Solway
The lowland raised bogs of the Solway Firth cover nearly 2,000 hectares and are regarded as the most intact areas of raised bog left in England.
enabling conservation of this internationally important site
This scheme will link the mires by a combination of site works, land purchase and management advice to landowners to enable conservation of this internationally important site.
In June 2012, The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) confirmed its award of £1,893,200 to the Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme, in which Cumbria Wildlife Trust works with a number of partners to restore and conserve 12 wetland areas and traditional North Cumberland hedges, preventing the continuing degradation of this precious landscape.
Works will also improve access to the wetlands for visitors and those wishing to learn more about the landscape.
What's happening?
- Covering the Solway Plain and the central portion of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this area of north-west Cumbria is rich in historic, cultural and archaeological features. It includes nationally rare habitats such as lowland raised mires and a dense network of rivers, streams and ditches which form a unique landscape important for migratory wildfowl, wading birds and other rare species of plants and animals.
- The scheme will focus on creating a patchwork of restored wetland sites that will link the main areas and provide habitat corridors for wildlife. A new Solway Plains Cultural Heritage Centre will be created at Holme Cultram Abbey.
- Other projects include the reintroduction of the marsh fritillary butterfly, a community fund for community-led projects and archaeological research focussing on the Cistercian monks’ legacy in the project area.
Scheme area: 2,000 hectares
Trust reserves within the scheme
This scheme is helping species including...
Snipe, curlew, redshank, red grouse, three species of sundew, thirteen species of sphagnum moss, adder, and the large heath butterfly.
This scheme is also...
Storing carbon, improving access for people, promoting green tourism
Partners
Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Natural England, Environment Agency, RSPB, West Cumbria Tourism, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust, the Diocese of Carlisle.
To find out more
Email: mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk | Tel: 01539 816300
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