With the end of the LIFE Celtic Rainforests Project now in sight, a special conference will be held at the Bangor University campus in April to celebrate the project’s achievements to date, and inspire others to continue the work of safeguarding this important habitat for the future.
With the project now in its eighth year, the conference will celebrate the project’s successes, look at the lessons learned and discuss how the project’s legacy can continue through the development of partnerships and long-term targets. The conference will focus on specific themes within the project including invasive species eradication, conservation grazing, ancient woodland restoration and engagement. During the conference delegates will take part in workshops where they can influence the next steps to build on the LIFE Celtic Rainforest project successes. To experience some of the project’s successes first hand, on the third day of the conference, delegates will have the opportunity of attending site visits.
The conference’s proceedings will be opened by Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, with presentations by guest speakers to follow. Ian McDaid from Glenveagh National Park in Ireland will discuss the role technology has to play in monitoring the spread of rhododendron; Carwyn Graves, the author of ‘TIR: The Story of a Welsh Landscape’ will discuss the connection between cultural heritage and ecology; and a representative from the Alliance for Wales’ Rainforests will share the background, findings and recommendations of the State of Wales’ Celtic Rainforest Report.
The conference, which will take place over three days, has been divided into three parts including the Main Conference, Networking Dinner and Field Excursions. This will give delegates the flexibility to decide whether to attend the Main Conference only, or take part in the additional activities.
Jonathan Cawley, Chief Executive of the Eryri National Park Authority said:
“With the end of the LIFE Celtic Rainforest project now on the horizon, this conference is of great importance. It will help secure the project’s legacy through sharing information and experiences, and celebrating successes and, hopefully, inspire others to continue the work started through the project to safeguard this very important habitat.”
Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd and the conference’s keynote speaker said:
“Wales remains one of the enduring strongholds for these ancient temperate rainforests that are unique to western parts of the British isles, and that provide a profound link to the natural heritage of our nation. We therefore have both a domestic and a global responsibility to make sure that these habitats are well looked after and thriving. Projects such as Celtic Rainforests LIFE have laid the foundations for further action, whilst bringing significant socio-economic benefits to parts of rural Wales. It is important now that we continue to build on the momentum created through the project to help deliver ambitious targets to safeguard nature in Wales and the other UK nations.”
Conference tickets are now available and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Bookings can be made via the Celtic Rainforests LIFE End of Project… | Celtic Rainforests Wales website, where further information about guest speakers, networking dinner and field excursions can be found.