‘Biosphere Connections’ announced as a new summer networker for UNESCO region

The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere (GSAB) Partnership has announced its largest ever gathering will take place on Wednesday 29th July in Thornhill, and is inviting local residents, business owners, and representatives of organisations and community groups to join their celebration of ‘Biosphere Connections’.

Since being established as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in 2013, the GSAB Partnership has delivered a huge range of projects in conservation, education, enterprise and climate resilience, focusing on supporting people and nature in sustainable ways. The charity’s 11-strong officer team works across three local authority areas including some of Scotland’s most deprived villages and towns and sites where wildlife and habitats are most at risk.

Biosphere Connections is a new style of summer networker aiming to become an annual event which will rotate locations in Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire each year. The 2026 gathering will be held at Old School Thornhill and the agenda includes guest speakers who live, work and volunteer in the UNESCO Biosphere, who will share stories of their successes and challenges working on projects covering local heritage, wellbeing, fundraising, and the creative arts. Biosphere Officers will give key updates on projects in development which offer members of the public opportunities for education, training, and accessing support for community and business initiatives.

The agenda also includes a networking lunch and roundtable activities, with attendees encouraged to use the event to generate professional contacts and develop ideas for exchanging skills and resources across the UNESCO Biosphere. The day will conclude with a special screening of Heart of the Biosphere, the 15-minute documentary film which explores the vast and ecologically precious expanse of peatland and hills at Silver Flowe and Merrick-Kells.

For those unable to attend the Thornhill event, the GSAB Partnership’s free Proud Supporter scheme offers early bird booking to their full calendar of workshops, networkers, and other public events, as well as ongoing partnership and promotional opportunities.

Tamara Fulcher, the charity’s Communications & Marketing lead, says:

“We’re excited to have added a brand new event to our summer schedule and to have some brilliant speakers joining us to talk about working in and with rural communities. Conversation and connection will be the focus of the day and we hope this will be an inspiring event for everyone who comes along.”

Biosphere Connections will run from 10:30am – 2:30pm on Wednesday 29th July at Old School Thornhill DG3 5DF, and is free to attend with a light lunch provided. All are welcome and booking is via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/biosphere-connections-proud-supporter-networker-2026-tickets-1991472947194. For any enquiries please email info@gsabiosphere.org.uk.

More information about southwest Scotland’s UNESCO designation and the work of the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership is available at www.gsabiosphere.org.uk.