We're into the last weeks of summer and the GSA Biosphere programme is as packed as ever, including the final events celebrating our 10th anniversary and designation renewal. Scroll down to book tickets for a one-off gathering at Ochiltree this month.
For all our regular updates 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.
The photo below shows Faith, our Community Officer, at the Woodroad Park Fun Day in Cumnock on 30th July, where GSAB were leading bug hunts with the Coalfield Environment Initiative.
We're delighted to be recruiting again in 2023 for two Project Support Officer posts. Aimed at early career applicants, we're seeking to appoint one PSO to work with our Communities team, and one to support GSAB's Communications & Marketing. Both roles are full-time for 12 months and paid at the Real Living Wage, and we warmly encourage young people across the region to consider applying, whether leaving school, college or university. (Please note driving is essential for both roles.) Full info and application forms via the link.
GSAB has welcomed new permanent members of staff in July. Antoine Lemaire has been appointed as Nature Recovery Officer while Jake McLaughlan progresses from Project Support to become Business Engagement Officer. Both are pictured below with their line managers Sara and Marie, outside our office at Kirroughtree nr Newton Stewart. A few words from Antoine and Jake via the link.
The GSA Biosphere is one of five new sites selected to participate in UNESCO's project exploring the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks and Natural World Heritage sites will act as case studies on research, education and innovation, particularly with regard to SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate action), SDG 14 (Life below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on land). Special mention to our Director, Ed Forrest, and Land Use lead Sara Press, for their hard work in writing GSAB's proposal, titled Whole Farm Plans for Agricultural Natural Capital Resilience: Audit Methodology.
Photo credit: Gatehouse and the Fleet estuary, courtesy of Galloway Cycling
We're thrilled to have been shortlisted for the Scottish Land and Estates Helping it Happen Awards 2023, in the Working with Communities category. The awards are sponsored by NatureScot and recognise the role of estates, farms, rural businesses, and individuals who are helping rural Scotland thrive. Read more about the finalists and October's award ceremony in October via the link below, and do have an extra click if you have time on the Biosphere Proud Supporters and partner organisations who are also finalists, including the Crichton Carbon Centre, We Hae Meat, The Wee House Company, andGo Girvan.
A unique event coming up on 20th August in the Biosphere Community of Ochiltree as we join residents to launch two local trails - the River Lugar and Heritage Walks - and celebrate the past and future of the GSA Biosphere's work in East Ayrshire. This special day will include a scenic stroll to the historic Barony A-Frame at Auchinleck guided by the Ayrshire Rivers Trust, with return transport provided to Ochiltree Community Hub, where we'll enjoy food and refreshments to the accompaniment of the Cumnock Tryst. There are a few places still available via the link below.
No less than TWO lovely maps to share! On the left a close-up of the GSA Biosphere taken from the UK National Commission for UNESCO's recently launched Local To Global Map, which features every UNESCO site in the UK and Crown dependencies. The full map is available on our website in the Resources section - a great asset to Biosphere businesses looking to promote Scotland's UNESCO Trail, or offer additional info to visitors touring the UK. On the right, the new GSA Biosphere boundary - the UNESCO-designated region has grown to more than 9,700km² of land and sea!
The GSA Biosphere's Blackface wool pilot project has been on tour over summer and we were proud to display some of the knitted outerwear designs at Wigtown Agricultural Show at the beginning of August - the undyed jumper is pictured below. Our project goals include finding ways to add value to local fleece to benefit Biosphere farmers, but there's no need to have your own flock to connect with the project; we welcome one and all to follow progress in the company of the 390+ members of The Wool Gathering on Facebook.
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 wildlife-friendly seed suppliers Jemima's Garden, milkshake maestros Balnab Dairy, west coast sustainable saltmakers Blackthorn Salt, rural touring opera company Blackbird Opera, non-profit service providers Cairn Valley Community Transport, Dumfriesshire creatives KSB Design & Photography, and Arran - Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark. 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.
