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 - Foyer
10.00am
Annual Report by Clair McFarlan: Solway Firth Partnership - Library
10.15am
Solway Firth Partnership Annual General Meeting
10.30am
Registration for Conference and tea / coffee - Foyer
10.45am
Conference Opening and Welcome
Cllr Anthony Markley, Solway Coast National Landscape / Rupert Shaw MBE, Solway Firth Partnership - Mail Room
10.55am
Nature beyond Borders
Delivery of Cumbria Local Nature Strategy, Jody Ferguson. Cumbria LNP
Cross Border Solway Wildlife, Mark Pollitt, SWSEIC - Mail Room
11.25am
Archaeology on the Solway
Don O’Meara, Historic England - Mail Room
11.45am
Solway Wilderness: landscape management through the use of novel speciesRuari Martin, Castletown Estate - Mail Room
12.05pm
Military Landscapes and Seascapes on the Solway
Andy Nicholson, Archaeologist, Dumfries & Galloway Council - Mail Room
12.30pm
Lunch & exhibitions / networking - All Rooms
1.30pm
Solway Sessions: Workshops
Choose one of three presentation and discussion sessions
Restoring Nature
Shovi Anjum, SFP
SCAMP Officer (name TBC) - Library
Art in the Landscape
Tom Speight, Cumbria Arts and Culture Network
Nic Coombey, Solway Firth Partnership - Mail Room
Placemaking through Popular Memory
Naomi Kay, Solway Coast National Landscape
Morag Walker, Solway Firth Partnership - Exchange
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
Mail Room
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
Mail Room
3.45pm
Final Thoughts
Cllr Anthony Markley, Solway Coast AONB / Rupert Shaw MBE, SFP
Mail Room
4.00pm
Close of conference
