Third edition of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere news!

Newsletter – May 2015

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Welcome to the 2nd Spring 2015 edition of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere news!

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BUSY BIOSPHERE

It's spring here on our Galloway farm and three things are taking all my time and energy; lambing, my tow granddaughters next door, the younger born on 19th march, and Newton Stewart Walking Festival in May. It’s my enthusiasm for all three which makes the Biosphere and the values in its Charter important to me. We enjoy a high quality environment which we must pass on, protected and enhanced, to future generations, and it’s a joy to see our children learn about the nature around them. But if our young people are to have a longer term future here we must also have a sustainable economy. That means using our natural resources to support the styles of farming, forestry, tourism and other economic activities which respect nature.
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Charter incorporates these values – please sign up.

Best wishes
Joan Mitchell (Chair Partnership Board)

MAKING THE NEWS

Gatehouse Development Initiative (GDI) are actively promoting their connections with the Biosphere Charter by spreading the news, see here. The GDI is active locally and further afield with their Heritage Promoters project that shares experiences with partners across Europe to encourage local ambassadors to make the most of their distinct heritage.

GLENTROOL TALKS

Glentrool and Bargrennan Trust are anothe community group that have signed the Biosphere Charter. The group have organised a series of Biosphere talks that are taking place every month at the Community Centre in Glentrool. Pine Martens are the topic for a FREE talk by Martin Webber at 2.00pm on Wednesday 13th May. All are welcome.

CONSERVING PEAT

East Ayrshire Coalfield Environment Initiative (CEI) has signed up to the Biosphere Charter. Their main aims are to bring habitats into better management and the current project is to carry out peatland restoration. CEI also has aims to encourage people to explore and have pride in their environment as well as participate in conservation work, volunteering and educational activities like the Bioblitz event they are organising this summer. Find out more about East Ayrshire Coalfield Environment Initiative here

CHARTER IS A HIT

We are delighted that the Biosphere Charter has already attracted attention of individuals, communities, businesses and organisations who are keen demonstrate their support of the Biosphere Charter principles.

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.

CREAM OF THE CROP

We are pleased to announce that several businesses have also signed up to the Biosphere Charter. Among the first were Galloway Chillies, Galloway Activity Centre and Cream o' Galloway.

All the above businesses will feature in future newsletters but we are also pleased to welcome Crawfordston Cottages, near Kirkmichael who have signed up to the Biosphere Charter.

Crawfordston Cottage promotes local heritage and culture by providing their guests with information and guides on architecture and nearby galleries as well as featuring paintings by local artists. Guests are also given information on local produce such as Barswhey Cheese made almost next door!

Find out more about Crawfordston Cottage here

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