Lana Moore, Head of Charity Delivery with Action Renewables attended a 3-day site visit organised by Mike McClure from Landscapes NI to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSAB). Recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is one of a global network of UNESCO sites supporting conservation, learning, sustainable development, and action on climate change.

Lana along with and members of Landscapes NI travelled from Belfast to Cairnryan and then journeyed along the beautiful Loch Ryan to Kirkcolm Community Centre. Whilst there we were introduced to Ed Forrest, the GSAB Director and other members of their team. Ed commenced the day by introducing an insightful presentation on the Galloway Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. We then heard various presentations about Biosphere Communities, the Protected Landscape areas in the Biosphere & watched an amazing film on ‘The Heart of the Biosphere’. In the afternoon we took a walk along the ‘Wig’ at Loch Ryan where we learnt about the Solway Coast & Marine Project & about the ecology & festival of Loch Ryan Oysters. Jenna Cairns GSAB Communities & Business Manager introduced to the group the Blue Biosphere Education toolkit. This is an excellent toolkit that encourages children learn and develop about the Biosphere.

On Day 2 we travelled to St John’s Town of Dalry Town Hall for another insightful day of learning about the Biosphere. We learnt about the Land Use pressures in the Biosphere and the GSAB Nature Recovery projects by Antoine Lemaire GSAB Nature Recovery Officer. Jayne Ashley, Head of Natural Capital Net Zero, Nature & Entrepreneurship at South of Scotland Enterprise delivered on the topic of South of Scotland Natural Capital Innovation Zone. In the afternoon we visited Polmaddy Forest park where we had a walk and talk alongside Morag Paterson GSAB Trustee & Communities for Diverse Forestry. Later that day we went on a site visit to Carsphairn Community Woodland to learn about their community owned woodland and a walk round the stunning landscape.

On Day 3 we travelled to Mill on Fleet at Gatehouse of Fleet where we learnt about the Proud Supporter and Certification of the Biosphere sustainable business network by Jake McLaughlin GSAB Business Officer. Jake also presented to the group about the event & visitor charter on Sustainable Tourism. Ed Forrest showcased a new initiate from Biosphere Enterprises Merrick Scotland Scottish Blackface Sheep Knitwear. Two Landscapes NI members then presented back to the Biosphere Team to inform them of some of the work that they are doing in Northern Ireland & Ireland. Martina O’Neill presented on The Cuilcagh Lakelands Global sustainable business network. Then Andrew Bratton talked to the group about the development of the social enterprise for the Magilligan Tree Nursery Project. After 3 busy days it was then time to catch the Ferry back to Belfast.

The visit provided us with excellent networking opportunities, building connections, sharing knowledge opportunities and great discussions.

We are so thankful to the Biosphere Team for showcasing the amazing work that they are doing in Galloway and Southern Ayrshire and spending the 3 days with us. We can’t wait to be back!

Author: Lana Moore - Head of Charity Delivery, Action Renewables