Nature Networks Launch Event

1 July saw the official launch of the new Nature Networks project in Selkirk and the valleys. 29 people attended the launch event at The Haining where they were treated to a series of presentations explaining the different strands of the Nature Networks project, with speakers from Bright Green Nature, SBCAN, and the Selkirk Hill Group. Nature Networks will take place at Selkirk Hill and Deer Park over the coming months.

The aim of the Nature Networks project is to promote a greater understanding of the local impacts of climate change and the steps that we can take to mitigate these impacts on a day-to-day basis. Throughout the summer and autumn, there will be a series of hands-on events and activities for both adults and young people, alongside citizen science training and the chance to dive into the history of the sites. The project forms the climate strand of an ambitious project to connect habitats within Selkirk and the valleys, avoiding habitat fragmentation, and thus increasing these habitats' resilience to climate change.

Following the presentations there was a facilitated round-table discussion where participants had the opportunity to discuss the climate impacts that they have experienced locally. Megan Bond from Bright Green Nature then led a 'climate and water walk' exploring Deer Park and giving attendees the chance to see some of the conservation work going on there, including the creation of new ponds and the introduction of Exmoor ponies. There will be a series of three walks later in the summer delving deeper into three different impacts that the changing climate is having on Deer Park and steps that can be taken to mitigate these impacts.

SBCAN is one of a group of partners delivering the Nature Networks project and this activity is supported through the Scottish Government Climate Engagement Fund. We'll be bringing full details of all the events and activities to come, so stay tuned!