable individuals, groups or businesses to deliver projects that will improve the AONB both now and in the future. The Sustainable Development Fund is given to the Solway Wetlands Partnership Project during its lifetime to deliver projects in the project area. Sustainability The ability to maintain a certain process or state. It is now most frequently used in connection with biological and human systems. In an ecological context, sustainability can be defined as the ability of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes, functions, biodiversity and productivity into the future Buildings Traditional Buildings constructed in an style architectural and materials which have been characteristic of the area in which they are found. Village Group of dwellings and associated uses (e.g. small industries, shops, village hall, church) which together form a coherent whole. World Heritage Site (WHS) The always lower, substantially lower in always some lower, cases, with current technology. Sustainable Development/growth A standard This This is a process to ensure that significant environmental effects arising from policies, plans and are programmes identified, assessed, mitigated, communicated to decision makers, monitored and that opportunities for public involvement are provided. Supplementary Planning Documents Guidance to developers additional to that contained in the Local Plan applying to a localised area or individual site. It highlights options, acceptable and unacceptable uses and sets out guidelines. Sunken Lanes Lanes and tracks in the Solway areas that have been constructed up to a metre below field surrounding levels. The excavated material has been used to increase the heights of the hedges to each side of the road, the hedges being planted on the cobble ‘banks’ or ‘kests’. Superfast Broadband Broadband connections with speeds of over 24Mbps (Megabits per second) download speed – though Ofcom are Stoop a red sandstone gate post. Traditionally, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) 1979

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‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ for vulnerable species listed on Annex1 of the Directive and also regularly occurring migratory species Stakeholders Those individuals or organisations which are vital to the success or failure of an organisation or project. Primary stakeholders are those needed for permission, approval, implementation and financial support and also those who are directly affected by the activities of the organisation or project. Secondary stakeholders are those who are indirectly involved or affected. Statutory Authorised by law. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) Areas that are protected under the EC Habitats Directive. They are sites of community importance for habitats or species listed under the Directive where a ‘favourable conservation status’ is to be maintained or restored. Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Areas Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Sites of national importance for their plants, animals, or geological or physiographical features designated by Natural England on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as wildfowl habitat (The Ramsar Convention). Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS) A non-statutory document which sets out strategic level guidance designed to assist sustainable coastal defence decision A A grouping of buildings where there is, or historically has been, a mixture of land uses providing homes, social facilities, commerce and employment giving evidence of a The description present or can past cover community. towns to villages or hamlets. Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2) Geological Geological or geomorphological site protected because of its educational, historical research, or aesthetic importance. Resilience In means resilience the building field the of capacity ecology, of a system to withstand shocks and to rebuild and respond to change, particularly unanticipated change. The Resiliance Alliance defines as resilience the capacity of a system to absorb disturbance, undergo change and still retain essentially the same function, identity structure, and feedbacks. Climate change is resilience the capacity of an individual, community or institution to dynamically and respond effectively to shifting climate impacts while circumstances continuing to function at an acceptable level. Simply put it is the ability to survive and recover from the effects of climate change. It includes the ability to understand potential impacts and to take action appropriate before, during and after a particular consequence to minimise negative impacts and maintain the ability to respond to changing conditions. Settlement Ramsar Ramsar Site Wetlands Wetlands of International Importance designated by the Government

