Collaborative working: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I think this is because all of the elements need to be properly addressed to increase chances of success. Resources (adequate funding and effort), time frames (especially starting early enough), involving the right people and also being aware of the local situation. Its a bit like making a cake - unless you have all the ingredients and make it properly, you risk it being a flop! You can be a bit flexible, but you still need enough of the key ingredients to achieve something edible.

You are quite right Tash - sorry - that wasn't clear (it feels so long ago, yet the legacy remains!). There were 10 proposed hpMCZ sites, from which it was intended to whittle down to 3 or 4 across Wales to designate. The example was intended to show both that unless you get engagement right first time you may end up having to abandon (as in this case) and also that actually in Wales we have no hpMCZs at all even now.

Easier said than done, but planning in the 'legacy' or future sustainability of any work is helpful; for example by setting up a 'Community Steering Group' to manage a project, or to take action further at the end of a funding period (Often with paid staff supporting/ organising). This is not always possible, and sometimes it really does require a paid coordinator, to keep things going. Looking for legacy funding/ follow up/ expansion/ diversification can help. Or sometimes you can build these relationships and working with communities into other people's 'day job'?

It may sound really obvious but we find that working with the people who 'live' the situation you are working in works best. So ask them.. Trying to reach fishers - speak to them (and often you may find you need to go meet them at the docks for example); speaking with local authorities - it may even be as simple as using a system (down to teleconference system right now!) or time that works.. There are often local newsletters/ facebook groups etc you can reach people through. And you may need different levels of information, pitched at different audiences. Often the 'funder pitch' is not what local communities want to hear most, and an FAQ on how a project effects them is..