Question Time: The Future of Highland Soils
Anne Thomas
Posted 2012-05-24 19:57 (#997)
Subject: Question Time: The Future of Highland Soils


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--- On Thu, 24/5/12, Monika Rowan Tree Consulting wrote:


We would like to draw your attention to some of the other events we are holding as part of the Highland Soil Biodiversity Festival (summary below) and in particular, our closing 'Question Time' style event entitled 'The Future of Highland Soils'. We have invited four speakers from the worlds of forestry, agriculture and ecology to debate this topic and answer questions from the floor. The evening will be chaired by Forestry Lecturer and former Highland Councillor Ian Ross and is from 7.30 to 9.30PM on Sunday the 27th of May in Eden Court Theatre , Inverness . The speakers are:



John Risby (Highlands & Islands Conservator, Forestry Commission Scotland);

Martin Bridges (Farm Manager, Moray Estates);

Martin Birse (Farm Manager, Pitgaveny Estates); and

James Merryweather (Ecologist & former University Lecturer)



This is a free event but places are limited, so please contact Monika if you would like to attend.



Kind regards,



Janet Bromham, Jonathan Willet & Monika Maleszka-Ritchie



Thursday 24 May

River Inver to Glencanisp Thurs 24 May, 11am – 3pm

Andy Summers, Highland Council Ranger Grid ref: NC 094225

In search of black-throated divers, abandoned clearance villages, and riverside wildlife all within the community owned estate of Glencanisp.

Meet at Assynt Visitor Centre.

Adults £5, concessions £3 (Contact 01571 844654)



Achnahaird to Garvie Bay Thurs 24 May, 11am – 4pm

Melanie Gaff, Highland Council Ranger Achiltibuie area

Step back in time on this stunning coastal walk and get a glimpse of fossil records of the first life forces to appear on Earth.

Bring outdoor clothing, sturdy boots, a picnic and a sense of fun. Further details on booking.

Adults £5, concessions £3 (Contact: 01854 613904)



Agricultural Improvement of the Black Isle Thurs 24 May, 7.30 – 9pm

& the Inner Moray Firth before 1900 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness

David Alston

An illustrated mid-week lecture by local historian David Alston.

Free event, booking essential (Contact monika@rowan-tree-consulting.co.uk)



Friday 25 May

Auchtertyre Field / “Lab” Soil Session Fri 25 May, 11am – 1pm

Dr James Merryweather Grid Ref: NG 839274

A West Highland fieldtrip to examine and discuss the biological processes in and interaction between the above and below ground realms, continuing James Merryweather’s talk (19 May) in the field (also, if practicable, in the ‘lab’). N.B. these 3 events will complementary.

Please bring lunch, waterproofs and stout boots or wellies. Duration 2+ hours (longer if agreed)

Free event, donations welcome (Contact monika@rowan-tree-consulting.co.uk)



Managing your Garden Soils for Wildlife Fri 25 May, 2 – 4pm

Katy Martin, Highland Council Ranger Culloden House Hotel

Join us on a guided walk around the gardens at Culloden House Hotel to learn a little about the history of the area and how the garden has been managed through the years. We will discuss ways of managing our garden soils to benefit wildlife.

Cost: £3 adults & £2 concessions. (Contact Katy Martin 01463 710786 )



Saturday 26 May

The Living World Beneath Your Feet! Sat 26 May, 2 – 4pm

Abriachan Forest Trust / Katy Martin, Highland Council Ranger Abriachan

We walk on it, dig it up and need it to grow our food, but have you ever looked at soil closely? Join us on this fun look at the world beneath your feet at Abriachan.

Adults £3, concessions £2 (Contact 01463 710786)



What future for the Moles of Melvaig? Sat 26 May, 10.30am – 4pm

Peter Cunningham, Wester Ross Environment Network Melvaig, near Gairloch

A field excursion to learn about soils at Alltgrishan – Melvaig, near Gairloch. The walk will cover the subjects of earthworms, New Zealand flatworms and moles, and will visit different crofts to consider soil biodiversity on grazed, partly grazed and ungrazed fields.

Free event, donations welcome (Contact 01445 712899 )



Lairg Worm Charming Championship Sat 26 May, 10.30am – 12pm

Ian Paterson, Highland Council Ranger Grid Ref: NC 579062

Can you find more worms than anyone else? The silliest way to discover the fascinating life that goes on in our soil. Bring dancing shoes, space hoppers, footballs or anything else you think will encourage the worms out (Worm Charming Championship rules apply!).

Meet at the Ferrycroft Centre, Lairg.

Adults £3, concessions £2 (Contact: 01549 502638 )



Wildflower Count Sat 26 May, 10am – 1pm

Martin Hind, Highland Council Ranger Muir of Ord

Get the most out of Plantlife’s annual wildflower survey. Come on a practical workshop, full of ideas and tips on what to look for, while enjoying a walk through the countryside.

Donations welcome (Contact 01349 868563 )



Sunday 27 May

Closing Event:

Question Time: The Future of Highland Soils Sun 27 May, 7.30 – 9.30pm

Chairman plus 4 speakers Eden Court Theatre, Inverness

A panel of four speakers from different backgrounds will be asked to present balanced arguments in a “Question Time” style event to close Highland Soil Biodiversity Week.

Free event, booking essential (Contact monika@rowan-tree-consulting.co.uk)





Janet Bromham

janet.bromham@highland.gov.uk

Highland Biodiversity Officer (Job Share)

Planning & Development Service

The Highland Council

Glenurquhart Road

Inverness IV3 5NX

Tel: 01463 702274

www.highlandbiodiversity.com

Jonathan Willet

Jonathan.Willet@highland.gov.uk

Highland Biodiversity Officer (job-share)

Planning and Development

Highland Council

Glenurquhart Road

Inverness, IV3 5NX

01463 702274

www.highlandbiodiversity.com





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