Natural England

The AONB Partnership operates through a Joint Advisory Committee, an Officers' Steering Group, an AONB Unit and an annual meeting.

The Joint Advisory Committee purposes are to protect and manage the AONB, promote the purpose of its designation and to fulfil the statutory duties and other requirements on local authorities and other agencies with reference to the AONB.  It comprises of 23 member organisations: government and statutory agencies (4), local government (3), representatives of parish councils (6), local community interests (4), local land ownership and management interests (4), Solway Rural Initiative (1) and additional persons nominated at annual conference (2).

The Officers' Steering Group purpose is to promote the effective working of the Executive Committee and to steer and monitor the work of the Unit, provide advice and support to the Unit, receive advice, support and reports from the Unit and act as a forum  for the exchange of information and ideas.  It is comprised of officers from: Cumbria County Council, Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, the Countryside Agency, English Nature, Defra, Solway Firth Partnership and the AONB Unit.

The AONB Core Unit's purpose is to assist the Partnership in preparing the management plan/action plan and its implementation.  It comprises of an AONB Manager, Development Officer, Project Officer and Administrator.

An Annual Meeting is held for interested parties, such as members of the public, users and providers, to hear what progress is being made in implementing the management plan/action plan and to have an opportunity to contribute ideas and raise issues of concern.

 In the spring of 2004, the AONB unit produced an AONB Management Plan on behalf of the local authorities.  To view a copy of the Plan and to find out more about the work of the Unit visit their website www.solwaycoastaonb.org.uk

Statutory policies   

Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan (1995) gives high priority to the conservation and enhancement of the character and qualities of AONBs and to safeguarding these areas from inappropriate changes and development.  The Plan is currently under review, and the replacement structure plan will run to 2016.

The Allerdale Local Plan, adopted November 1999, contains a commitment to the preservation of the unspoilt beauty of the AONB with specific protective policies relating to several forms of development, tourism and recreation.  Coastal defence work is to be carried out in a manner compatible with the objectives of the AONB.

Other AONB publications   

In 1995, the Countryside Commission published a landscape assessment titled 'The Solway Coast landscape' (CCP478, £8.00)

A community volunteer group is evolving to undertake a variety of tasks in support of the management of the AONB. 

Cumbria Wildlife Trust, English Nature (NNR - South Solway Mosses), Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Solway Firth Partnership.

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