Knowledge (K)November is coming!

This November sees the return of ‘Knowledge Knovember’ – a series of free online events on Tuesday evenings in November that give an opportunity to look at Dumfries & Galloway’s woodlands in new ways. This year the events vary from Aspen to Winter Tree ID tips, with everything in between!

The plans follow a successful programme last year, giving attendees a chance to spend a dark evening learning more about the trees and woodland habitats in South West Scotland. The events are led by the Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands team, made possible thanks to the support from partners and funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The programme is:

4th November - Aspen in Dumfries & Galloway … But Why?

Peter Livingstone from Eadha Enterprises (https://www.eadha.co.uk/) will be telling us about the need for areas of Aspen-dominated woodland, not least for the range of species that depend upon it. On that same theme, Malcolm Haddow from South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre (SWSEIC - https://swseic.org.uk/) will then be lifting the lid on how tree planting choices can influence wildlife records captured across the region, and the support/dependency relationship between different species. RESERVE FREE TICKET: https://fienta.com/aspen-in-dumfries-galloway-but-why.

11th November - Our Woodlands as Inspiration … But When?

S.R.Crockett is described as ‘Scotland’s forgotten bestseller’, with many of his novels set in Galloway’s landscape. Cally Wight from the S.R.Crockett Charity (https://www.srcrockett.scot/) has been reviewing Crockett’s novels to understand how the Woodlands of our region feature in and inspired his work. Dr Patti Leino, Artist and tutor, will then be considering how our woodlands can inspire today’s artists and creators. RESERVE FREE TICKET: https://fienta.com/our-woodlands-as-inspiration-then-now.

18th November - Winter Tree ID … But How?

Tree ID is sensibly done during summer months when the trees are in leaf…surely. But the real skill is during winter. James Kendall of the Woodland Classroom (https://woodlandclassroom.com/) will be giving us a whistle stop tour of Winter Tree ID tips and tricks to help you point confidently when you are next enjoying a winter woodland walk. RESERVE FREE TICKET: https://fienta.com/winter-tree-id-intro-tips

The programme is being hosted by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, a registered charity with support from a wide range of partners. Looking at the programme, McNabb Laurie from Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands said:

“There is a lot I am looking forward to here. The first event starts with Aspen but then considers how tree planting decisions we make can influence surrounding habitats. The second event compares how 19th Century literature and modern-day art is inspired by the woodlands of Dumfries and Galloway. The last event tackles an ongoing challenge: Winter Tree ID – how can we get better at identifying a tree on a grey, dank day in Winter!

We are working with speakers from across the UK, with the events on consecutive Tuesday evenings, all starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome to join us for what is surely the most fun you can have on a dark Tuesday evening in November…”

Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands benefits from ongoing support from a range of partners, including Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Forestry and Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team. Work by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is being boosted thanks to a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aiming to deliver a tangible response to the twin crises we face and to maximise the benefits delivered in the region.

For more information about Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, follow them on social media, visit the website www.dgwoodlands.org.uk or sign up for the newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iAlL6k. Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is registered in Scotland as a SCIO, number 052525.

Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a membership organisation. If you’d like to join as a member, visit the website. For any further info, please contact: mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.