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.

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

In April 2025, 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 talked 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, Samuel shared their 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.