The longer days of spring bring us more time to spend outdoors, and we've got a few free events below where you can join us to explore. For those without much spare time during April, don't forget that you can always catch up with us on social media - links are at the bottom of this page. Any feedback on our features, or is there something you'd like to know more about? Contact our team via info@gsabiosphere.org.uk.
As most of you will be aware planning and development of the Biosphere's new office hub is underway; for now we're still based at Kirroughtree - click here to find out more about the fantastic walking and cycle routes (and cafe!) managed by our friends at Forestry & Land Scotland. Photo below shows some of our neighbours enjoying some springtime sun.
The Biosphere Certification Mark is open now for applications from Proud Supporter businesses located in the GSA Biosphere and is still free to join. This trademarked quality scheme recognises sustainability in enterprise and brings with it marketing and networking opportunities plus access to Biosphere branding, collaborative projects and member events. If you'd like to have an informal chat about applying, get in touch with marie@gsabiosphere.org.uk. Pic shows the Biosphere Certification Mark logo in action via textile artist Laura Derby at Rugaura.
Our team attended the South of Scotland Destination Alliance Conference in Peebles last month. The SSDA is a Proud Supporter organisation and the event was compered by GSAB's Chair, Melanie Allen, with our Business Engagement Officer Esther Tacke among a panel discussing the exciting future of cycling in our region, including the launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C route. Our Biosphere truly is the place for life on two wheels, as sustainable travel, healthy leisure, and competitive sport. Find out more from Esther in person on a tour with gallowaycycling.com, and check out the SSDA's article below to read more about 'the power of the bike'.
Our new nature recording project TheBiosphere's Most Wanted has three more dates available to book: Colmonell on 15th April, Threave Estate on 17th, and Whithorn on the 29th. Each session includes an iNaturalist workshop and wildlife walk in local green space. We're looking out for some very special species (which you'll hear more about on the day) but it's just as fun to record any old flower or bug. Book free via the link below or contact project lead Malcolm Haddow via malcolm@gsabiosphere.org.uk.
Keep an eye out for our new interpretation panels that have been installed at places of interest and local attractions. (Special thanks to Robert at The Signpost for all his hard work on this in the dreich weeks of March.) The panels explain more about southwest Scotland's UNESCO designation and recommend ways to extend a Biosphere adventure, whether you're local or journeying across Scotland's UNESCO Trail. The two panels below are up at Biosphere Bikes in Girvan, one of our Certification Mark businesses.
The community-led nature restoration initiative Nith Life has been achieving coverage far and wide, including through the UK National Commission for UNESCO, which reported on the recent Community Visioning Workshop in Sanquhar. Please do take a look at their article via the link below and if you're interested in finding out more contact Faith from our team via faith@gsabiosphere.org.uk. Nith Life is exploring all aspects of the future of the River Nith catchment - wildlife, culture, leisure and economy - and all are welcome to join the conversation.
The GSA Biosphere's Sustainable Events Charter is a commitment to sustainability that allows organisers to share the work they are doing to create positive environmental, economic and societal benefits. We're delighted that the Newton Stewart Walking Festival, Spring Fling and Raiders Gravel have all signed up to the charter and will be operating with the Biosphere badge of approval in 2023. Read more in our article below.
Our Community & Education team have a packed calendar through spring and early summer visiting schools across the Biosphere to introduce our Learning for Sustainability Toolkit, which was created last year in partnership with staff and pupils at Girvan Primary. The toolkit is based on environmental education and learning outdoors, and is packed with activities based on our special environments: bogs, beaches, forests, farms, and more. Each school visit includes a workshop delivered by GSAB officers - Jake is pictured below, learning with Gelston Primary pupils! Although the workshop sessions are now fully booked the toolkit is free to download on our website (link below). To find out more about Learning for Sustainability in the GSA Biosphere contact project lead Jenna via jenna@gsabiosphere.org.uk.
Finally...a warm welcome to all the individuals, businesses and community groups that have signed up as Proud Supporters of our UNESCO Biosphere recently. They include regional business networking group Connecting DG, climate and social justice charity EcoArt, and Sanquhar Primary School. The commitment of local people to sustainability is amazing and everyone on Team GSAB firmly believes it demonstrates how southwest Scotland can be a model of better living for other regions and communities at home and abroad.
