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Life Peatlands Project
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The Peatlands A Brighter
Future The LIFE Peatlands Project ( www.lifepeatlandsproject.com ) has been operating in Caithness and Sutherland for over 10 years through two phases (1994-98 and 2001-06) of EU LIFE grant focussing on the restoration and conservation of the world important 'Flow Country' peatlands. Led by RSPB Scotland in partnership with SNH, Forestry Commission Scotland, CASE and Plantlife International, significant achievements have been made not only in the restoration of areas of damaged peatland, but also in raising awareness and developing an agreed strategic plan for the future of the peatland area. Much work has also been done in trying to promote the area as a valuable visitor resource demonstrating, of course, that this unique landscape has an economic value if managed sustainably. Although the conference marks the end of over 10 years of LIFE funded conservation initiatives, it also marks the beginning of a new era for the Peatlands. 'The Peatlands of Caithness & Sutherland MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2005 - 2015' was formally launched by Deputy Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Rhona Brankin in August 2005 and the conference will also provide a platform for the launch of 'The Peatlands Partnership' - a post-LIFE Project group involving interested parties and stakeholders - which will ultimately be responsible for the delivery of the Strategy. The conference will be over 2 days with Day 1 (Wednesday 4th October) dedicated to talks, and Day 2 to optional field visits. There will be a conference dinner on the Wednesday evening and there will also be session dedicated to viewing delegates poster / displays. We see this event as an excellent opportunity to disseminate our achievements over the last decade as well as provide a forum to discuss the future management of this unique part of the world. If you would like to attend the event (or any part of it), please e mail neil.wilkie@rspb.org.uk or telephone Eilidh Smith at 01463 715000 Wednesday 4th October 10.30-10.40: Opening address and
conference overview Rhona Brankin MSP, 10.40-11.55: Session 1 The World
Class Peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland 11.55-14.45: Session 2 The Future
of the Peatlands 12.45-13.45: Lunch 14.45-17.00: Session 3 Communities
and Partnerships 18.00: Poster presentation displays with refreshments 19.30: Conference dinner Thursday 5th October 10.30-10.45: Introduction & welcome
to Forsinard Flows Reserve - Norrie Russell 10.45-15.00: Field trips (packed
lunch included) 15.00-16.00: Feedback and close Contacts Local Organiser: The LIFE Peatlands Project |