• Nature Conservation Group
• Current focus
• Good practice
• Nature conservation links
• Solent disturbance
• Recreation group
• Research group
• Water quality group

Nature Conservation Group

The Solent Forum Nature Conservation Sub group was set up in 2004 its aim is:

'to provide a cost-effective mechanism to coordinate the implementation of cross-cutting nature conservation actions stemming from the many overlapping statutory and non-statutory documents'.

OBJECTIVES OF THE GROUP:

• To promote the nature conservation value of the Solent.
• To provide guidance on managing, protecting and improving our coastal environment.
• To coordinate nature conservation actions arising from Strategic Guidance for the Solent and other documents as identified.
• To support and complement the work of English Nature, Environment Agency, Local Authorities and other agencies relating to nature conservation management regimes and processes, such as coastal Biodiversity Action Plans.
• To inform the Solent European Marine Sites process.
• To identify and implement projects that demonstrate adaptive management.
• To establish a monitoring and management system that will identify gaps in baseline data, prioritise research and outline management requirements.
• To coordinate local community action focusing on environmental enhancement of the coastal zone.

One of the main projects that the group has been developing is a Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Report, phase 1 of which is now complete.