TWIC Autumn Conference: Grassland Recording & Conservation

We are delighted to announce the programme for our Autumn Conference and AGM, a must-attend event for anyone interested in wildlife recording and conservation in SE/Central Scotland. Our theme this time is Grassland Recording and Conservation. Join us for a day filled with captivating talks, engaging displays, and a chance to meet with like-minded individuals. Anyone interested in wildlife recording and conservation is welcome to attend.

The conference will include the presentation of the Bob Saville Award, which is awarded annually to an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to recording or have encouraged, supported, and passed on their wildlife knowledge to others in our area.

The event aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and inspire others to get involved. If you’d like to share information about your recording initiative/scheme during the open mike session, or by providing an exhibit or poster, please let us know your requirements when you complete the booking form.

There will be a chance to purchase raffle tickets and some second-hand books at the event, so please bring cash. We would also welcome donations of any raffle prizes - please bring them on the day.

• 10:00: Registration opens. Teas/coffees will be available on arrival

Session 1: Chair: Paul Codd (TWIC Director)

• 10:30: Welcome and Introduction – Paul Codd (TWIC Director)

• 10:40: Making the Most of Scotland's Grasslands – Alistair Whyte (Plantlife Scotland)

• 11:15: BeeWalk and the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme - Helen Dickinson (Bumblebee Conservation Trust)
• 11:40: Tea break and displays. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase (please bring cash)

Session 2: Chair: Paul Codd (TWIC Director)

• 12:10: The Tweed Meadows Project – Apithanny Bourne (Merlindale Nature)

• 12:40: Open Mic Session: A chance to promote your own wildlife survey or biological recording initiative with a 5-minute speed talk. Please register for a slot on the booking form.

• 12:55: TWIC AGM: All welcome, but only TWIC members can vote on any resolutions.
• 13:15: Lunch break and displays: Raffle tickets will be available to purchase. Prizes will be drawn at 14:00.

Session 3: Chair: Malcolm Ginns (Scottish Borders Council)

• 14:15: Talk to be confirmed

• 14:45: Conservation of the Northern Brown Argus Butterfly in the Scottish Borders – David Hill (Butterfly Conservation Scotland)

• 15:10: Bob Saville Award presentation

• 15:25: Summing up – Malcolm Ginns (Scottish Borders Council)

• 15:30: Conference ends

Please note that the programme may be subject to change.

There will be a range of display stands from different recording and conservation groups which you can visit during tea and lunch breaks. Please indicate on your booking form if you would like to bring an exhibit and/or require board space for a poster.

Exhibits are free of charge, although we ask any commercial organisations to consider a donation to TWIC (suggested donation £10). If space is limited, we will prioritise display space for recorders and recording and conservation organisations.

Tickets will be available to purchase during the tea breaks and lunch. Please bring cash. We would also welcome donations of any raffle prizes - please bring them on the day.

With thanks to Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) for donating 5 complimentary tickets (3 children & 2 adults) to Edinburgh Zoo or RZSS Highland Wildlife Park and to Scottish Seabird Centre for their contribution which includes a family pass to their Discovery Experience.

Booking is essential. Tickets cost: £20 (students £15). The ticket price includes a buffet lunch, and teas/coffees served throughout the day.

The booking deadline is end of Sunday, 10 November due to catering requirements.

The conference will be held in the main hall at the Galashiels Campus of Borders College. The address is: Borders College, Scottish Borders Campus, Scottish Borders Campus, Nether Road, Galashiels, TD1 3HE.

Public transport

Galashiels is 50 minutes from Edinburgh on the Borders Railway. The Galashiels train station is 1.2 miles (a 29-minute walk) from the campus. Alternatively, the campus is a short bus ride from the train station and is served by several Borders Buses including numbers 70 and 74. Check the Borders Buses website for full details and timetables.

Car Parking

There is a large free public car park in front of the college, which includes disabled parking.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Borders College Scottish Borders Campus, Nether Road, Galashiels, United Kingdom