Last updated at 13:43, Tuesday, 29 July 2008

Rose Wolfe works for Allerdale Borough Council. Since Solway's coastline was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1964, all aspects of the areas management are scrutinised by her office based at the Discovery Centre in Silloth where you can discover the history of the area dating back to the Ice Age.

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Everything that is likely to have a direct or indirect impact on the coastal environment has to go through the AONB office in Silloth. All planning applications, wind energy proposals, sea fisheries, agricultureal development, climate change initiatives and sustainable development plans are seen by the office with a view to protecting the areas unique habitat and national importance.

Rose said, "There really isn't anything that we don't scrutinise. Any planning or development applications that may impact on the AONB are looked at here. We're here to ensure that the coastline and habitat are protected." 

Covering an area of 115 square kilometres, the AONB stretches from the coast at Rockliffe down to Maryport. The Discovery Centre in Silloth was funded as a result of the AONB status awarded to the area and is a key component in delivering messages about the history of the area, the environment and how it can be sustained.

The centre itself plays a key role in education and the education centre run by Barbara Hepburn has already played host to over twenty five primary, secondary and college classes already this year. The courses offered by the centre are varied and the days courses can focus on marine life, beach combing, litter picking, sustainability and environmental issues. Back in the centre, students are given the opportunity to re-enact historical scenes with role playing session. Children get the chance to be a Monk, Roman Queen or Legionnaire as local history is re-enacted and history relived at the Centre. An exhibition space also gives an informative insight into the history of the area dating back to the Ice Age.  

First published at 13:24, Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Published by http://www.sillothlocal.co.uk