Conference to highlight new connections around the Forth

This November the history and wildlife of the Inner Forth will be in the spotlight at an event looking at the many ways organisations and communities have been working together to protect and celebrate them.

IFLI and the Forth Naturalist and Historian (FNH) have partnered up to organise a one-day conference, New Connections for Nature, History and People, at Stirling University on 11 November, aimed at everyone who wants to know more about our landscape.

Back in 2014 IFLI had just begun delivering a four-year programme of projects, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Its vision was of an Inner Forth where local people and visitors value, protect and celebrate this unique landscape at the heart of Scotland. In that year IFLI and FNH worked together on a conference looking at new ways to encourage more people to discover and understand the rich heritage of the Inner Forth.

Since then 50 individual but inter-related projects have worked with local communities, volunteers and other organisations to conserve, enchance and and promote its important natural and historic features for the future. This year's conference will celebrate the achievements of the Initiative, and feature reports on a just a few of these projects. There will be something for everyone, whether you are fascinated by the area's history, or passionate about its wildlife - or hopefully both. Talks include 'The Hunt for a Royal Dockyard at Higgin's Neuk', 'Green Roofs and Meadows', Investigating Zetland Park', and Habitat Restoration at Wester Moss', all presented by a wide range of wildlife and local history experts, organisations and community groups representing the cultural, historic and natural history of the area. And in addition to a full day's programme there will be stalls located in the University Atrium where anyone on campus that day will be able to learn more, and find out how to get involved. 

Both organisations are particularly keen to encourage volunteers involved with IFLI projects to join us, and for students and young people to come along and find out more. Poeple who have volunteered for IFLI projects will receive a concessionary rate of £9, and if you are a student volunteer it will be just £4.50. Student tickets (including under-18s) will cost just £9 for the day. Full price tickets are £18 for the day.

Booking must be done by using the FNH form, which can be found here. 

For find out more about the conference and for a full list of talks, you can visit our events page, or the FNH website.