Current Work

Every year the Solent Forum Steering Group agree the annual work programme for the Solent Forum Officers. The work undertaken is dependent upon both staff time and financial resources. There are currently 1.6 full-time equivalent Solent Forum officers who share the project workload. From time to time we also take on student placements who assist us with specific deliverables.

The Forum's work programme consists of core services and their development and project work when funding allows.

The table below illustrates our 2008/9 project programme.

2008/9 Project Work
Disturbance & impacts on the SPAs in the Solent	As development in the Solent region increases, the impacts from disturbance to roosting and nesting birds (protected by international designations) may increase as well. There is a need to determine if there is an impact on the SPA species (different species have different tolerances to disturbance), what is causing such disturbance, and it is only then that the most appropriate management measures can be developed. It is suggested that a toolkit of measures which have been successful elsewhere might be useful. This project will be discussed in greater detail by the nature conservation group.
Indicator Update	A set of indicators were selected in 2004, the data is gathered annually and reviewed by the Solent Forum Research Group. The first selection can be found in the Second Edition of State of the Solent. A review was undertaken during summer 2007 and an updated indicator set will be made available on our website this summer.
Marine Habitats Sheets	After the successful publication of the Solent Habitat Information Pack (SHIP) containing coastal habitat information we are now working on the production of marine habitat sheets and accompanying indicative map.
Planning for a Changing Coast	It is generally recognised that, to ensure the sustainable management of the coast, a process is required to ensure that all sectors work together - both horizontally (across sectors) and vertically (between institutional levels). Recent strategic opportunities workshops have identified a need for a strategic overview of coastal policies and sector needs to establish a framework for more integrated planning. This project will look to develop and pilot such a project.
Recreation Audit	The Solent Forum set up a recreation subgroup in October 2007. The group has identified a need to review the recreational use of the Solent coast. A project outline has been prepared and will be taken forward during this year.
Solent Circles	Solent Circles is a project that originated from the Access and Environment project that recognised a need to improve access and interpretation. The aim of Solent Circles is to instate 10-14 new interpreted walks around the Solent coast based on existing rights of way. Funding from the Heritage Lottery will be applied for to implement this project.
Wader Roost Strategy	The project will help inform the long-term availability of secure high-water feeding and roosting sites for Waders in the Solent, taking into account the likely changes due to sea level rise and coastal management.