Habitats are home: celebrating International Year of Biodiversity in South Lanarkshire.
A South Lanarkshire Local Biodiversity Partnership (SLBP) and Community Planning Partnership Conference.
On April 23rd 2010, South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership hosted a conference at Rutherglen Town Hall to mark the International Year of Biodiversity, to launch the consultation of the new Local Biodiversity Action Plan, and to celebrate the Biodiversity of South Lanarkshire, as well as the diversity of action taking place to conserve and enhance it.
The conference took the form of a morning of presentations and an afternoon field trip. There were also poster presentations on a range of projects and community groups, as well as a market place for groups and organisations to have display stands. Images of the posters on display can be seen by clicking on the links below.
The presentations aimed to cover all aspects of biodiversity, the new LBAP and the work underway in South Lanarkshire. A choice of field trips was offered, each one focussing on an aspect of the LBAP and the good work currently underway to improve the area for biodiversity. An indoor seminar session on Biodiversity for Beginners ran in the afternoon for anyone wishing to learn more about the basics of biodiversity, or simply shelter from the April showers!
The day started with a welcome by South Lanarkshire Council's Chief Executive, Archie Strang, followed by the keynote speech from Simon Rennie, Chief Executive of the Central Scotland Forest Trust and the Central Scotland Green Network Support Unit. Simon focussed his talk on the development of the CSGN, its goals and aims, and its links to the biodiversity process, especially in South Lanarkshire. Sian Williams, the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Officer then took to the stage to introduce the new LBAP. Following the extended coffee break, three biodiversity focussed presentations took place. Firstly, Viv Lisewski gave a talk on her involvement with the BTCV Natural Talent scheme, and in particular the role of survey work. She then discussed some of her research into lichens in orchards, with reference to the Clyde Valley orchards. Jan Dick from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology then took over, giving a presentation on Ecosystem Services - a major theme within the new LBAP - their role in our everyday lives, the links to conservation and land management, and the impact on adaptation and mitigation to climate change. Finally, Toby Wilson from RSPB and Mandy Gloyer from Scottish Power performed a double act, looking at the development and ongoing management of Whitelee and Blacklaw wind farms. They focussed on the need for renewable power that doesn't achieve a net loss of carbon emissions, or damage the very environment it's trying to protect, and the partnership work that is currently going on at the wind farms to ensure biodiversity focussed management.
The afternoon field trips mirrored the morning talks, with an RSPB lead trip to Whitelee wind farm; and SWT lead trip to New Lanark World Heritage Site and a South Lanarkshire Council lead trip to Backmuir woods in Hamilton - one of the sites used for Forest Schools.
The day was a success, with over 70 people attending, representing a range of national organisations and agencies, local government, charities and community groups. We hope that everyone gained something from the day, and felt it worthwhile. If anyone has any queries, or wish to be involved in the Biodiversity Partnership, please contact Sian Williams on sian.williams@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Presentations: Habitats are Home CSGN
Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity
Biodiversity and Development
Biodiversity for Beginners seminar
Official IYB Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1VYmpTikgw
STV video: http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthLanarkshireTV#p/u/0/BVE0HZl2rnQ
Posters: Buglife
SLC Conservation Greening Unit
Hamilton Natural History Society
Strathclyde Badger Mammal group
The Organic Growers of Bothwell
