A significant wave of new green jobs has been announced in Dumfries and Galloway with the launch of recruitment for the Solway Coast and Marine Projects (SCAMP) – Landscape Connections initiative.

These roles represent a major step forward in environmental restoration efforts across the region and offer a unique opportunity to work directly on nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss.

SCAMP – Landscape Connections is a seascape-scale nature restoration project spanning 210 miles of the North Solway Coast and its shallow marine environment. Led by Dumfries and Galloway Council in partnership, it is one of Scotland's most ambitious coastal and marine restoration efforts.

Solway Firth Partnership (SFP) is recruiting three new positions to deliver the "Innovation in Restoration" aspect of the project:

• Innovation in Restoration Project Manager: This role will focus on practical research for marine and coastal habitat restoration, driving the development of a new marine research centre based in Stranraer.

• Innovation in Restoration Officer: A marine specialist will be sought to explore new techniques in seagrass restoration, native oyster and saltmarsh expansion.

• Innovation in Restoration Administrator: This administrative role will support the Project Manager in delivering SCAMP outputs on time and within budget.

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Additionally, the Crichton Carbon Centre is recruiting for a:

• Landscape and Wetlands Lead: This brand-new position will guide the Centre and its partners in delivering impactful ecosystem restoration projects in the southwest of Scotland, building on innovative peatland restoration techniques applied to coastal wetlands.

Clair McFarlan, Partnership Manager at Solway Firth Partnership, expressed excitement about the impact these roles will have: "This is a positive step towards making a real difference on the Scottish Solway coast, working with communities to enhance, restore and add value to the saltmarsh, seagrass and native oysters we are lucky enough to have locally. If you have a passion for the marine and coastal environment and want to make a lasting contribution to the health of key habitats of the Solway Firth and be part of an exciting new seascape initiative – then look no further!"

Emily Taylor, Director of the Crichton Carbon Centre, highlighted their specific role: "The Cairn to Coast project has been developed as part of SCAMP Landscape Connections to take the Crichton Carbon Centre (CCC)'s approaches to prioritising and designing successful peatland restoration projects to wider catchment, wetland and coastal habitat restoration and management."

Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, commented: "Our region has much to offer in terms of landscapes and seascapes, as a beautiful place to live, to enjoy the natural environment and the great outdoors. Our natural environment provides a healthy spaces for children, young people and their families to enjoy nature and a great quality of life. These jobs offer an opportunity to engage and restore the coastal and marine environment here on our Solway Coast as well as the opportunity to live here surrounded by nature and an active welcoming SCAMP community."

Councillor Tony Berretti, Vice Chair of the committee, added: "These new green jobs are a fantastic example of how we can align economic growth with environmental responsibility. SCAMP – Landscape Connections is not only restoring our precious coastal and marine habitats, but also creating meaningful employment opportunities right here in Dumfries and Galloway. It's a win for our communities, our economy, and our environment."

These new SCAMP – Landscape Connections green jobs have been made possible through investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, and South of Scotland Enterprise.

To learn more or apply, visit: www.solwaycoastmarine.co.uk.