News & Events
Talk on the Wildlife Along Edinburgh's Waterfront 25th January 2012
From barnacles to whales, Retired Biology Lecturer, Dr Nikki MacLeod will give an illustrated talk sharing some of her wanderings with a digital camera along Edinburgh's Waterfront. The talk is arranged by the Edinburgh Natural History Society. All welcome.
It is on Wednesday the 25th January at 7:30-9:00pm
Girlguiding Edinburgh
33 Melville Street
Edinburgh EH3 7JF
The MOD Public Consultation on the Dismantling of Nuclear Submarines
The MOD have been running a public consultation on the plans for dismantling the UK's submarines. It opened on the 16th October 2011 and closes on the 17th February 2012. The MOD are consulting on the options for dealing with the Navy's nuclear submarines once they have left service as they are proposing to store the waste on land. The proposals include an option for Rosyth which is based on the Forth.
The consultations will look at:
* How radioactive material is removed from the submarines;
* Where the removal of radioactive material will be carried out;
* Which type of site is used to store the radioactive waste that is awaiting a disposal solution.
Please visit the MOD website - this link is for an overall summary
This link takes you to the consultation documents.
Forth Estuary Forum AGM & Conference - Update
The 18th AGM and Conference for the Forth Estuary Forum was titled ‘Planning on the Forth’. It was held on Thursday 19th January 2012 at the Whitlock Energy Collaboration Centre at the Port of Rosyth.
Presentations included the Whitlock Centre, Mainstream Renewables on offshore wind farms, SEPA on River Basin Management Planning, Marine Scotland on the National Marine Plan, Jasper Kento of the University of Aberdeen on Interactions on the Forth, and Tim Stojanovic of St. Andrews University on marine governance.
A programme of the speakers is available here.
Copies of the talks and presentation slides will be posted on line very shortly.
This year the conference was sponsored by Mainstream Renewable Power and Whitlock Energy Collaboration Centre.
New Dates for Beach Cleans at Cramond
Marine Conservation Society have just announced the new dates planned for Cramond Beach
The first Beach Clean event of 2012 will take place on Saturday 28th January
Where to meet: the start of Cramond causeway
When: 10am until 12noon (at the latest)
What to bring: wear suitable outdoor clothing for January and sturdy footwear
Why take part? start the year as you mean to go on: burn off some Christmas calories while doing something good for the environment!
Contact Anne: if you are planning to come - it helps us with numbers of litter pickers needed etc. Please contact me if you have any queries.
For full details of the day, plus a thanks from Anne for all the effort that was put in this year, plus new dates for next year, please click here.
Scottish Fisheries Museum host the Buckland Lecture - Future Approaches to Fisheries Science
Professor Ian Boyd, of St Andrews University is this years Buckland Professor. At the first of his lectures, Professor Boyd will call for a paradigm shift in fisheries research and policy. An expert in the field, Professor Ian Boyd of the University of St Andrews will call for a radical rethink about fisheries management and will outline an approach towards finding a solution to the well-publicised problems of overfishing and sustainability.
For a summary of the lecture and information on the Buckland Foundation please click here.
Lecture date: 16 November 2011, 7 pm
Entry : Free, refreshments will be served – by donation
For further information please contact Linda Fitzpatrick, Curator
Address : St Ayles, Harbourhead, Anstruther, Fife KY10 3AB &
Telephone : 01333 310628
Next FEF Members Event At Skinflats is announced, 18th November
Details have just been sent out to all members of the Forth Estuary Forum about an upcoming event to visit the RSPB Skinflats reserve. The reserve hosts the Skinflats Tidal Exchange Project: seawater is allowed to flood what was a grass field at high tide. The water creates saline pools and salt marsh on the reserve, benefiting from many different types of bird life and wildlife, including otters.
The visit is arranged for 1pm on Friday 18th November. Please click here for all the details about event, including directions and a map. If you wish to attend, please contact the forum administrator on 01383 420104 or email: secretary@forthestuaryforum.co.uk
New Exhibition on the 200 year History of Lighthouses
The Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther are pleased to be displaying an exhibition created by the Museum of Lighthouses, Fraserburgh from the 18th November until 4 March 2012.
