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Latest Series Of ‘Biosphere Explorers’ School Sessions Take Place

Latest series of ‘Biosphere Explorers’ school sessions take place

The Crichton Carbon Centre’s ‘Biosphere Explorers’ project has undertaken a further round of school sessions in recent months, focussing on the topic of Sustainable Development and recent events including COP26.

 

We live in a landscape so beautiful and unique that it was awarded the designation of being a UNESCO Biosphere in 2012. Since then, the importance of protecting our environment has become ever clearer, and Biosphere Explorers weaves together these two strands to create beautiful resources for Primary and Secondary students to learn about what the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere is and how we can all protect it.

 

The Biosphere Explorers project is funded through the Galloway Glens Scheme and led by the Crichton Carbon Centre, a local not-for profit organisation that has become a national centre of expertise on the question of carbon management and peatland restoration.

 

The latest Biosphere Explorers programme was delivered by Carys Mainprize, the Crichton Carbon Centre’s Project & Communications Officer. The project has been progressed through 2 separate stages, with Biosphere Explorers 1 running from 2018 to 2020 and then Biosphere Explorers 2 from 2020 to 2022.

 

Through the life of the project, running since 2018, over fifty sessions have been delivered in Galloway Schools, with more than five hundred pupils benefitting from the sessions.

 

Carys, looking at the latest series of events, said:

“Engaging our young people with the natural world is so important for their learning, curiosity, and connection with the outdoors – and Biosphere Explorers 2 has been working hard to achieve this. I love standing at the front of a class and distilling a really important piece of knowledge about the natural environment and climate change into an engaging lesson. The pupils are often onboard within minutes, and it’s such rewarding work. It’s been such a fun project and I want to thank Galloway Glens for funding us to do this important work.”

 

Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education and Communities Manager has been supporting Carys in some of her lessons and enthuses about the programme:

“It is absolutely fantastic how enthusiastically schools in the Galloway Glens area have embraced the Crichton Carbon Centre’s Biosphere Explorers programme. Expertly delivered by Carys in a playful and engaging way which incorporates active learning techniques, up to the minute science with valuable scientific investigation skills. Observing the lessons, I was struck by how interested and intrigued the children were in the innovative learning process. Carys was like a children’s science television presenter …the children just love it!”
Crichton Carbon Centre, through their Biosphere Explorers initiative, have produced innovative ‘Learning for Sustainability’ resources for schools. These include board games, lesson plans and training films for children and teachers and will ensure high quality natural world science is available to our region’s schools. All resources are available on the Crichton Carbon Centre’s website.
This is another example of the Galloway Glens Scheme using our funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to prepare our next generation in the need to care for and protect our natural heritage.”

 

To view or obtain resources, visit here: https://www.carboncentre.org/biosphere-explorers.

 

In addition, the Crichton Carbon Centre and the Galloway Glens Scheme are excited to be working closely with the Dumfries and Galloway Education & Learning Directorate’s ‘Learning for Sustainability’ Partnership Group. Learning for Sustainability (LfS) is a core part of the Curriculum of Excellence, and both Biosphere Explorers and other Galloway Glens projects such as the ‘Go Wild’ day camps and the John Muir Award programme have contributed work to its LfS Resource Bank, which is available to all teachers across Dumfries and Galloway.

 

Last Over Drama For The Dumfries Saturday Teams

Last over drama for the Dumfries Saturday teams
Munro Cubbon took two wickets for the Dumfries Sunday XI

On Saturday both Dumfries league teams had dramatic final over finishes but both resulted in nail biting defeats despite the McGowan Miller Players of the Match, Chris Brockwell and Max Corbett-Byers.

Your Move Dumfries played at Langside in the West Premier and were put in to bat. They had to battle hard for runs and batsmen made scores but not an innings defining one. Adam Malik, Jesse Smit and Alan Davidson all got into the twenties. Tommy McGrath delivered late runs with 22 not out off 13 balls and Dumfries reached 155 for 8.

Langside reached a similar position to Dumfries at 94 for 5. However, Khan was the difference as he neared fifty. McGrath struck with two late wickets and Langside needed nine off sixteen balls with two wickets left. They reached that target with an over left for a win. In a game of small margins Chris Brockwell took three wickets. McGrath and Alan Davidson took two.

It was similar for Dumfries 2nd XI against Hamilton Crescent. Nunholm reached 222 all out thanks to a ninety-run partnership between Max Corbett-Byers and James Little, with 37. Max top scored with a good 56.

