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Why Not Scotland?
"Explores the Scottish and other landscapes through the eyes of Flo, a young Scot from Glasgow."
WHY NOT SCOTLAND? (UK) 2024 Documentary
Director : Mat Larkin
Starring : Flo Blackbourn
1 hr
Across mainland Europe, nature is making a dramatic recovery. Wildlife is returning, forests expanding, rivers meandering and wetlands restored. People are also returning, finding new economic opportunities and enjoying the many benefits of a revitalised landscape. So, if rewilding can happen in Italy, Germany, Poland and Norway, could Scotland be next?
Also screening ...
Heart of the Biosphere
HEART OF THE BIOSPHERE (UK) (2024) Documentary
Produced by : the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership
This landmark documentary short was developed by the Biosphere team in collaboration with Midlands-based Lilac Howell Films and partner organisations including RSPB Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, and the South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre. Aiming to foster connections with the remote, wild land areas at the core of the UNESCO region, Heart of the Biosphere explores the uplands of Merrick-Kells and the wetlands at Silver Flowe. These unique habitats are the foundation of south Scotland’s UNESCO Biosphere status, which recognises natural and cultural heritage of international importance and provides a framework for conservation and sustainable development.
There will also be a Q&A session, on the subjects of Biodiversity and Rewilding
Chaired by Marie Gobert, South Ayrshire Council Rangers: Marie is the Climate Change and Biodiversity Officer for South Ayrshire Council. Marie has been working for the local authority sustainability team since 2016. She specialises in engagement with local people, encouraging new audiences to engage with wild spaces and promoting sustainable living practices. Recently, Marie has been working on Blue and Green Health projects, aiming at connecting people with nature for their health and wellbeing as well as for the benefit of our planet.
Flo Blackbourn has a background in Zoology and works in bird conservation. She is especially interested in human-wildlife coexistence and bird migration, which she studied in a research masters at the University of Glasgow last year. In 2023, Flo went on a journey to several countries in Europe for the film 'Why Not Scotland?' to see rewilding projects and meet experts in the field. As someone who suffers from eco-anxiety, she was delighted to be able to bring home a sense of hope from the restored habitats that she visited.
Lynne Bates has led the Nectar Network, a Scottish Wildlife Trust project, for the last 6 years. As an outdoor educationist and horticulturist, Lynne draws upon her varied and extensive work background which includes managing outdoor education centres, being a self-employed wildlife gardener and running a small training company. When not working, she can be found growing fruit and vegetables at her allotment or wandering the hills, trying to identify flora and fauna.
Antoine Lemaire is Nature Recovery Officer for the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. With a background in ecology, conservation and community engagement, Antoine was an on-site advisor for the Heart of the Biosphere production team and contributed his expertise on species and habitats during the editing process. Outwith his work for the UNESCO Biosphere, Antoine heads Alouette Nature Tours, leading outdoor experiences in and around Dumfries & Galloway, with a focus on helping people connect with nature.
Tamara Fulcher is Communications & Marketing lead for the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Alongside the Biosphere’s Director, Tamara was involved in project planning and script development, and worked closely with Lilac-Howell Films on producing the final cut of Heart of the Biosphere.
This event is part of this year's Earth Hour
Admission to this event is free !
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