Nature Restoration Skills Week: 13-17 March 2023
NatureScot and our partners have put together a programme of free training events focussed on skills for nature restoration. Some of these are available for booking and still have places available, so if you’d like to widen your skills and knowledge to help restore nature, then explore the links below.
We have divided the events into two categories – Public Events and Specialist events. Public events are open to anyone interested in nature restoration, whereas Specialist events are aimed at a professional audience currently within the nature-based sector and are generally by invite only. If you would like to know more about any of the Sector events then please contact [email protected]
What skills do we need to deliver nature-based solutions to the climate emergency?
Scotland’s first online Nature Restoration Jobs and Skills Conference will demonstrate how nature restoration can tackle the nature and climate emergency and provide attractive new opportunities for business and for Scotland’s current and future workforce.
Hear from a range of speakers on Scotland’s ambition for nature restoration, the skills we need to meet that ambition and what the Scottish Government and its partners are doing to support the development of a skilled, inclusive workforce for nature restoration.
You now have the opportunity to join these Events for the
Nature Restoration Jobs and Skills Week
Events
An Introduction to Green Roofs - 13 March 2023
Specialist Event
Summary
The course will enable you to:
- Understand the background, history and potential future of green roofs
- Identify different types of green roof and their associated benefits
- Consider roof design and structure requirements
- Understand the processes involved in the safe installation of green roofs
- Appreciate the need to maintain green roofs following installation.
Who should attend?
This course has been created for anyone who wants to develop their understanding of the concept, design, installation and maintenance of green roofs, and it is aimed at people who are new to the subject. It would be of particular interest for anyone who is, or could be involved in commissioning and/or procuring a green roof as part of the public estate.
When and where will the event take place?
13 March 2023 - e-learning module available
Who will deliver the event?
Lantra
Booking information
Email: [email protected]
How to get involved in peatland restoration - an FLS perspective - 13 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
Join Poul Morten Korndal, a Peatland Worksite Supervisor for Forestry and Land Scotland, as he describes his role in peatland restoration and potential routes into the sector. T he presentation will introduce peatland restoration on the national forest estate and look at the equipment, machinery and skills involved in restoration works. Poul will describe his own experience of operational delivery and provide insight into gaining experience with FLS.
Who should attend?
Aimed at people interested in getting into the sector or looking for a career change, this talk will provide examples of vocational routes into peatland restoration
Who will deliver the event?
Forestry and Land Scotland
When and where will the event take place?
13 March 2023 (1300-1400hrs) - Online via Zoom.
Booking information
Community Engagement for Restoration - 14 March 2023
Public Event
Specialist Event
Summary
Join teams from the Restoration Forth project to learn more about community engagement when working on a species restoration project. This event will give you the tools to understand your target audience, and various engagement methods.
Who should attend?
This event is aimed at students, graduates and early careers conservationists. The skills taught in this workshop are also suitable for over 18’s with an interest in the sector, or those looking to switch to an environmental career.
When and where will the event take place?
14 March 2023 (1800-1915hrs) - online via MCS Zoom.
Who will deliver the event?
Marine Conservation Society
Booking information
Making amenity grasslands nature-positive - 14 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
This online event will provide attendees with knowledge of the ecological principles and examples of good practice demonstrating how to make amenity grasslands more nature positive. The presentation will show why changing from orthodox mowing practices that leave cut grass in-situ, to a cut-and-lift regime removing the arisings, lowers the fertility of the soil beneath. In doing so this delivers more native wildflowers, butterflies and other pollinators, a better landscape, reduced Carbon footprint, and on highway road verges, improved safety. All this can be achieved at lower cost than the standard approach because under lowered soil fertility the grass doesn’t grow as much. The presentation will include recent examples of changed amenity grassland management on publicly accessible greenspace in Scotland.
Who should attend?
Suitable for those who are managing grasslands in settings such as road verges, parks and open spaces, business premises, social housing, institutions, and cemeteries.
When and where will the event take place?
14 March 2023 - online
Who will deliver the event?
Butterfly Conservation
Booking information
Planning an upland peatland restoration project – 14 March 2023
Specialist Event
Summary
This upland site has a range of interesting and complex areas for restoration, including an area of gullying with some bare peat at an altitude of 700m altitude. This event aims to share experience, ideas and knowledge about the potential options for restoration of this site as well as consider practical and logistical issues. This skill share event will be useful for experienced designers and contractors or those new to peatland restoration who wish to understand how to approach the restoration of an upland site.
Who should attend?
This skill share event will be useful for experienced designers and contractors or those new to peatland restoration who wish to understand how to approach the restoration of an upland site.
Who will deliver the event?
Peatland ACTION
When and where will the event take place?
14 March 2023 Struy, Sutherland.
Booking information
Woodland management on a National Nature Reserve - 14 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
You will learn fencing and tree planting techniques while having the opportunity to discuss and find out about how woodland and upland habitats are managed at Beinn Eighe NNR.