Nunholm got a start with John Woodhouse bowling two and Callum Reynolds-Lewis removing another. Orla Montgomery claimed another wicket and James Cox followed with two more. From 66 for 6 in the sixteenth over then followed a crucial partnership.

Twenty overs later they were 164 for 6 and favourites when Orla Montgomery returned to bowl Ross for 61. However, Richard Cox remained and Anwar provided 32 rapid runs until Ronan Dunbar caught him well in the penultimate over. Eight balls left, six to win and one wicket left, but the visitors held on and won with four balls to spare.

On Sunday, the Dumfries Development XI bowled well to take early Stainton wickets and to restrict them to 144 all out. Sean Thornely took three wickets, Munro Cubbon hit the stumps thrice, two bowled plus a direct hit run out, and fellow juniors Billy Morgan and Jacob Holden each contributed a wicket.

The batting then failed to fire with only Max Corbett-Byers and Adam Malik approaching scores in the twenties. Junior Billy Morgan stuck in from 70 for 6 to reach a final total of 113 all out and with Billy 16 not out.

Dumfries Under-11s provided the weekend win with an all-round performance against Penrith to do their sponsor James Hallam Insurance proud. All bowlers bowled well to keep Penrith to 204 for 8 with Angus Pickstock starring with three wickets plus wickets for Cory Dawson, Sarah Cox, Gregor Martin and Isaac Ishmael. The team reached a good 276 in reply. Isaac hit 16 and Cory contributed 27.

This Saturday, Dumfries play Ferguslie at home in the Premier League. The seconds are away at Helensburgh.

Dumfries Cricket Club welcome new players, of any age from 5 upwards, male and female, to come along to the club’s sessions. Contact the club via [email protected], www.dumfriescricketclub.com, or on social media @dumfriescricket.

Have Your Say On The Young Person’s Guarantee

Have your say on the Young Person’s Guarantee

Living, Working, Training and Learning in Dumfries and Galloway

 

The Young Person’s Guarantee (YPG) is a commitment to bring together employers, partners and young people. It aims to connect every 16-24 year old in Scotland with an opportunity – this could be a job, apprenticeship, further or higher education, training or volunteering.

 

A group of organisations from across Dumfries and Galloway that supports the YPG is looking at the ways more young people can gain the skills and experience they need to reach their goals and make a good life for themselves.

 

The information gathered will help the project to find out how best to match young people with employment, training, volunteering and educational opportunities that will help them build the life they want. It will also look at what support employers need to recruit young people into the region’s workforce.

 

“We know that many young people are struggling to figure out their next step. We want to make sure that we’re matching them with what’s already out there, as well as looking at what might be missing in terms of support. We hope that the project will make a big difference for our young people,” says Grace Cardozo of Sleeping Giants, one of the partners in the project.

 

“We’ve put together a short survey that young people can complete on their phone and we’ll be talking to employers as well.”

 

Young people from across D&G can find out more here: www.sleeping-giants.org.uk/have-your-say where they will find a short video explaining the project,  or jump straight to the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Haveyoursay-YPG

 

Anyone else that would like more information can also find out more here: www.sleeping-giants.org.uk/have-your-say

 

Firearms Surrender Campaign Launches This Week

Firearms surrender campaign launches this week

Firearms and ammunition can be surrendered at police stations across Scotland as part of a UK-wide firearms surrender campaign.

From Thursday 12 May until Sunday 29 May, people in possession of firearms and ammunition, for which they do not hold a valid certificate, will be able to surrender these to police.

In addition to being able to hand in firearms and ammunition, the public will be able to hand over replica firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, component parts and other ballistic items.

The public can hand firearms and weapons to any police station, however are asked where possible to attend at designated locations across Scotland.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The purpose of the firearms surrender campaign is to remove firearms from criminal availability and therefore reduce the risk of harm to the public and our communities.
“People will be able to surrender unlicensed weapons and ammunition to a number of dedicated police stations throughout Scotland and I would encourage people to do so.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown said: “I would encourage anyone in possession of an unneeded or unlicensed firearm or air weapon to safely hand it over to police at one of their designated police stations.
“Firearm offences remain at historically low levels in Scotland, but by removing unwanted weapons this important campaign by Police Scotland will help keep our communities safe and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.”

Galloway Glens Scheme Awards Funding To The New Galloway Town Hall Refurbishment

Galloway Glens Scheme awards funding to the New Galloway Town Hall refurbishment
New Galloway Town Hall - l-r Bob Glaister LING, Ann Glaister LING, M Laurie GGLP

The Galloway Glens Scheme runs until September 2023 and as part of an ongoing review of funding allocations and requirements, has been able to make a new award of £20,000 towards the work to refurbish New Galloway’s Town Hall.

