Solway Firth Partnership / Solway Coast National Landscape Joint Conference

Solway Firth Partnership / Solway Coast National Landscape Joint Conference is a must-attend event for all interested in exploring the wonders of the Solway Firth region. Join us on Fri Nov 14 2025 at The Halston, Carlisle.

Discover the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife that make the Solway Firth area truly unique. Engage in thought-provoking discussions with renowned experts, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into the preservation and future development of these extraordinary marine and coastal ecosystems.

Whether you are employed in the sector of place, environment and sustainability, run your own business on the Solway or simply passionate about the Solway Firth, this conference offers a platform to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your knowledge. Immerse yourself in a day filled with captivating presentations, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.

Don't miss this chance to be part of the Solway Firth Partnership / Solway Coast National Landscape Joint Conference and contribute to the conversation surrounding the sustainable future of our cherished marine and coastal environment. Mark your calendars and secure your spot for this unforgettable event!

If you would like to attend the Solway Firth Partnership AGM which runs before the conference then please follow this link for tickets [link to be inserted soon].

Solway Firth Partnership / Solway Coast National Landscape Joint Conference

Friday 14 November 2025 - The Halston, 20-34 Warwick Rd, Carlisle CA1 1AB

DRAFT Programme

9.30am - Registration for Solway Firth Partnership AGM and tea / coffee

10.00am - Annual Report by Clair McFarlan: Solway Firth Partnership

10.15am - Solway Firth Partnership Annual General Meeting

10.30am - Registration for Conference and tea / coffee

10.45am - Conference Opening and Welcome

Cllr Anthony Markley, Solway Coast National Landscape / Rupert Shaw MBE, Solway Firth Partnership

10.55am - Nature beyond Borders

Delivery of Cumbria Local Nature Strategy, Jody Ferguson. Cumbria LNP

Cross Border Solway Wildlife, Mark Pollitt, SWSEIC

11.25am - Archaeology on the Solway

Don O’Meara, Historic England

11.45am - Solway Wilderness: landscape management through the use of novel species

Ruari Martin, Castletown Estate

12.05pm - Military Landscapes and Seascapes on the Solway

Andy Nicholson, Archaeologist, Dumfries & Galloway Council

12.30pm - Lunch & exhibitions / networking

1.30pm - Solway Sessions: Workshops

Choose one of three presentation and discussion sessions

Restoring Nature
Shovi Anjum, SFP

SCAMP Officer (name TBC)

Art in the Landscape

Tom Speight, Cumbria Arts and Culture Network

Nic Coombey, Solway Firth Partnership

Placemaking through Popular Memory

Naomi Kay, Solway Coast National Landscape

Morag Walker, Solway Firth Partnership

2.45pm - Coastal Conversations - 5 Minute Updates including Q&A

Allonby Bay Engagement: Joe Harper

Wildlife Rafters: Nic Coombey

Nature Calling: Sophie Badrick

Annan Harbour Regeneration: Alan Thompson

3.15pm - Guest Speaker

Alistair Moffat, writer and historian, author of over thirty books, including Between Britain: Walking the History of England and Scotland and The Reivers: Raiders of the Borderlands

3.45pm - Final Thoughts

Cllr Anthony Markley, Solway Coast AONB / Rupert Shaw MBE, SFP

4.00pm - Close of conference