The exhibition, created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, charts the development of these extraordinary feats of engineering around the coast of Scotland. It also provides an insight into the living and working conditions of those who manned the lights and to the Northern Lighthouse Board which still provides an essential service to Scottish seafarers today.
For further details about this exhibition please click here.
MSC have Opened a New Round of Public Consultations
When additions or amendments to any of the MSC standards and methodologies are proposed, consultations with stakeholders are requested by the MSC’s standard setting procedures as a matter of course. There is a new round of policy developments this October.
Topics currently under consultation
Consultation on the following topics open on October 3, 2011. Please provide your comments using the contributor form provided by October 31, 2011.
* Modifications to the MSC certification requirements for enhanced bivalve fisheries
* Recertification of fisheries with outstanding conditions
* Auditor competencies
* The basis for incorporating new scientific knowledge and management changes into MSC certification requirements
* Implementation timeframes for changes to scheme requirements
In addition to consultations on specific elements of these standards and requirements, you can comment on the MSC standards at any time.
To comment on these standards please visit the "comment on our standards" section of the MSC website for information on how to submit your comments. MSC wish to thank you for your interest in this matter.
Invasives Species Awareness Training Day 12th October - Grangemouth Town Hall
The Falkirk Invasive Species Forum (FISF) has been set up to help progress action to control invasive non-native species across the Falkirk Council area. Together with Communities Along the Carron Association, there is a FREE public education event to be held from 9.45am to 4.30pm at the Grangemouth Town Hall on Wednesday 12th October, entitled “Aliens Among Us! Invasive Species Awareness Training Day”. This event is being funded by Falkirk Environment Trust and Falkirk Council Development Services.
What’s It About? Free teaching seminars to educate those who deal with or may encounter invasive non-native species in the course of their work or daily activities in the Falkirk area, with a particular focus on the invasive species Japanese Knotweed.
Who Can Attend? Professionals & volunteers from the construction industry, utilities, land management, community groups, university and agricultural college students, employees and managers from Falkirk Council services and the like. Basically anyone interested in learning more about invasives in our area. ALL ARE WELCOME!
For further details please click on these links for registration and here for the advertising poster
The Scottish Marine Group Open Meeting is on 20th October in Perth
This is a day long open meeting at the UHI Perth College Brahan Lecture Theatre, from 10am to 4pm. It has a planned day of speakers, as well as networking time with coffee at the start and at lunch. As well as speakers there are 2 poster sessions. The topics discussed on the day include fish monitoring, developing marine renewables, aqua culture spatial planning and ocean acidifiation. The full programme of speakers can be found by clicking on this link.
The fee of £6 payable to “UHI Perth College” covers coffee & lunch.
There is low cost metered parking in the university grounds.
The meeting is open to all but, to help catering, please let the
organizers know as soon as possible if you plan to attend.
the contact details of the organisers are as follows - Dr T Leatherland and Prof Anton Edwards
The Latest Forth Estuary Forum Newsletter is Out NOW - Autumn 2011
The latest version of the Forth Estuary Forum is now available to read online. This is the 22nd Issue and is in PDF format.
This issue includes news updates on the membership of the forum, along with the latest timetable of progress for Marine Scotland. We also hear about new projects around the Forth - - the RSPB Futurescapes project at Skinflats and there is a new framework for dealing with invasive non- natives species in the Forth District. In our latest edition, we also travels back in time. We have an article about The Great Michael, which was a ship that was built at Newhaven and whenlaunched in 151, it was said to be the biggest ship of its time. Alongside this we hear from the North Queensferry Heritage Trust. They have been successful in researching the site of the Battle of Inverkeithing in 1651. The site has been been approved as a Battle site and it will have will have agreed viewing points and information boards to tell the story of this important and significant Scottish battle.
This is the first time the forum has produced an electronic version of the newsletter, so if you have any thoughts on whether you prefer online or printed versions, then please let us know on the following email : secretary @ forthestuaryforum.co.uk. Read here: Issue 22 Forthsight.
SEPA Launches a new Consultation - Flooding in Scotland
The consultation is entitled "Flooding in Scotland: A consultation on Potentially Vulnerable Areas and Local Plan Districts" and it has just been launched.
