GWCT Listen to the Land at The Scottish Game Fair

The GWCT will be hosting a number of talks again this year in our Listen to the Land, Advisory or Education marquees, all of which are in the GWCT area next to the main ring. The talks are themed closely with the central exhibit theme of “Our Landscapes”

We have created a number of panels to discuss specific projects relating to our central exhibit stations and also have a handful of individual speakers. Do come and hear from our fascinating speakers who have firsthand knowledge of what is happening at the coal face of conservation in Scotland. There will also be time to put your questions across and meet many of the speakers.

We are also delighted and very grateful to welcome Linda Mellor back to host many of the talks and discussions.

Friday 5^th July	Saturday 6^th July	Sunday 7^th July
10.30 – 10.50 (LTTL marquee)	11.00 – 12.00 (LTTL marquee)	10.00 – 10.20 (Education marquee)
Management of Heather Moorland Jess Findlay from Nature Scot will be giving a general overview of heather moorland, looking at the climate change and biodiversity recovery plan.	Catchment Approach to River Management – Discussion Panel Catchment management has a huge role to play in conserving and enhancing our Scottish river systems, from headwaters to the sea. Amongst a host of benefits, it opens up opportunities to develop natural flood management, refine land management practices for improved water quality, and assist in-river ecology.	Geology Workshop for Kids – Luisa Hendry (The Geology of Scotland Explained by that girl that makes videos about rocks!) Hands on activities looking at rocks, minerals, fossils, and dinosaurs. Learn about Scotland’s geology and how we once had mountains higher than the Himalayas.
11.00 – 12.00 (Advisory marquee)	11.30 – 12.00 (Advisory marquee)	11.00 – 11.30 (LTTL marquee)
Deer Management & the Local Community – Discussion Panel We will have representatives from the British Deer Society, Nature Scot, pro stalker Chris Dalton, Robbie Rowntree and James Hutton Institute ecologist Professor Steve Albon.	James Fenton – Landscape Change across the Southern Highlands Looking at the long-term ecological history of the highlands James Fenton will talk about the decline of woodland and grazing but is the landscape we have today one of degradation or the most natural remaining in Europe?	Geology Talk – Luisa Hendry People don’t realise that Scotland has some of the best geology in the world. Come and hear a brief geological history of Scotland with Luisa Hendry and the fascinating landscapes that we have today.
11.30 – 11.50 (LTTL marquee)	12.00 – 13.00 (Advisory marquee)	12.00 – 12.20 (Education marquee)
Breeding Woodcock Survey Results Dr Chris Heward, avian ecologist and head of the Wetland Research department at the GWCT will talk about the results of the 2023 Breeding Woodcock Survey, how and why we survey woodcock using counts of their unique roding display.	Farm Clusters – Discussion Panel Farmers and land managers do a lot for Britain’s rural environment, but there is only so much that an individual, acting in isolation, can achieve on their own. By working together, farmers and land managers can work more cohesively together, enabling them to collectively deliver greater benefits for soil, water and wildlife at a landscape scale.	Geology Workshop for Kids – Luisa Hendry Hands on activities looking at rocks, minerals, fossils, and dinosaurs. Learn about Scotland’s geology and how we once had mountains higher than the Himalayas.
12.00 – 12.40 (LTTL marquee)	14.00 – 15.00 (LTTL marquee)
South of Scotland Golden Eagles Reinforcing Golden Eagles in Southern Scotland: Cat Barlow will speak about the work of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, the progress in the last 6 years and the contribution made by estates across Scotland.	Regenerative Farming – Discussion Panel The term ‘Regenerative farming’ is very much in vogue across agricultural circles at the moment, but what does it actually involve? And why has Scottish Government laid such emphasis on this through its Vision for Agriculture.
13.00 – 14.00 (LTTL marquee)	15.30 – 15.50 (LTTL marquee)
Tom Opre and Scott Mackenzie talk about “The Last Keeper” Listen to film director Tom Opre as he dives deep into the making of the film The Last Keeper including some of the more compelling stories from behind the scenes.	Stalking for all Come and meet six times UK professional Stalker of the year, Chris Dalton, to discuss all matters stalking and why he feels that it is vital to get more people involved along with the best way to do that. He is particularly keen to see more young people and ladies out in the stalking field. Do ladies make better rifle shots? He thinks so!
14.30 – 15.00 (LTTL marquee)
Carbon Funding for Woodland Creation Hear how carbon funding can help you create new native woodlands that lock up carbon emissions and support nature’s recovery. Discover how the ‘Woodland Carbon’ offer from the Woodland Trust can: pay upfront and simplify the Woodland Carbon Code process for you.’
15.00 – 16.00 (Advisory marquee)
Right Tree in the Right Place – Discussion Panel In the face of a Biodiversity and climate crisis, the Scottish Government have committed to halting species decline by 2030. This discussion session will explore the role that Scotland’s woodlands could have in contributing to climate and nature recovery in Scotland
15.30 – 15.50 (LTTL marquee)
Women in Wellies Women in Wellies will be joined by Linda Mellor to talk about their podcast exploring inspiring stories and experiences of other women in the countryside

Thanks to the GWCT Central Exhibit and Area Sponsors 2024

Sponsors & Partners 2024

GWCT Listen To The Land