The Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) Launches Community Collaborations in Stranraer, Annan and Wigtown

People in Stranraer, Wigtown, Annan and their surrounding areas along the Solway coast are being invited to envision the future of their coastal and marine environment. SCAMP seeks to explore community-driven initiatives to enhance biodiversity both underwater and along the coast – benefiting people, nature, and the planet.

Those passionate about the coast and seas are encouraged to participate in the coming SCAMP Picnic discussions and talks. These events will explore ways to restore underwater habitats, such as seagrass and oyster beds in the west, and saltmarshes and coastal woodlands in Wigtown and Annan. Insights from these discussions will shape the Solway Coast and Marine Project, an ambitious 15-year initiative aimed at revitalizing 200 miles of the Solway coastline amid rising water temperatures.

Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “Dumfries and Galloway has a huge coastline, stretching all the way from Loch Ryan in the west to the inner Solway Firth at Gretna in the east, and the coast plays an important role in the day-to-day lives of many of our region’s communities.

“The Solway Coast and Marine Project will collaborate with coastal communities – our ‘Coastodians’ – to explore nature-based solutions, addressing climate change impacts and biodiversity loss. This presents significant opportunities for meaningful green investment, creating a model for future marine and coastal restoration. Our council is committed to supporting our local people, their environment, and businesses.”

Clair McFarlan, Partnership Manager of Solway Firth Partnership, welcomed the collaborations and commented: “These co-design events aim to support communities and community projects to act and help their coastal and marine environment. As nature restores then communities can reap the benefits from clean air, clean water, and a stunning natural environment. We will have better wellbeing, more nature-based tourism, education opportunities and the growth of nature related businesses. Nature-based solutions can also help communities adapt to rising sea levels and more severe weather events that are attributed to climate change.”

Upcoming SCAMP Events:

Stranraer and Surrounds SCAMP Picnic and Discussion: Wednesday 24 July, 4.30pm to 6.30pm at the Old Harbour Master's Office, Stranraer.

To book a free place, visit: https://fienta.com/scamp-picnic-and-discussion

Annan and Surrounds SCAMP Picnic and Discussion: Tuesday 30 July, 4.30pm to 7pm at Annan Harbour.

To book your free place: https://fienta.com/scamp-annan-picnic-and-discussion-97158

Wigtown and Surrounds SCAMP Picnic and Discussion: Wednesday 7 Wigtown County Building, Wigtown.

To book your free place: https://fienta.com/scamp-picnic-and-discussion-wigtown-97161

You can find out more about what SCAMP and the SCAMP Coastodians are planning at Wigtown Book Festival, The Stranraer Oyster Festival and Annan’s new ImMerse Festival.

The SCAMP engagement is funded by the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland stage 2 (FIRNS2). The Solway Coast and Marine Project is a Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment Team initiative, in partnership with Solway Firth Partnership, supported by NatureScot, the Scottish Government, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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