The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and SCRI joined forces on 1 April 2011 to create The James Hutton Institute. It is the first Institute of its type in Europe and will make major, new contributions to the understanding of key global issues such as food, energy and environmental security.A workshop on the identification and protection of wildlife in woodland areas is being held at Thainstone tomorrow (Thursday 18th February 2010).
Organised by the North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership and supported by Forestry Commission Scotland and SNH, the event will focus on identifying and understanding protected species, the legislative requirements for landowners and the financial grants available to help support wildlife in woodland areas.
Among those speaking at the conference are Hollie Walker from the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Toni Watts from the North East Bat Group, Ian Hutchison from the Scottish Badger Organisation, Matt Young from Forestry Commission Scotland and David MacKinnon, Wildlife Crime Officer with Grampian Police.
With speakers covering issues such as protected mammals, birds and invertebrates as well as legislation and planning the event has attracted a wide range of delegates involved with woodlands including environmental planners, estate managers, representatives from the Woodland Trust as well as individual gamekeepers and commercial forestry operators.
Lorna Anness, Local Assistant Biodiversity Officer, who organised the event said, “This event will offer those working with woodlands and forests a clearer idea of their obligations with regard to protecting species on their land as well as advice and guidance on how to access grants to support management for wildlife.”
The event will also provide an opportunity for discussion on the current major environmental issues in woodland areas and the pressures woodland biodiversity are likely to face in the future.
ENDS
Information for Editors:
The North East Scotland Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) takes action to conserve important species and habitats for our benefit and for future generations.
LBAP is a partnership of local authorities, environmental, forestry, farming, land and education agencies, businesses and many individuals all with a common interest in conserving biodiversity in North East Scotland.
For more information, visit: www.nesbiodiversity.org.uk
For further information contact:
Lorna Anness
Local Assistant Biodiversity Officer
North East Biodiversity Action Plan
The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute
Craigiebuckler
Aberdeen
AB15 8QH
Telephone: 01224 395170
Email: l.anness@macaulay.ac.uk