Solway Firth Partnership / Solway Coast National Landscape Joint Conference Booking Now Open!
Join us on 14th November 2025 at the Halston in Carlisle for the biennial Solway Cross-Border 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 SFP AGM (before the main event) click here
And if you would like to book onto the Conference click here
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