Welcome to Around the Solent

Introduction

The Solent coast is a popular recreational location for local day visitors and tourists from further afield.   It is unique region due to its history, economic activity, natural scenery and coastal waters.

The Around the Solent (ATS) project proposal was developed as a response to the 'Access Improvement and Environment Enhancement - a Strategy for the Solent' (2002) produced by the Solent Forum as a result of its Access and Environment Initiative. The ATS project provides an opportunity to meet many of the Strategy's recommendations.

The Project has been divided into three phases. Phase I is now complete and Phase II is in progress. Please see the latest news section for the most current information.

Overall Aim

The overarching project aim is:

'to foster stewardship of the Solent region, by encouraging people to care for their environment through greater awareness and understanding of the value of their surroundings'.

Objectives

• To work in partnership with key Solent stakeholders
• To interpret the Solent within context
• To encourage sustainable tourism and transport in the region
• To develop and promote the use of rights of way and other routes for health promotion and quality of life
• To promote the value of the Solent as a heritage asset

Expected Project Deliverables

• An established Solent partnership that will provide a platform for sharing good practice and encourage joint working
• Contextual interpretation of the Solent through a variety of mediums
• Wider use of public transport for recreational use of the Solent
• New routes, improvements and promotion of the Solent's rights of way
• A recognisable Solent product

Scope

The ATS project follows the same geographical boundaries as the Solent Forum, although it remains mindful of the coastal paths outside of this. Those projects that do not fit the outlined objectives and project criteria will not be considered for implementation.   

Approach

The project coordinator is Tracey Hewett, Solent Forum Officer. Tracey oversees the running of the project against the work programme and ensures compliance with Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund terms and conditions.   She has led the project from inception and worked on the project planning aspect. She will prepare the future implementation bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.