Executive summary

Annan Catchment Management Plan Now available for download in PDF format. File size: 1.7 Mb Click Here >>> Alternatively, you can obtain a hard copy from the Newton Stewart Office

The River Annan and its tributaries flow from montane uplands through woodlands, farmland and lowlands to the Solway Firth at Annan, in south west Scotland. Its catchment, the land and wetlands which are drained by these rivers and streams, is home to many important habitats and species as well as being an important area for farming, forestry and industry. To maintain and enhance these natural resources we need a co-ordinated effort to balance the requirements of both people and wildlife.

In order to improve co-ordination of activities which aim to maintain and enhance the quality of our natural environment, the Annan Catchment Co-ordination Project began in 2000. The pilot project is the first of its kind in Dumfries and Galloway and aims to enable communication and co-operation to ensure our natural resources are used in a more sustainable manner. To begin the co-ordination process a plan of actions has been prepared. This aims to do three things:

• to set out background information on the natural resources of the Annan catchment;
  
• list current actions and delivery;
  
• begin to formulate a series of actions for the future to solve problems and seize opportunities.
  

The plan is seen as the first step in a continually evolving process. We hope it will develop with changing circumstances to the benefit of the Annan catchment.