This is part of SEPA's first National Flood Risk Assessment. This assessment, which also looks at future impacts of flooding, will enable SEPA to tackle flooding more effectively and target investment and actions in the areas which are most vulnerable. The consultation is an opportunity to comment on how the National Flood Risk Assessment identifies areas at greatest risk to flooding, and will help establish the planning framework for future flood risk management.
Responses to this consultation will help make Scotland more resilient to flooding, ultimately reducing the devastating impact on people and property.
The consultation is available online and you can also contact SEPA directly by email floodactconsultation@sepa.org.uk or phone 0131 273 7262.
Online document: www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/flood_risk_management/consultations.aspx.
The Scottish Marine Group Opening Meeting - October 2011
The next open meeting is in October and the Forum are currently asking for contributors to submit their title & a brief extract by 31st July 2011. All other participants need to book before the end of September. The aim of this meeting is to highlight the diversity of Scottish marine science and its applications. Please view the poster here for more details: Scottish Marine Group Meeting Oct 20
The Good Beach Guide 2011 is now available
The Marine Conservation Society have just published this year's guide to Britain's Beaches. Their website is easy to use and provides you with up to date information on all our beaches. There is a definate improvement in the quality of our beaches, but there is still room for improvement. MCS are asking people to go to the best quality beaches for their swimming, to help keep demand up for higher standards. Visit this excellent resource: www.goodbeachguide.co.uk
RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards
RSPB Scotland is launching the Nature of Scotland Awards to celebrate achievements in Scottish nature conservation.
Scotland is world renowned for its incredible nature, the conservation charity wants to recognise projects and people who have worked hard to maintain this. Six different awards will celebrate a wide range of outstanding achievements in the preservation or restoration of our precious natural heritage.
Among the categories is the marine award, which recognises exceptional contributions to the conservation or sustainable management of Scotland’s precious marine resources.
If you feel you work with, or know of, an organisation, group or individual who has participated in an activity that has aided Scottish nature conservation, RSPB Scotland would like to hear from you.
Nominations open 2nd May and the awards are free to enter. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland.
MCS Beachwatch Big weekend survey published
The MCS Beachwatch Big Weekend 2010 results were collected by almost 5,000 volunteers who cleaned 376 beaches, covering a total of 167 kilometres over the 18th and 19th September 2010. 330,107 items of litter were collected filling over 3,000 bags. For every kilometre surveyed almost 2,000 pieces of litter were found. For details on the survey and to download the report, click on this link: MCS Beachwatch press release
Forum on Radio Scotland 'Out of Doors'
The Forum Manager, Chris Cutts, was interviewed with John O'Keefe of SNH for the 'Out of Doors' programme, broadcast on Saturday 16th April. The interview discussed the Edinburgh Waterfront Signage trail, which the Forum is co-ordinating with City of Edinburgh Council with funding from SNH, ForthQuarter and the Almond Neighbourhood Partnership. The Trail will consist of eight interpretation panels from Port Edgar to Portobello, highlighting local biodiversity, history and geology. The programme can still be heard at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0074hjr.
Forth Replacement Crossing March 2011 Update
A preferred bidder has been announced for the Forth Replacement Crossing. See further details here:http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/Forth-Replacement-Crossing-preferred-bidder-announced
National Marine Plan out for pre-consultation
The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 provides for a new system of marine planning. Work is underway to implement marine planning and you may be interested to note the following new consultations and publications.
Feed back on the Marine Plan and interim Sustainability Appraisal consultations will inform further development of the Plan and I would be grateful if you could cascade this email to other interested parties.
Pre-Consultation Draft National Marine Plan (NMP) for consultation – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/16142627/0
A pre-consultation Draft Marine Plan is available for consultation. This begins the process of agreeing policies to ensure sustainable economic growth of marine industries while taking account of the marine environment in decision making. It includes economic, social and marine ecosystem objectives and sets out how the Scottish Government expects key interests to develop in coming years. The pre-consultation Draft covers both inshore waters (out to 12 nautical miles) and offshore waters (12 to 200 nautical miles). Responses to the consultation will inform the further development of a Draft Plan which will be consulted on later in 2011. The intention is to deliver a final National Marine Plan in 2012. Your comments on the pre-consultation draft are invited. Closing date 7th June. It is currently available in pdf - other formats will be made available next week.
