Nature Tourism set to be new focus

PRESS RELEASE - Issued: (27th October 2009)

Two major studies over the past 5 years have shown that there is considerable potential to develop tourism based on the fantastic natural resources around the Nith Estuary.

Funders, local organisations and businesses have come together under the banner of the Southern Uplands Partnership to pursue this potential and have employed a project officer, John Sellers, to work with them to make things happen on the ground.

John said “internationally renowned wildlife habitats, pretty villages, wonderful woodlands, a rich history and great cultural resources along with the fantastic backdrops provided by the area’s land and sea-scapes all add up to making the Nith area somewhere very special”.

Flora McDowall of the Southern Uplands Partnership said “We are delighted that this initiative is moving forward.  The project aims to bring various local interests together to work with each other, to learn from other areas and to better make a case to potential investors and visitors alike.  We hope this project will act as a successful pilot so that the approach can be extended to other areas in the future.”

Originally a farmer and agriculturalist and now living in the area with his family, John has worked on community led regeneration projects both here in the UK and overseas including a stint on the other side of the Solway.  He says “I am looking forward working with the people of the area to make it a celebrated example of how businesses can work together to use and conserve their natural environment to make themselves more successful and to help it win a better share of visitor numbers inward investment”.

The Southern Uplands Partnership is coordinating the project, which is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and LEADER Dumfries & Galloway.  John’s base is the newly re-furbished Sulwath Centre at the Mersehead Reserve which is owned and run by the RSPB.

Dave Fairlamb, the Manager of Mersehead said “with around 27 000 visitors a year we are very aware of the potential for the area to promote itself as a major destination for visitors to experience its important natural resources.  We are also aware that as many local people and businesses as possible should benefit and that the process is well managed to make sure that people aren’t damaging the very thing they’re coming to enjoy ”.

A meeting has been organised at the end of November to start the process of gathering local ideas and making the connections that are going to be needed to ensure the growing success of the area.  If you are interested in perhaps going along, or if you would just like a chat and to hear more then John can be contacted on 07717 767936 or johnsellers@sup.org.uk