The Lundy Management Forum consists of representatives from a number of organisations (listed below), all of whom have some responsibility for the overall management of the island. The Forum deals with the management of the whole island and the MPA. It meets twice a year (usually in April and October) to discuss matters regarding the management of the island, its protected features and wildlife, and the management of the Marine Protected Area. Forum meetings are usually a day or two after meetings of the MPA Advisory Group, so that any issues raised by the Advisory Group can be brought to the attention of the Forum.
The following organisations are represented on the Lundy Management Forum:
- The Landmark Trust (who administer the island through its wholly owned company The Lundy Co. Ltd.)
- The National Trust
- Historic England
- Natural England
- Environment Agency
- Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
- Marine Management Organisation
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- Lundy Field Society
- Lundy MPA Advisory Group
In 2016, the Lundy Management Forum agreed to the following overall aim for the MPA:
To manage Lundy’s Marine Protected Area for the benefit of its wildlife and to promote the ecologically sustainable use of resources and the use of the Protected Area for education, research and the enjoyment of all aspects of the marine and coastal environment.
In order to achieve this aim, a framework of eight key policies was agreed, each of which has a number of specific long-term objectives (these objectives are not shown here but are set out in the Marine Management Plan (2017).
Policy 1. To sustain and, where possible, enhance the character and range of natural habitats, communities and species within the MPA;
to maintain the reefs within the Lundy SAC in favourable condition, taking account of natural change, with particular reference to rocky shores, kelp forests, vertical and overhanging circalittoral rock communities, and stable boulder communities;
to maintain the subtidal sandbanks, sea caves and grey seals within the Lundy SAC in favourable condition, taking account of natural change;
to maintain or increase populations of species that are listed as ‘designated taxa’ (including those that qualify but are not yet listed), together with species that are of moderate to high sensitivity to pressures that occur around Lundy which result from human activities.
Policy 2. To maintain the extent and quality of important archaeological sites, i.e. Protected Wrecks and Scheduled Monuments directly on the coast; and promote the conservation of these features through an integrated approach with the conservation of natural features.
Policy 3. To maintain or increase the populations of breeding seabird species; and provide suitable habitat for migrant bird species.
Policy 4. To use Lundy to promote marine conservation and the concept of ecologically sustainable use of marine, coastal and terrestrial resources.
Policy 5. To optimise the interpretation and education potential of Lundy to island visitors and users.
Policy 6. To encourage informed and sympathetic recreational use.
Policy 7. To promote, encourage and report research which will help the achievement of objectives 1-6 and advance understanding of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Policy 8. To provide an administrative structure which facilitates decision making, reserve management and effective communication with outside bodies and meets national and international conservation obligations, ensuring that objectives 1-7 meet legal constraints and obligations.
