Tag Archives: Conference 2017

UK and Ireland Lakes Network Conference 2017 – Papers

Our 2017 conference began with a tour of Linlithgow Loch and Palace with Historic Environment Scotland. Both are integral to the town itself, and brimming with opportunities for current adventures, and stories rich in culture and history. The loch itself was formed by a block of ice left behind by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age, and was chosen as the location of the palace in twelfth century. Over time land use surrounding the loch has changed, and now whilst still offering the community a fantastic 4km circuit for running, walking or pushing a buggy, and fishing, or a back drop to outdoor events it does suffer with algal blooms. A partnership group are investigating the main sources of nutrient and other pollutants, and raising awareness in the local community to reduce misuse of the drainage system with the ‘Only rain down the drain campaign’.

 

The tour of the loch and palace offered not only the opportunity to focus on this fascinating urban water, but also to develop new connections and re-establish those that have lapsed. The networking continued into the evening over a relaxed conference meal and in the company of after dinner speaker Dr Reverend Stuart Gillan.

 

The conference provided a diverse range of presentations which can be found below.

 

Exploring the values and management of our urban waters – past, present and future

Tuesday 25th April 2017

 

·         Nick Benge, Water Gems, UK approach to urban waterbody restoration.

·         Linda May, CEH, UK approach to urban waterbody restoration.

·         Callum McPhail, SEPA, Restoration of a large urban loch – Strathclyde Loch.

·         Chris Hassall, Leeds University, Treasure little things ecology management and creation of urban ponds.

·         Paul Wood, Loughborough University,  Restoration of urban streams and ponds.

·         Jo Girvan, River life, Restoration in an urban setting.

·         Brian Darcy, C&D Associates, Sustainable urban drainage in the protection and improvement of urban lochs.

·         Alan McCulloch, SEPA, The Water Environment Fund, SEPA and urban regeneration in the water environment.

 

The outputs of the workshop sessions will be published shortly.

 

With thanks to SEPA, West Lothian Council and Historic Environment Scotland for hosting the conference.

UKILN 2017 Conference Linlithgow Loch: Exploring the values and management of our urban waters – past, present and future

 Registration Closed

Linlithgow Loch

Linlithgow Loch

Our 2017 conference in Linlithgow, Scotland, sponsored by Scottish Environment Protection Agency, with Historic Environment Scotland and West Lothian Council, will explore the value and sustainable management of urban lochs, lakes, loughs, tarns and llyns – past, present and future.

Full Conference Programme – Available Here

Monday April 24th – the first day of our two day conference will start with an afternoon walk around Linlithgow Loch and visit to Linlithgow Palace lead by Historic Environment Scotland.

In the evening join us for the conference meal, and enjoy the local invited speaker.

Tuesday April 25th – our second day will focus on an eclectic mix of presentations and discussion focusing on the key issues surrounding urban waters.

UKILN conferences are designed to attract a wide range of people and organisations passionate about protection of the benefits and values these waters give us.

Opportunities to meet and network with fellow delegates is a key value of the event.

Click here for a list of Linlithgow Accommodation. Alternative budget options can be found a little further away.