Who should attend?
Anyone with an interest in developing woodland management skills.
Who will deliver the event?
NatureScot
When and where will the event take place?
14 March 2023 (1000-1300hrs), Beinn Eighe NNR.
Booking information
Nature & Biodiversity training for climate emergency - 14 & 16 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
Our training highlights the links between the changing climate and the biodiversity crisis. The webinar serves as an introduction to the science behind climate change with a focus on how nature is coping with the environmental crisis. Low carbon behaviours and nature-based solutions are explored to give individuals and organisations the confidence to make changes. This one-hour webinar is perfect for anyone looking to understand the forces driving climate change and the risks posed to nature.
Who should attend?
This one-hour webinar is perfect for anyone looking to understand the forces driving climate change and the risks posed to nature.
When and where will the event take place?
14 March 2023 (1000-1100hrs) - Online
16 March 2023 (1400-1500hrs) - Online
Who will deliver the event?
Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Booking information
Soil Health Monitoring Training in Scotland - 14-16 March 2023
Specialist Event
Summary
Pasture for Life and SoilMentor are running three workshops across Scotland this March. Explore how to understand changes on your land, both above and below ground and make informed decisions using the Soilmentor app. Thanks to the support of NatureScot, we’re able to offer this hands-on workshop at no cost to you, and the event is free to attend for all participants.
Who should attend?
Farmers and land managers who would like to develop their soil health monitoring skills using the Soilmentor app.
When and where will the event take place?
- Dumfries and Gallows (14 March)
- Fife (15 March)
- Aberdeenshire (16 March)
Who will deliver the event?
Soilmentor & Pastures for Life.
Booking information
Managed realignment for coastal habitat restoration - lessons learned and plans for the future - 15 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
Managed realignment, where an artificial embankment is deliberately breached to flood an area, has been used extensively in other parts of the UK and is now accepted as the best option for creating inter-tidal habitat. Using the example at RSPB Scotland’s Skinflats reserve, the afternoon will look at how we deliver managed realignment projects in Scotland, from finding funding and gaining consents, to the practicalities of creating secondary defences and managing drainage. Whilst we will focus on managed realignment, we will also touch on other techniques for coastal habitat management, such as the use of artificial tern rafts.
Who should attend?
The event is suitable for everyone with an interest in managed realignment, habitat creation (especially on coastal sites), coastal flooding and adaptation, and project delivery. It is mainly aimed at professionals, including academics, consultants, contractors, policy makers and conservationists. Minimum age - whilst there is no specific minimum age, this is not intended to be a family event or one of interest to children, so unlikely to be suitable for under-18s.
When and where will the event take place?
15 March 2023 (1345-1530 hrs) - RSPB Skinflats, Falkirk (detailed directions will be sent on, after booking).
Who will deliver the event?
RSPB
Booking information
The right trees in the right places - 15 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
A chance to discuss ancient woodland restoration at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest - a Scottish Rainforest and Caledonian Pinewood Inventory site - with Woodland Trust Scotland. Join us to discuss the importance of encouraging the right trees in the right places at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest. Dr. Jessica Maxwell, Project Manager for Loch Arkaig Pine Forest at Woodland Trust Scotland, will discuss woodland management history, invasive non-native species, and ancient woodland restoration activities. Participants will then get hands on to help to tackle the threats posed by invasive non-native tree regeneration.
Who should attend?
The event is aimed at land owners and land managers and individuals interested in ancient woodland restoration and biodiversity conservation. No minimum age.
Who will deliver the event?
Woodland Trust Scotland
When and where will the event take place?
15 March 2023 (1000-1500hrs) - Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, Clunes, Spean Bridge.
Booking information
Spatial data for Peatland ACTION applicants - 15 March 2023
Specialist Event
Summary
A remote training session detailing the spatial data requirement for Peatland Action grant applications and feasibility studies. Joe Bullard from Peatland ACTION Data & Evidence Team will lead this workshop.
The session will include:
- What data do we require and why?
- How to prepare data for an application/feasibility study
- Some examples of good and not so good practice
- Chance for general Q&As
Who should attend?
Will be of interest to peatland restoration scheme designers submitting Peatland Action grant applications and feasibility studies
Who will deliver the event?
NatureScot Peatland ACTION
When and where will the event take place?
Wed 15 March 2023 (1400 – 1600hrs) online
Booking information
An Introduction to Urban Meadow Creation and Management: Converting Amenity Grassland to Urban Wildflower Meadow - 16 March 2023
Specialist Event
Summary
This FREE in-person workshop and Q&A session will provide an introduction to meadow creation and management for community groups, businesses and individuals who manage grassland, lawns or green spaces in urban and peri-urban areas. We will site visit to a new urban meadow site, with knowledge sharing session on how to convert short amenity grassland into beautiful wildflower meadow.This knowledge and skill sharing session will be held at a newly created urban meadow at Craigend in Glasgow. The meadow and surrounding green space was co-designed by pupils from Sunnyside Primary School and the meadow creation has been delivered by RSPB Scotland’s Giving Nature a Home team, together with pupils and local volunteers. We’ll discuss the benefits, challenges, and key considerations when planning, creating and managing an urban meadow. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in some meadow creation. We’ll also discuss monitoring pollinators and problem solving.