Management Plan Plan Management Part Four Part 70 Management Plan Part Four 73

Solway Coast AONB Management Plan the

How we addressed these Changes have been made accordingly The layout has been changed accordingly This has been noted and amends have been made The comments have been included in the Plan This was acknowledged and amended This was acknowledged and amended The Plan has included these in Objectives, and actions The actions have a priority with each one, a lead on delivery and some actions are the same in different sections an therefore, overall reduction This was acknowledged and amended to make target setting more SMART This has been amended This has been amended This would have altered the layout of the Plan to a great extent which was not possible to change at the late stage before publishing it This information is found in the SEA, HRA and Scoping Reports The tables have been changed accordingly. This has been amended This has been amended to ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ approach strategic repairs, infrastructure B5300 Issues coastal defence work promoted by CCC as Highway Authority and Lead Local Flood Authority (CCC) Lorry routing in the AONB, CCC publishes a HGV route map noting access to minor roads is still needed for access to properties and sites (CCC) The Plan needs to be expanded to include to references detail the nature of the historic environment and how it shaped the landscape within the AONB (EH) The Plan needs to include where the significance of the AONB lies, what the specific issues affecting this significance are, how this significance is affected and what specific actions need to be taken to address these issues, by whom and in what timescale (EH) A reduction in the number of actions, with a priority for those to be delivered, and who will deliver them (EH) There is a need for action a plan shorter and SMART-er and a review of the previous Plan (EH) The Plan needs to identify the number of heritage assets and key assets in the AONB (EH) The Plan needs to ensure it reflects the of requirements the NPPF (EH) The historic environment could be integrated within each character area rather than a stand–alone section (EH) It would be useful if forces for change could be considered to have positive, neutral or negative impacts on the AONB (EH) Some of the management options which accompany issues do not appear to be related (EH) The Plan should ensure that the justification behind the management options is clear (EH) There is a lack of detail and more information is needed as to how conservation and enhancement of heritage assets is going to be delivered (EH) There There was a general need for consistent use of wording, facts and grammar, spelling (NE, EH) Layout needed to be better as differentiated to main section headings, subheadings, etc. (EH) Need to recognise an updated agenda and a changed context, and revised policies including Local Flood Risk Management, Cumbria Minerals and Local Waste Plan and ‘Cumulative Impact of Infrastructure’ work Vertical and the Cumbria Landscape Character Guidance and (CCC) Toolkit. General comments for the water retention of the mosses and and These How Have Addressed. Been A Summary of the Main Arising Issues from the Public Consultation and the SEA This document contains a summary of changes to the Management Plan following public consultation with AONB partners; the amends listed are in response to partners’ comments.

98 of

consultation total A the communities partner from consultees, issued. with with also ideas statutory and were from consultation consultation issues articles that may be used to help in project Identify any specific or detailed comments Identify the key issues, ideas and aspirations by looking for patterns and Identify uncommon comments that may require further require consideration planning and delivery same or similar comments have been trends trends in the results, e.g., areas where the made by many consultees. from from new results and the any o o o results results releases were, where appropriate, included in the final draft Management Plan with some new or altered text, facts and figures, objectives, policies, and actions included.

stakeholders, partnerships and community were combined to form a single document. The combined results were then analysed in order to:

allowed locally-specific issues and ideas to be identified and incorporated within the Management Plan, where appropriate. organisations and other stakeholders were used to produce a new set of draft objectives, and actions for the AONB, including new changes and ideas. • Finally,

• Overall • The contacts contacts were individually informed of the review as part of the consultation. The Environmental Report for the SEA, a non-technical report of the SEA, formed part of the consultation documentation and this was also posted on the AONB website. All the documents were placed on Cumbria County Council In website addition platform the ‘haveyoursay.org.uk’ Management Plan and accompanying SEA and HRA documents and reports were sent to the statutory consultees, Natural England, English Heritage and the There were 4 responses Environment to Agency. the Management Plan, a number were very lengthy and helpful. There were no consultation responses to the SEA. During the eight week period the public were able to respond to the Draft Management Plan using the consultation document displayed throughout. How the results of the consultation were used The results of the consultation were combined and used to re-draft and the reinforce review, Management Plan’s objectives, policies, actions and visions. This process involved: • The Press

Officer week required 1994) draft its was European eight The Solway Coast AONB Management Plan from an the for 2015. Under Regulations 6th support Partnership &c.) 2014 with AONB February Assessment. Unit Habitats, the December until 15th (Natural period on Management Environmental 2001/42/EC Providing Providing landscape related planning advice Accessing resources Accessing for resources management activities Working with and contributing to the NAAONB activities, sharing advice and best practice nationally and regionally. Providing a management role to co-ordinate AONB protection through the actions of the AONB unit, the AONB partnership and other partners at a local and strategic level. Developing an involvement by the community in the management of the AONB Monitoring AONB landscape condition Developing reviewing, preparing and publishing the AONB vision and the CRoW Act AONB Management Plan Promoting the AONB vision and management plan to help distinguish the AONB from adjacent countryside Advising upon, facilitating and co-ordinating implementation by others of the Management Plan Advising Local Authorities on their activities within AONBs, to encourage them to go beyond normal levels of service(attain the highest possible standards) in countryside management Monitoring and reporting on against progress AONB Management Plan targets AONB

‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ At the same time all consultation documents were available on the AONB website and hard copies or e-mails were sent to all Councils, Parish District and Councils, Town Silloth Carlisle Library, Aspatria WigtonLibrary, Library, Library, Cockermouth Library and all AONB Partnership members. to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in order to ensure the Plan provides a high level of protection for the environment and contributes to the integration of environmental considerations and promotion of sustainable developments. A further environmental assessment through a Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) was also carried out in consultation with Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure the AONB Management Plan will not impact on the significant wildlife value of the designated European Habitat sites in and adjacent to the AONB as under required European Community Habitats Directive (Conservation Directive consultation documents were accompanied by the Strategic consultation h) i) j) k) g) Steering Group (OSG) and its Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) must meet its core functions, they are: a) b) c) d) e) f) The External Review Process and Public Consultation The revised Consultation Draft Plan went out for public consultation Appendix 3 Appendix Appendix 2 Core Functions of the AONB Partnership An

Management Plan Plan Management Part Four Part 72 providing conservation opportunities in heavily used

Detailed comments were given for sections 1, 2 and 3 The comments have been incorporated into Plan Management landscapes which highlighted changes in the Action Plan and the relevant sections Appendix 5 wording to text and objectives (EH) • To provide opportunities for enjoyment, well-being and IUCN Protected Areas and International Classification. socio-economic activity through recreation and tourism Should the vision be set in a wider Solway context? • To provide natural products and environmental services This has been amended Categories of protected Landscape (NE) • To provide a framework to underpin active involvement by the community in the management of valued The special qualities section doesn’t bring out the Guidelines published by IUCN and the World Conservation Part Four This has been amended landscapes or seascapes and the natural and cultural ‘why’ it is designated (NE) Monitoring Centre set out of a “protected area” as: “an area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and heritage that they contain Natural England commented on Objectives 2,8-12, The comments have been incorporated maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and • To encourage the conservation of agrobiodiversity and 10, 13-16, 15,21 ,23, 24, 27, 36, 39 and 40 (NE) and altered accordingly associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or aquatic biodiversity • To act as models of sustainability so that lessons can be The Plan needs an objective to rebuild a common other effective means” and further described six categories learnt for wider application Solway identity on both sides, Scotland and England This has been amended of Protected Landscape as areas managed mainly for: Four Part (NE) i. Strict protection 1a) Strict Nature Reserve Five recent developments were highlighted to be 1b) Wilderness area Appendix 6 added into the list crucial to the conservation and These points were added ii. Ecosystem conservation and protection enhancement of the Solway Coast AONB (NE) (i.e. National Park) iii. Conservation of natural features Acknowledgements

