Join us to mark the 30th anniversary of the Mountain Woodland Action Group at a conference at Birnam Arts Centre on 23rd September.

We have a wide range of speakers taking an interesting dive and giving insight into many aspects of mountain woodland both in Scotland and further afield.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Cost is £20 with a reduced rate of £10 for students.

There is an optional guided tour of Ben Lawers on the following day, hosted by the National Trust for Scotland. There is no additional cost, but participants will be responsible for arranging their own transport and lunches. Places will be limited. For further information or to book a place please contact Dan Watson, dwatson@nts.org.uk

9.00 for 9.40 start

Morning session 1 Showcase of existing projects.

Opening adress from Diana Gilbert, Mountain Woodland Action Group initiator

Ben Lawers, pioneering habitat restoration: Andrew Warwick, NTS

Borders Forest Trust, starting from scratch: Cat Patience, BFT

Forestry & Land Scotland, developing projects: Richard Thompson, FLS

Mar Lodge, regeneration, deer and genetic rescue: Shaila Rao, NTS

Morning session 2 Research Update

PhD Summary – Improving restoration outcomes: Sarah Watts, Corrour Estate

Paleoecology: Chris Blake, St Andrew’s University

Sitka spruce at the treeline: Rory Abernethy, Stirling University

Conservation genetics of montane willows: Aline Finger/Rachael Eggleston, RGBE

Lunch

Afternoon Session 1 Wider Perspectives

Colonisation and range of Icelandic mountain birch: Anna Mariager Behrend, Aarhus University

Climate change and other threats to birch woodland in Askibo National Park Sweden: Keith Larson, Umea Centre Arctic Centre

Deer policy: Mike Daniels, UHI

Relevance of mountain woodland to wider woodland management: James Rainey, Trees For Life

Panel Discussion - Policy and Funding: Where Next

Afternoon Session 2 People and Place

Cairngorms Connect - nursery and willow walk: Lynn Cassels, Cairngorms Connect

Scottish seed stand scoping project: Innes Manders, Catkin Ecology

Tree seed collection and volunteers: Roz Birch, Trees For Life

Closing Remarks

End 5.15

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