This event is organised jointly by the ICF North Scotland Regional Group, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Highland Forest Industries Cluster Group.There is no charge for attendance.

The seminar will feature the FCS Practice Guide "Identifying the historic environment in Scotland's forests and woodlands", which was launched in April.

Indoor sessions will be followed after lunch by two optional site visits to Rogie Falls and Castle Leod to look at some practicals examples of Forest Archaeology.

Download the programme and further details

To make a booking email Stuart Meikle by clicking: Contact

Email :Contact

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Examining the potential role of native riparian woodland in water quality protection and flood mitigation in north-east Scotland. The meeting will examine mature riparian woodland habitats (lower and middle catchments), sites where new riparian woodland has been planted recently and sites where such action might be beneficial.

Field examples will be based on the River Spey at Fochabers and the River Deveron at and above Huntly. A brief final stop may also include River Bogie above Huntly.

New Meeting Point: Garmouth: Convene at the old railway viaduct across the Spey near Garmouth (NJ 347642.

Outline Programme

9.30am Stop 1:

Convene at Forestry Commission car park at Earth Pillars south of Fochabers (NJ 337564) or at old railway viaduct across the Spey near Garmouth (NJ 347642). Overview of mature riparian woodland on the River Spey braided channel system. Field contribution from SNH (Jennifer Heatley, Elgin) on issues affecting management of active floodplain woodland.

10.45am Stop 2:

Indoor speaker session at Fochabers Public Institute, Fochabers. Dr. Tom Nisbet of Forest Research, Alice Holt to present on his recent research on the significance of riparian woodland creation for flood risk mitigation. Eilidh Johnston of SEPA, Stirling to present on the role of riparian woodland in addressing Water Framework Directive (WFD) priorities.

1.15pm Stop 3:

Lunch in parkland along River Deveron at Huntly (or cars nearby if wet). Near location of 2009 Huntly town flooding – residential areas and adjacent riparian woodland and scrub context (NJ 529408). William Murdoch of Aberdeenshire Council to make an informal field contribution on potential for riparian woodland as an element of flood control schemes.

2.30pm Stop 4:

Close views of mature semi-natural riparian woodland on the Deveron (Wellheads/ Broadland). Close views of recent riparian woodland habitat creation at Wellheads Farm on the Glen Burn (tributary of the Deveron). Field contribution from Matthew Young (Forestry Commission Scotland) on the scope and incentives for riparian and floodplain woodland creation and management under the current SRDP/ RDC funding mechanism. Carol Robertson of Scottish Native Woods to contribute from agent perspective.

4.15pm Stop 5:

View of potential future riparian woodland creation sites along the River Bogie above Huntly from bridges near Gartly. Possible input from FCS and Scottish Native Woods (reps as above) on site selection for riparian woodland riparian woodland habitat creation, design of schemes etc.

Disperse directly from final stop t circa 4.45pm.

CPD: Attendance at this event may account for up to 4.5 hours CPD.

Booking by Friday 24 September is essential as a maximum number for this event has been set.

Fee: £10 for ICF members/non members. Free for Students. Email Ben Clinch using Contact below to confirm your attendance (and if you are interested in car sharing) but first download and note the terms of booking on the event flyer.

Important Notes:

Attendees to bring their own vehicles (no bus provided); car sharing encouraged.

All sites easily accessible or visible from the public roads.

Short walk on roads and fields at Stop 4 to access one of the new planting areas.

May be some need to combine into fewer vehicles for Stops 4 and 5 as parking is limited along narrow country roads.

Attendees to bring packed lunches and flasks or other refreshments.

Attendees to bring suitable footwear and clothing for field walks.

Email :Contact

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