2025 Conference. Presentations.
Friday
TreeLink Stirling: Connecting Trees and People
Max Hislop. TreeLink
TreeLink Stirling was founded in 2020/21 by a group of people brought together by their appreciation of the ecological, social and cultural importance of trees. TreeLink is now a thriving charity. It still relies entirely on the commitment of its trustees and other volunteers. They grow and plant trees, maintain woodland and do all the 'behind the scenes' work needed to keep TreeLink growing.
Getting to know Kilsture - a 204 hectare mixed deciduous woodland on the Machars Peninsula South West Galloway
Julia Farrington. Co-chair Kilsture Forest Community Group (KFCG)
Julia will talk about KFCG's partnership with FLS and their ongoing work to monitor and map Kilsture's biodiversity to inform their role as co-custodians of the future management of the forest. Julia will present KFCG’s new interactive, digital map of the forest ecosystem, findings from this summer’s drone survey and the outcomes of a bespoke woodland condition assessment designed for KFCG volunteers to assess the health of biodiversity in the forest.
CWA's P2P & Professional Mentoring Schemes - a punters perspective
Rhyddian Knight. Friends of Glenan Wood
As part of the ‘A year in CWA’ presentation , Rhyddian will share some short reflections of how CWA's mentoring scheme has helped support & connect his practice. As a 'lone ranger' for a small community woodland in Argyll; this will be of interest to member organisations with single employees.
Saturday
A Forest on Fire: how Bute Community Forest endured the worst fire that the island has ever seen and looks to restore what was lost
Samuel Lindsay. Bute Community Forest
Last April, Bute Community Forest faced the unthinkable as a five-day fire worked its way ever closer to their Ancient Oak Woodland. Forest Ranger and makeshift firefighter Samuel Lindsay talks about his experience facing what every community forest dreads as 20 acres of their woodland burned. From national news coverage to handling local politics, planning restoration to preparing for the future, we share our experience navigating this new territory and the lessons learned.
Getting deep, down & dirty
Rhyddian Knight. Friends of Glenan Wood
Glenan Wood is a 148 hectare stretch of Atlantic Rainforest on the South West Cowal Peninsula of Argyll. Rhyddian will talk about the essential & ongoing journey with Archaeology Scotland to reveal the cultural archives embedded betwixt & between the woodlands rich natural history. Touching on their use of citizen science, phototelemetry & their place within the West Cowal Rainforest Restoration Project. Rhyddian will also tell a story or two to illustrate FOGW's community led approach to events & how seasonal conservation based, family 'festivals' are helping to regenerate the traditions of feasting & convivality under the canopy.