The Inner Forth: New Connections for Nature, History and People
Forth Naturalist and Historian (FNH) and the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (IFLI) have partnered on this conference aimed at everyone who wants to know more about this unique landscape at the heart of Scotland.
In 2014 IFLI had just begun delivery of a four-year programme of projects, funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund. Its vision was an Inner Forth where local people and visitors value, protect and celebrate this unique landscape at the heart of Scotland. In that year FNH and IFLI worked together on a conference looking at encouraging more people to discover and understand the rich heritage of the Inner Forth. Since then 50 individual but inter-related projects have worked with local communities, volunteers and other organisations to conserve, enhance and promote its important natural and historic features for the future.
This year’s joint conference will celebrate the achievements of the Initiative, and report on just a few of these projects, which focused on both the natural and cultural heritage of the region. There will be something for everyone, whether you are fascinated by the area’s history, or passionate about its wildlife – or hopefully both. Conference sessions include ‘The Hunt for a Royal Dockyard at Higgin's Neuk’; ‘Green Roofs and Meadows’; ‘Investigating Zetland Park’; and ‘Habitat Restoration at Wester Moss’.
In addition to a full day’s programme from a wide range of wildlife and local history experts, organisations and community groups representing the cultural, historic and natural history of the area, there will be stalls located in the University Atrium where anyone on campus that day will be able to learn more, and find out how to get involved.
The two organisations are particularly keen to encourage volunteers involved with IFLI projects to join us and for students and young people to come along to find out more.
Speakers
Richard Tipping (Chair FNH) - Welcome
Anne McCall (RSPB Scotland) - Overview and Reflections on IFLI 2014 - 2018
Ellie Graham-Allsop (SCAPE Trust) - The Hunt for a Royal Dockyard at Higgin's Neuk
Murray Dickie (Clacks Field Studies Society) - A Tale of Two Estates
Suzanne Burgess (Buglife) - Green Roofs and Meadows
Sophie McDonald (IFLI Bursary Student, University of Stirling) - Conserving Communities
Geoff Bailey (Falkirk Community Trust) - Investigating Zetland Park
Emilie Wadsworth (Central Scotland Green Network Trust) - Orchard Creation and Learning
Kate Fuller (IFLI) - Forth Nature Counts
David Hill (Butterfly Conservation) - Habitat Restoration at Wester Moss
Tom Churchyard (IFLI) - Interpretation, Legacy and Lessons.
Registration
This event is open to all but advance booking and payment is required. Booking forms can be downloaded from the FNH and IFLI websites.
FNH member / IFLI Volunteer / Student: £9
IFLI Volunteer who is a Student: £4.50
None of the above: £18
The ticket price provides entrance to all talks and refreshments at the morning and afternoon breaks. Lunch can be booked in advance or there are a range of eateries around the University campus. Entrance to the Atrium is free of charge to all who wish to view the stalls.