Natural Environment Group

The Natural Environment Group (NEG) was set up in 2004 and takes forward issues and actions identified by the annual survey for the Solent Marine Sites (SEMS) management scheme. It is a subsidiary group of the overall SEMS Management Group and reports to that group, it meets biannually in spring and autumn. Natural England Chair the group and the Solent Forum office provides the secretariat.

NEG Newsletter

NEG produces an annual newsletter, the last two editions are available below.

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.
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 Natural England, 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.

Greater Solent Project Tracker

The Environment Agency and Natural England have 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 hosted on the Solent Forum website.