Who should attend?
This in-person event is open to any individuals, community groups and businesses who manage amenity grasslands and green spaces. Minimum age is 16, but under 18s must be accompanied by an adult attending the workshop.
When and where will the event take place?
16 March 2023 (1400-1530hrs) - grassland area (opposite Craigend Chippy and community shops)
Mossvale Crescent (off Glenraith Road), Craigend, Glasgow G33 5NZ.
Who will deliver the event?
RSPB
Booking information
Email: [email protected] to book and for more information.
Habitat Management for Amphibians and Reptiles - 16 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
A free Training Course on Habitat Management for amphibian and reptiles species. Learn how to create, manage and restore natural and artificial ponds and create terrestrial habitats for the benefit of wildlife.
Who should attend?
The event is suitable for everyone with an interest in managed realignment, habitat creation (especially on coastal sites), coastal flooding and adaptation, and project delivery. It is mainly aimed at professionals, including academics, consultants, contractors, policy makers and conservationists. Minimum age - whilst there is no specific minimum age, this is not intended to be a family event or one of interest to children, so unlikely to be suitable for under-18s.
When and where will the event take place?
16 March 2023 (0900-1600hrs) - Theory via Zoom (am) and on site (pm),
The Helix, Grangemouth, Falkirk.
Who will deliver the event?
Froglife
Booking information
Peatland Restoration Road Show - 16 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
Join CCP, NatureScot / Peatland ACTION and a host of experts for an evening of fresh discussion on peatland restoration. Explore challenges faced by the various stakeholders to date in carrying out restoration & thoughts about how to overcome going forward.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in the benefits of Peatland Restoration, current funding/grants available/process etc and ambitions over next 5-10 years, including the concept of Natural Capital and how it is affecting decision making.
Who will deliver the event?
Caledonian Climate and Naturescot / Peatland ACTION
When and where will the event take place?
Thursday 16th March, (1730-1930hrs) Bonar Bridge Community Hall, Sutherland
Booking information
Whale Track and Photo ID Training - 16 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
Whale Track is a community of citizen scientist who report their sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises across Scotland. Alongside the research technique of photo-identification (Photo ID); a non-intrusive research method which allows researchers to identify individual whales, the long-term data collected provides the evidence needed to protect and restore the marine environment, and better understand the wide-scale impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises. During the training, we will be talk you through the different options for reporting your sightings through Whale Track, what makes a good photograph for photo ID and what we have learnt so far from long term monitoring.
Who should attend?
This training is aimed at adults interested in getting involved in or learning more about the importance of long-term data monitoring of cetaceans in Scottish Seas.
Who will deliver the event?
The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT).
When and where will the event take place?
16 March 2023 (1900-2030hrs) - Online via Zoom.
Booking information
An introduction to CDM Regs in relation to peatland restoration projects - 17 March 2023
Public Event
Summary
Understand the roles and responsibilities under Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015 Regs). Important information for landowners, designers and contractors. T his session with Graeme Collard will introduce the basic principles of CDM 2015 Regs and look in detail at the roles and responsibilities of Client, Designer and Contractor through each of the stages of the restoration project.
Who should attend?
Everyone involved in the development, design and delivery of a Peatland ACTION restoration project has a responsibility to ensure compliance with the Regulations. This includes applicants and their agents, and anyone supporting the design of projects
Who will deliver the event?
NatureScot Peatland ACTION
When and where will the event take place?
Friday March 17, 2023 (1030-1230hrs) online
Booking information
Climate Solutions – Meet the Experts: Is the media a help or hindrance for climate solutions? - 17 March 2023
Specialist Event
Summary
This is an online session led by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, as part of their Climate Solutions programme. We will be joined by Leo Hickman a journalist specialising in climate change, and editor/ director of CarbonBrief since 2015. The session will be chaired by Ross McKenzie, RSGS Deputy CEO.
Who should attend?
Anyone with an interest in learning more the media's role in solving the climate crisis.
When and where will the event take place?
17 March 2023 (1400-1500hrs) - online.
Who will deliver the event?
Royal Scottish Geographical Society
Booking information
Making amenity grasslands nature-positive: changing the way we do the day job - 17 March 2023
Specialist Event
Summary
A day event to bring together landowners, land managers and practitioners to share best practice in restoring and managing wildlife in amenity grasslands.
Who should attend?
Attendees should be at least 16 years old.
Who will deliver the event?
Butterfly Conservation
When and where will the event take place?
17 March 2023, St Andrews
