Sharon Mercer (Head of Strategic Programmes) delivered the National Marine Park Update, and discussed:

a)     The purpose of the project was to develop the entity of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, by the end of the programme;

b)    Considerable progress had already been made, with the National Marine Park working to establish a company. A CIO had been created, and a memorandum of understanding was in progress;

c)     Tinside was the first ‘gateway’ project due for completion next year, having been prioritised due to funding deadlines from the Youth Investment Fund. Woks at Mount Batten would begin shortly, with a contract award expected today for the Mount Batten Centre, Public Realm and tower works;

d)    Re-consultation was underway with the public regarding ‘community access points’ to ensure plans created during the development phase were still appropriate;

e)     The project would look to drive environmental, habitat and species appreciation and behavioural change through a series of nature projects. Options for a blue finance model and carbon credits was being explored;

f)      A digital project was being developed to enhance engagement with the marine environment. A funding bid had been submitted to the Arts Council;

g)     A host of activities had been conducted over the summer, The team would now be reviewing current progress and future direction as part of ‘evaluation week’;

h)    In collaboration with the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership), the Marine Park had funded free and reduced activity sessions across the marine park, with over 1,700 sessions booked at Mount Edgcumbe, Tinside and Mount Batten. Mount Edgcumbe had hosted House Tours and Alpaca experiences;

i)       The purpose of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park project was to increase engagement with the heritage of the marine park, enabling the public to discover new activities, gain appreciation of the park, and reduce barriers to access;

j)      At Mount Edgcumbe, drainage surveys had been completed of the Garden Battery, and meetings were ongoing to finalise the design. A letter of comfort had been signed during the bid, and would be superseded by the development of a collaboration agreement, enabling the National Marine Park to undertake work on the Park’s asset;

k)     A National Marine Park ranger was based at Mount Edgcumbe several days per week. As part of the schools programme, 15 schools would be engaged over the next five years, including Four Lanes End school in Cornwall;

l)      Mount Edgcumbe would facilitate heritage events and digs next year as part of Marine Park engagement, as well as providing voluntary opportunities.

In response to questions, the Joint Committee discussed:

m)   The need to ensure a coordinated approach across Cornwall and Plymouth, particularly relating to transport and access to attractions across the Marine Park;

n)    Seagrass collection and development of seagrass meadows;

o)    The need to tackle waste water and sewage in the National Marine Park. While it was not within the remit of the Marine Park itself, a memorandum of understanding had recently been signed between South West Water, the Environment Agency and Plymouth City Council, and works were ongoing to develop sustainable water storage solutions across Plymouth, with investment in  sustainable urban drainage systems.

The Joint Committee agreed to note the report.