Scotland's Geodiversity Charter

The Forum’s first conference was a great success on Saturday … feedback from the 50+ participants suggests that the mix of workshops and talks was much appreciated, as was the chance to meet others from across Scotland and discuss topics of mutual interest. Many thanks to our speakers, whose talks have been widely praised by the delegates, to the workshop leaders for an interesting and varied range of workshops, and to SNH for hosting us at Battleby.

We’ll be producing a summary report from the conference soon, and will also be pressing ahead with further consultations on the draft Scottish Geodiversity Charter in the next few weeks.

The Exec Committee is busy making final arrangements for the conference – everything looks good, expecting a crowd and lots of interesting debate, hands on involvement and discussion in workshops and talks. It’s not too late to register, but please do so soon so that we can make sure there’s enough lunch! Not easy to get to Battleby by public transport, so please get in touch if you would like a lift, plenty of people around the country who can help.

This is our big event of the year, not to be missed! The programme includes a mix of talks and workshops which we hope will appeal to a wide range of people interested in Scotland’s geodiversity. Speakers include Colin Ballantyne from University of St Andrews, and Stuart Monro, Scientific Director of Our Dynamic Earth. There are two workshop sessions, with a range of 5 workshops to choose from covering a range of topics from geodiversity in the planning system to activities for young people.

Great to have the Forum live with Richard Cadey on the MacAulay and Co show, BBC Radio Scotland this morning – find out more about fossil hunting in Scotland with the Scottish Fossil Code and more about the geology of Barns Ness, near Dunbar with this leaflet published by Lothian and Borders GeoConservation.

Very successful meeting on Saturday to agree a constitution and elect an Executive Committee. More details will be posted here soon.