Mabon @ Bamff

About

Mabon @ Bamff is a unique one and a half day event on storytelling, future of food and biodiversity at Bamff Eco Estate, Pertshire. We are holding this event to enable young people working in sustainability, land use and other rural jobs to make connections, learn new skills, and have interesting discussions. The world is a often a scary place to be right now, and working in sustainability and conservation - while rewarding - can often leave us feeling discouraged and powerless.

Feedback for our last event, Beltane @ the Shieling Project, showed us that having the opportunity to meet like-minded people and have fun together was the most important part of attending. We therefore wanted to provide another space like this!

This event will involve different workshops (scroll to bottom of page to explore the timetable), a traditional ceilidh, and a panel discussion. We want the weekend to be as hands on as possible! For the ceilidh, you are welcome (and encouraged!) to bring a song, an instrument, a poem, a story to share. There is also the option to add a guided walk around Bamff to your ticket.

Please note: This is the first time Bamff have held an event - so it is a bit of an experiment. This is reflected in the ticket price. Ben and Rosanna have also organised this event voluntarily alongside their normal jobs. We are doing everything we can to make sure the event goes smoothly, but please come with an open mind.

We are defining young people as ages 18 - 40 but people of all ages are welcome!

Please check the agenda at the bottom of the page for a full overview of the days and the speakers/workshop hosts.

Who we are

This event is being held in collaboration with SEDA Land, UHI Centre for Mountain Studies and Bamff Eco Tourism.

Rosanna and Ben work in sustainability and are passionate about opportunities for young people in rural areas.

Logistics Information

Travel

Unfortunately, public transport in Scotland being what it is, the best way to get to Bamff is by car. We would encourage as many people as possible to lift share, both for the environment and so we don't have too many cars parked at Bamff.

Car: There is a car park at Bamff close to where the event is taking place. We will send a pdf map of the estate which explains how to get to the car park.

Bus/Train: You can get a bus or train to Perth. You can then bus to Alyth, and text us in advance so someone can pick you up. We probably can't offer pick up to too many people, so please do try to arrange a lift share if you can.

Accessibility: if you can't arrange a lift share for whatever reason, or need travel support to get to Bamff, please email Ben at ben96murphy@gmail.com

Accommodation

There is a campsite (lots of flat ground!) with a compost loo.

Shepherds Hut - please email us if you want to reserve a space: rosanna.e.crawford@gmail.com or ben96murphy@gmail.com

Food

You will need to bring your own food. The only night food will be provided is Saturday night: Oaklies food truck. They will cater to all dietary needs.

Ticket Information

We are trying to keep the ticket costs as low as possible.

Ticket includes:

• Access to all activities
• Accomodation on Friday and Saturday (as needed)
• Ceilidh on Saturday night

Tickets are on a sliding scale.

Please use your own judgement in relation to your financial situation in determining what ticket is most appropriate for you.

• Tier 1 Tickets: £45
• Tier 2 Tickets: £55
• Add on: Guided Beaver Walk at £5

About Bamff and Mabon

Bamff is a small estate in the uplands of North East Perthshire on the highland boundary fault-line. It consists of 1300 acres of farmland, woodland, wetland and hill. It has been owned by the Ramsay family since the year 1232 after being given to an ancestor by King Alexander II of Scotland as a reward for saving his life. Bamff has its own little hills, Hilton, and Balduff.

Paul and Louise Ramsay and their daughter Sophie and her partner Dave Maric and their daughter Flora, live here, along with several other families in flats and cottages. Sophie’s three brothers visit regularly and take a close interest in the estate. The farming, carried out by neighbour Andrew Mitchell, and his son Peter, is organic – mainly sheep and cattle.

Bamff has become known for its fascinating beaver project and abundant wildlife and attracts many wildlife enthusiasts and experts throughout the year. Around one third of the estate is woodland and the beavers have created a large area of wetland and pools. The beaver demonstration project at Bamff was the first of its kind in the UK. The European beaver, hunted to extinction in the UK in the 16th century is now reintroduced to Scotland and since May 1st, 2019, has become a protected species. Bamff has now embarked on a pioneering rewilding project. Sheep have been taken off twelve fields and along with six woods they have been enclosed by a perimeter fence into a Wildland area with 20 cattle, 3 pigs and 11 ponies. Please read more on the Wildland website: here.

Mabon is is a relatively modern name, and takes its name from the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, symbolising youth and the promise of life and renewal. In ancient Britain, this time of year was essential for gathering in the harvest and giving thanks for the abundance of the earth.

Celebrated on 21st or 22nd September, this day marks the moment when day and night are in perfect balance—12 hours of daylight, 12 hours of night. It’s a time of reflection, gratitude, and preparation as we transition from the warmth of summer to the chill of winter.

In British tradition, Mabon is a time to celebrate nature, harvest, and the changing seasons.

Read more about Mabon.