Management Plan On the Action Plan it was noted that some actions are (i.e. Natural Monument) This has been amended The preparation of this Management Plan has involved many indiv- duplicated and could be removed with the action left iv. Conservation through active management residing with the main objective (NE) iduals and organisations. It is not possible to name all the individuals (i.e. Habitat/species management area) and organisations who have contributed to the review, the AONB Joint Many actions read as sub objectives without a v. Landscape/seascape conservation and recreation Advisory Committee acknowledges their invaluable contributions This has been amended where possible SMART structure to monitor success (NE) (i.e. Protected Landscape/Seascape) during all the review stages and the consultation involvement. vi. Sustainable use of natural resources The Joint Advisory Committee is indebted to the following for Action specific comments were provided in detail from (i.e. Managed resource protected area) their guidance and advice: Bart Donato (Natural England); Mike NE with 74 actions/ objectives to be reworded or All action/ objective specific alterations were amended Collins (English Heritage); Emily Hrycan (English Heritage) Jeremy altered (NE) All Protected Areas should aim to: Pickup (Environment Agency) Specific comments were made for sections, 1.2, 1.4, • Conserve the composition, structure, function and Particular thanks must go to the following people for their All comments and changes were taken into account 1.5, 1.6, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.1.9, evolutionary potential of biodiversity; perseverance and hard work in producing the new Management and relevant changes made Plan and Action Plan and carrying out the associated Strategic 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.3.1, 2.3.3, 2.4.1, 2.5.1 (NE) • Contribute to regional conservation strategies (as core Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations reserves, buffer zones, corridors, stepping stones for The Plan will be used by NE working with the AONB assessment: Questioned answered by NE on the migratory species etc.); to deliver the Plan and Government policy within the Brian Irving (AONB Manager) & Rose Wolfe (Assistant AONB Manager) Consultation Questionnaire • Maintain diversity of landscape or habitat and of remit of NE’s statutory purpose (NE) Paul Tiplady (Craggatak Consulting) Environmental Consultant associated species and ecosystems; Officers of Natural England who have provided valuable technical Informal car parks along the AONB coast were • Be of sufficient size to ensure the integrity and long-term referred to as not being informal and required guidance throughout the review and preparation of the revised This issue will be monitored over the 5 years of the Plan maintenance of the specified conservation targets or be Plan include: protection. (Crosscanonby PC) capable of being increased to achieve this end; Simon Humphries; Bart Donato; Steve Preston and Mark Hesketh • Maintain the values for which it was assigned in Photographs in the Management Plan are copyright to: © Brian perpetuity; Irving (HELM images), AONB staff, Graeme Proud, Rose Wolfe, Naomi Appendix 4 • Be operating under the guidance of a management plan, Hewitt, © Charlie Hedley/ Countryside Commission, Farming and and a monitoring and evaluation programme that An Ecosystem Approach Wildlife Advisory Group, Land Use Consultants, West Cumbria supports adaptive management; Archaeological Society, Grampus Heritage, Kate Doughty, Natural The table below sets out (left hand side) the area’s 1aBD2020 Priority Habitats. The top row is a list of the main natural • Possess a clear and equitable governance system. England, ElectricityNorth West, Royal Society for the Protection of services that we can derive from these special qualities of our AONB landscape. It suggests how conserving these priority Birds, Danny Moores, Natural England, Gerry Rusbridge, Natural Habitats will help to sustain our natural services into the future. Where the UK fits into the International Classification England, Nikki Wingfield, Sustrans What will matter is not just identifying our natural services, and saying that this plan promotes an ecosystems approach; Both National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural All images are protected by copyright. it will be in ensuring that recognition of these things drives better and more integrated policy and action on the ground Beauty are assessed under the criteria developed by the Data used in the preparation of the Management Plan was across Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, NGOs and others. IUCN as being Category V landscapes. This reinforces provided by: ‘The Strategic Environmental Assessment Report for the accepted UK legislation position of giving equal value the 2015 Solway Coast AONB Management Plan’ produced by Natural Service Craggatak Consulting; ‘State of the Solway Coast AONB Report 2013’ to both AONBs and National Parks. produced by Craggatak Consulting; and ‘Strategic Environmental Carbon Nutrient Pollination Biodiversity Food Clean Air Clean Flood Jobs Building Renewable Recreation/ Well- It must be noted that British ‘’National Parks’’ do not comply Storage Dispersal Water Risk Materials energy Tourism being Assessment Scoping Report for the 2015 Solway Coast AONB and Mgt with the IUCN assessment criteria to be classified as Management Plan’ produced by Craggatak Consulting. Cycling National Parks i.e. Category II – Ecosystem conservation Maps for the AONB Management Plan have been provided by Coastal Saltmarsh • • • • • • • • • • • and protection areas. However the IUCN recognises that Cumbria County Council (© Crown copyright. All rights reserved Coastal and Floodplain names given to individual protected landscapes are Cumbria County Council Licence No. 100019596) Grazing Marsh • • • • • • • • • • • matters for individual governments and nations and the Solway Coast Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment 2010, Coastal Sand Dunes • • • • • • • • • • guidance does not seek to be prescriptive regarding prepared for the Solway Coast AONB Partnership by Land Use Coastal Vegetated Shingle • • • • • • • naming of reserves or landscapes Consultants, November 2010. Deciduous Woodland • • • • • • • • • • • • Designed and Produced by Michaela Corrie Design Lowland Dry Acid Category V: Protected Landscape/Seascape Grassland • • • • • • • • • • This document and its accompanying reports may be reproduced

BD2020 Habitat Primary objectives Lowland Fens • • • • • • • • • • in full or in part, stored on any information system, made available Lowland Heathland • • • • • • • • • • • To maintain a balanced interaction of nature and culture on the internet or otherwise re-published, generally without Lowland Meadows • • • • • • • • • • • • through the protection of landscape and/or seascape charge and for the purpose of furthering conservation and landscape Lowland Raised Bog and associated traditional management approaches, management or for educational purpose or public information, • • • • • • • • • • • provided written permission from the AONB Unit is obtained prior Maritime Cliffs and Slope societies, cultures and spiritual values • • • • • • • • • • to use. Mudflats • • • • • • • • • • • • To contribute to broad-scale conservation by maintaining Traditional Orchards • • • • • • • • • • • species associated with cultural landscapes and/or by

74 ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan ‘A shared responsibility for a very special place’ the Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 75