Scotland’s National Marine Plan: interim Sustainability Appraisal for consultation - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/16135933/0
The pre-consultation Draft National Marine Plan is accompanied by an interim Sustainability Appraisal (including Strategic Environmental Assessment). Your comments on this interim report are invited Closing date 7th June
Scotland’s Marine Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan - www.scotland.gov.uk/marineatlas
The Marine (Scotland) Act requires Scottish Ministers to prepare an assessment of the condition of the Scottish marine area and a summary of significant pressures and the impact of human activity on the area at the time of the preparation of a marine plan. The publication of the Atlas fulfils this requirement and provides a unique evidence base on the marine environment and marine activity.
UK Marine Policy Statement (MPS) - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/international/MPS
The UK Marine Policy Statement provides the general framework for marine planning and decision making across UK waters. It will be adapted and published jointly with the other UK administrations, on the 18 March 2011. All public authorities taking authorisation and enforcement decisions (e.g. licensing) must do so in accordance with the MPS, other decisions they may take which could affect the marine area must have regard to the MPS. All marine plans within the UK must be in conformity with the MPS.
Communities Along the Carron Association Litter clean-ups
For dates and details of River Carron clean-ups, please access details here: Final CATCA 2011 litter poster.
Blueprint unveiled of Scottish Territorial Waters offshore wind energy potential
The Scottish Government has published a Plan for Offshore Wind development in Scotland’s seas. Blue Seas, Green Energy confirms that offshore renewable developments are viable in at least six sites, with a potential to deliver almost five Gigawatts of electricity generating capacity by 2020.
The Plan sets out the Government’s vision for developing offshore wind energy up to 2020 and beyond. It has been developed following a successful and engaging consultation last year and informed by a substantial evidence base of possible social and environmental interactions with offshore wind development, as reflected in the accompanying Post Adoption Statement.
Further details can be found here: Offshore Wind Plan - Press Release 18_03_11.
Shellfish - our undervalued resource
The 14th International Conference on Shellfish Restoration (ICSR) comes this year to the United Kingdom for the first time in its 26 years history. The conference will be held at the University of Stirling in the heart of Scotland and its title and theme will be “Shellfish – our undervalued resource”. The conference will run from the evening of August 23rd to the morning of August 27th with a gala dinner and ceilidh on the evening of August 26th at the Management Centre at the University of Stirling. The programme will feature invited keynote and panel presentations, case studies, and contributed oral and poster presentations. All sessions will be presented in English.
A flyer can be found here: Stirling shellfish restoration conference August 2011
The Woodland Trust is distributing tree packs to Community Groups across the UK. Woodland Trust community tree planting packs are designed to help community groups to plant more trees, hedges and copses in their local shared spaces - by a church, community centre or playground for example, or on patches of land that are currently unused. Packs can be separated and planted in small copses to best fit the public areas in your neighbourhood. Native trees can help mask unsightly developments, mark out boundaries, store carbon and help counteract air and noise pollution. With so many benefits why not think about spaces available in your local area? Tree packs are available in two different sizes:
- 105 trees - ideal for planting as a hedge or copse
- 420 trees - ideal for planting on roughly an acre of land.
The larger pack comes complete with basic tree protection (canes and spirals). The smaller pack does not include any tree protection, so you may want to consider sourcing tree guards if rabbits and/or deer are present at your planting site.
Each pack is also available in four different themes
Year round colour - beautiful views in every season
Wood Fuel - keep the log fires burning!
Jams, jellies, Chutneys and cordials - treats to eat
Wildlife - provide new homes for our native wildlife
The trees are delivered as young whips, approximately 30-40 cm in size.
CRITERIA: To be eligible for a free tree planting pack, the trees must be planted by a local community group on land that everyone in your area can enjoy and benefit from. We also ask that applicants ensure that the community tree planting event is an open invite so local people can attend. It is our aim to enable as many people as possible to experience and enjoy planting trees.
Apply Now by following this link. http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/plant-trees/help-advice/Pages/apply-now-free-community-trees.aspx
Happy Planting!
If you have any queries about this offer please contact the Woodland Trust via their website www.woodlandtrust.org.uk