Join us in a series of interactive online workshops to explore how we can work together in the stewardship of Carlingford catchment.

Carlingford catchment is a cross-border catchment on the east coast of Ireland, with territory in Northern Ireland (UK) and the Republic of Ireland. It's an area of diverse and nationally important landscapes, from the fertile lowlands in the northern catchment to the picturesque Mourne and Cooley mountains elevated above either side of Carlingford lough. The catchment provides numerous ecosystem services, from recreational watersports, hiking and fishing, to the regulation of water and soil processes. Sustainable and effective management of these natural features is essential for the future prosperity of the catchment. Join us to discuss what tools and techniques we can use to usher in a new era of stewardship in Carlingford catchment, based on a people-centred, joined up approach.

Session 1: Nature-Based Solutions: Where and why?

Friday 11th September 2020, 10.30am

Are natural features in the Carlingford catchment delivering their full potential? What do we want them to achieve in future? Join to discuss whether nature-based solutions have a role to play in Carlingford catchment and where these could be located.

Special guest: Professor Chris Spray, Eddleston Water Project (Tweed Forum & Dundee University)

Be inspired by this exemplar project that has delivered multiple positive outcomes by using a network of natural features in a solutions-focused way. Learn how they successfully reduced flood risk and restored Eddleston Water for the benefit of wildlife and the local community.

Session 2: Working together more effectively

Wednesday 16th September 2020, 11.30am

Building on the first session, we will consider how land managers and those who care for the catchment work together more effectively to secure the natural environment everyone wants. Those directly involved in stewardship of areas both land and water are particularly welcome.

Special guest: Mark Horton, Ballinderry Rivers Trust

Learn from Ballinderry Rivers Trust about how to work effectively with local land managers to create a network of nature-based solutions. Hear how this project succeeded in preventing extinction of the freshwater pearl mussel by improving the quality of their habitat.

Session 3: Knowing what works

Friday 18th September 2020, 2.00pm

The ALICE Project provides an opportunity to work out what will guide future collaboration and innovation in how the Carlingford catchment is managed. In this final session, we will invite you to consider what information and know-how you need to play your part in the stewardship of Carlingford catchment.

Special guest: Matthew Bushby, Mourne Heritage Trust

Mourne Heritage Trust play a crucial role in conservation of the unique Mournes landscape that is so familiar to those in Carlingford catchment. Learn about their recent work and future priorities that will contribute towards securing a positive future for this iconic landscape.

These sessions are free of charge and we welcome all stakeholders in environmental management of Carlingford catchment.

Privacy notice: Your privacy is important to us. We will use your information to process your registration and grant access to the online events. We will be recording each session for academic research purposes; please let us know if you would like to be anonymised.

At registration, we ask for a work address in order for us to send some wildflower seeds as a thank you for taking part, however this is not compulsory. For more information, you can read our privacy notice by clicking on the link below:

https://www.afbini.gov.uk/publications/alice-project-privacy-notice