First edition of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere news!

Newsletter – March 2015

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Welcome to the Spring 2015 edition of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere news!

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TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BIOSPHERE

At the end of 2014 I took over from Roger Croft as chair of the Biosphere Partnership Board. Having had a long association with the Biosphere Project, I am happy to do this although I appreciate that Roger is a hard act to follow.
Roger skilfully guided Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere through its early days – the successful application to join the international family of new-style Biospheres, the development of a structure and constitution and the securing of the funding which has allowed us to employ three project officers. We owe him a great deal.
One of my priorities as chair is to engage with communities and individuals throughout the Biosphere area and help to stimulate public interest in this great opportunity. We are fortunate enough to live in an area of outstanding nature and landscape - we need to ensure that this heritage works to sustain and enhance the economic and social fabric of the area in a sustainable way.
This electronic newsletter is one way of keeping in touch and another is the GSABiosphere website, but the communication has to be two-way so please feel free to contribute and comment.
Best wishes
Joan Mitchell

CAN YOU HOST A DARK SKY RANGER EVENT?

Can you help give the new Dark Sky Rangers a flying start in 2015? We are looking for accommodation providers from all sectors to volunteer to host a dark sky event at their premises this Autumn. You will get a great event run by one of the new Dark Sky Rangers that you can offer your customers and the chance to be the first to take this experience to a new level. All we need you to do is:
1. Sign up to the new Biosphere Charter
2. Allow a Dark Sky Ranger to set up and run an event at your location ( on this occasion only the travel costs for the Ranger will be required)

We are looking for a range of accommodation sectors (hotel, B&B, Guesthouse, camping & caravanning, self-catering) to demonstrate what can be done so please participate regardless of the size of your business.

If you think you can help please send details to chimwemwe@gsabiosphere.org.uk

A SHOWCASE FOR LOCAL PRODUCE

On Sunday 10th May the Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink will be a haven for anybody who cares about the quality and provenance of the food they eat – chefs, restaurateurs, passionate amateur cooks or anyone who just happens to love eating and drinking.

As well as tastings, there will be pop up restaurants where you can be waited on and enjoy a full dining experience. But it’s not just the sheer quality of the food on offer that will make the Ballantrae Food and Drink Festival so special – it is also about the people and the place. With Ailsa Craig and Arran as the backdrop, come and meet the producers and traders, and sample our delicious seasonal fare. There will be organic food stalls, wine bars, whisky tasting, cheese shops and an area dedicated to cooking demonstrations. More information will be available here

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere team hopes to see you in Ballantrae on Sunday 10 May!

NEW CHARTER

SIGN UP NOW!

We are pleased to announce that the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere has adopted a Biosphere Charter. The Charter will be used to reach out to individuals, schools, communities, businesses as well as organisations that can demonstrate their aspiration to implement the Charter. It will be also used to share the good practice of taking care of our surroundings showing that it is not only possible but already happening in the Biosphere. Upon signing up to the six principles of the Charter, Supporters will play a role in improving and promoting the sustainability of the region through increasing awareness and recognition of the Biosphere.

The six principles are:

Help to conserve the natural resources of the Biosphere
Support the economy to benefit people and nature
Promote cultural heritage and local products
Contribute to the health and well-being of the community
Develop knowledge, understanding and promote research
Raise awareness of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

Find out about the Charter application process and the benefits here.

NEWTON STEWART WALKING FESTIVAL

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is an ideal location for walking. With a programme of guided walks between 8th - 14th May 2015 the Newton Stewart Walking Festival provides a great way to explore wild hills, spectacular coastlines and beautiful woodlands. Now in its 13th year the Walking Festival offers an opportunity to explore the heart of the Biosphere and includes an opportunity to walk along the Range of the Awful Hand or visit the Deil's Boolin Green.

Find out more here

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