Cumbria Strategic Partnership has chosen to include the new National Indicator 197 (Improved Local Biodiversity – proportion of Local Sites where positive conservation management has been or is being implemented) as one of the indicators within Cumbria’s 2008-2011 Local Area Agreement. Local Sites include both County Wildlife Sites and Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS).

Following this adoption of N197 by the county, Cumbria Local Sites Partnership has been established to steer the management of the Local Sites System and ensure the indicator targets are achieved. The partnership membership includes Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Cumbria County Council, Lake District National Park Authorities, District Councils, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, and The National Trust. Partners are working closely together to coordinate efforts across the county and improve the management of Cumbria’s Local Sites.