On the 14th of June 2007 COAST played host to a delegation from the marine section of Natural England. Dr Simon Brockington, Dr Jen Ashworth, Chris Davies and Robbie Fisher visited the island to investigate COAST’s community approach to Marine Protected Areas. We had hoped to take them over to Holy Isle for the day, where we would be able to view the whole of Lamlash Bay and most of the Firth of Clyde from the top of Holy Isle, but unfortunately weather prevented the ferry from sailing. So we headed for a walk over the Clauchland hills, discussing on the way our thoughts that top down solutions from government seldom work unless local communities have a major input into the planning and running of M.P.As.
Chris Davies, Simon Brockington, Robbie Fisher and Jen Ashworth of Natural England