Natural Environment Group

The Natural Environment Group (NEG) was set up in 2004 to take forward issues and actions identified by the the Solent Marine Sites (SEMS) management scheme and wider environmental issues identified by its members. It is an independent subsidiary group of the overall SEMS Management Group; it meets biannually in spring and autumn. Natural England Chair the group and the Solent Forum office provides the secretariat. Any organisation with an interest in the Solent's natural environment is welcome to join the group, please apply via the Forum's membership application page.

Aims and Objectives

NEG's primary 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'.

Download the Group's Terms of Reference (2022).

Objectives

To promote the nature conservation value of the Solent and seek opportunities arising from national policy and funding.
To provide guidance on managing, protecting and improving the coastal and marine environments.
To coordinate nature conservation actions arising from statutory guidance of relevance to the Solent.
To support and complement the work of Natural England, Environment Agency, local authorities and other agencies relating to nature conservation management regimes and processes, such as nature recovery strategies.
To help deliver the strategic actions arising from the Solent Marine Sites management scheme.
To hep deliver local environmental projects in the Solent.
To coordinate local community action focusing on environmental enhancement of the coastal zone.

Greater Solent Project Tracker

The Environment Agency and Natural England developed a Project ‘tool’ which can be used as a reference tool for members and external organisations to see what projects are happening in the Greater Solent catchment. This includes current and future projects, and terrestrial projects because of the link with the marine environment e.g. diffuse pollution which flows via the groundwater or rivers to the sea, migratory fish, etc. There are multiple benefits to this approach, including raising awareness of important issues, maximising opportunities to work in collaboration and partnerships with others, help attract funding, add credibility, share expertise, which in turn should lead to improved knowledge or improvements for people and wildlife. The Tracker is maintained and hosted by the Solent Forum.