In case you missed it: 2023 closed with some amazing accolades for the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. The UNESCO region was named on National Geographic's Cool List for 2024, a prestigious annual top 30 travel destinations. It was also selected by Rough Guides for its 24 for '24 Best Travel Destinations. Our team are here to help your business, community or attraction make the most of these singular marketing opportunities - get in touch for a chat! And do have a wee browse of our free digital assets - leaflets, itineraries, photos and more - that can help with your own promotional activity.
|
|
We're thrilled to have launched the South Ayrshire Small Scale Tree Planting Grant at the end of 2023, working with our partners South Ayrshire Council. Funding is available now for individuals or groups wishing to plant native trees on areas of land measuring less than 0.25 hectares. The scheme promises substantial long term benefits for wildlife and communities through the creation of new areas of broadleaf woodland. Applications close on 1st March - more info via the blue button below.
|
|
Our winter calendar has several brilliant events to get communities together, including four Sense of Place workshops. Moniaive was held on 15th January, with Kirkcolm still to come on 17th Jan (6:30pm at the Community Hub, if you're free) followed by Pinwherry and Sanquhar on the dates below. These are fun, informal, interactive events, all ages welcome, each one is free with no requirement to book.
|
|
The final D&G instalment of our Creatives & Sustainability series takes place this week, hosted by the GSA Biosphere in partnership with D&G arts development organisation Upland. Whatever stage your creative business has reached please do consider joining us in Wigtown to talk enterprise, art, and sustainable practice. Free to attend; book on Eventbrite via the button.
|
|
Our team will be joined by colleagues from Propagate and NFU Scotland to host the inaugural Farming for the Future Conference in Newton Stewart next month. The agenda includes an exciting roster of speakers from local farmers and producers to organisations such as Pasture for Life, with lunch and a socialising/networking afternoon. This is a free event for farmers and land managers and not restricted to those within the Biosphere region - please share with anyone that might be interested in coming along.
|
|
The SCOTO - Scottish Community Tourism National Gathering & Learning Exchange takes place in Dumfries this year on 29th February - 1st March and we're delighted to be involved. The theme is 'Press Pause' - encouraging communities to take time to find out what's working, what isn't, and why. We'll be joined by colleagues from Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere for early-bird workshops on climate action and dark skies, and talking later in the day over coffee and cake about PR, crowdfunding, and more. Friday's Learning Exchanges will visit different parts of Dumfries, Nithsdale and Annandale, with places funded by the Scottish Tourism Alliance. It's a packed programme with something for everyone with an interest in community-led tourism - book via the button below.
|
|
Between outings and events our team have been working on the GSA Biosphere website, in particular revamping our Explore page. It's not just for tourists! Take a look via the button below to find new ideas for activities and experiences across the UNESCO designated region - so many of which are not available anywhere else. And don't forget: we're always delighted to hear about your special places, cool days out, and intriguing discoveries! Share with us on social media using the hashtag #gsabiosphere and by tagging @gsabiosphere.
|
|
|
|