 

Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) is leading an ambitious project to refurbish and renovate the New Galloway Town Hall. This iconic building in the middle of the Town has a long history, with the current structure largely dating from late 19th century. The building, in the process of changing in ownership from Dumfries & Galloway Council to LING, is in desperate need of attention, particularly a detailed energy audit, heating system upgrade and accessibility improvements, including a lift.

 

At their February meeting, the Partnership Board of the Galloway Glens Scheme agreed to use a projected scheme underspend to support the proposed £300,000 refurbishment project with a contribution of £20,000, a portion of the Galloway Glens Scheme’s £2.7million award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

 

McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team leader, said:

The Galloway Glens Scheme only has another 18 months to run, but the Partnership Board are keen that we remain nimble to exploit every opportunity to draw down as much of our overall grant as possible for the benefit of the communities of the Ken/Dee Valley. As project underspends are identified across our portfolio, we will be keeping this opportunity under review. We are so grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their initial award, but also their support of this approach. We promise not to exhaust their enthusiasm and flexibility in coming months!
A new project at this stage of the Scheme must not be taken on lightly, with a tighter period allowed for delivery, but we are delighted to amplify LING’s other funding successes to deliver the best access and energy efficiency improvements in the hall with an offer of £20,000 in support.

 

Bob Glaister, LING Treasurer, is delighted with this offer of funding:

“We have been working flat out with the community to raise as much as possible for the renovation of the New Galloway Town Hall and this wonderful contribution will take us to a sum which should allow us to complete the major elements of our plan. The LING Board thanks the Partnership Board for their financial support and also for their public show of confidence in the importance of the Town Hall to the Glenkens.”

 

Deadline extension agreed for Langholm community’s at-risk nature and climate bid

Deadline extension agreed for Langholm community’s at-risk nature and climate bid
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With one of the UK’s largest community-led nature and climate projects hanging in the balance, agreement has been reached between a community in Dumfries and Galloway and one of Scotland’s biggest landowners to allow more time to raise funds from major donors.

 

Led by local charity The Langholm Initiative, the town of Langholm is battling to raise £2.2m for a community buyout of 5,300 acres of Langholm Moor from Buccleuch Estates, and so double the size of the new community-owned Tarras Valley Nature Reserve.

 

Despite hopes for a £1m donation from a major funder – and a surging public crowdfunder attracting donations from thousands of people from across the world – there were fears the project could face a £450,000 shortfall at the original 31 May deadline.

 

Buccleuch has now offered an additional two months for The Langholm Initiative to pursue donations from large funding bodies, meaning the total funds now need to be raised by 31 July.

 

“This timely support from Buccleuch gives us breathing space to ensure our landmark project for people and planet doesn’t fall at the final hurdle. It highlights the value of the positive working relationship we’ve developed over the past few years,” said Jenny Barlow, Tarras Valley Nature Reserve’s Estate Manager.
“Despite the wonderful outpouring of support from people worldwide, there was a real risk we might have been some £450,000 short on deadline day – putting at risk our ambitious plans for tackling the nature and climate emergencies while boosting community regeneration. We now need all the support possible to get this historic buyout over the line and safeguard this land for future generations.”

 

The Tarras Valley Nature Reserve was established last year, following the successful first stage of what is South Scotland’s biggest community land buyout. This saw the community defy the odds to raise £3.8 million to buy 5,200 acres and six residential properties from Buccleuch in March 2021.

 

Benny Higgins, Executive Chairman at Buccleuch, said: “We’re pleased to be able to extend the timescale for the Langholm Initiative to raise the funds necessary to make this second-phase community buyout a reality.
“We have worked closely with The Langholm Initiative in recent years and have been impressed by their tenacity, vision, and cooperation to bring their plans to fruition. We hope this additional time will help them in their quest to double the size of Tarras Valley Nature Reserve and build on the success achieved so far.”

 

On the reserve, globally important peatlands and ancient woods are being restored, native woodlands established, and a haven ensured for wildlife including hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin.

 

Community regeneration and creating new jobs through a nature-based approach is a central aim of the project. Langholm was once a thriving textile centre, but the industry has declined in recent years.

 

Leading charities backing the buyout include Borders Forest Trust, John Muir Trust, Rewilding Britain, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Trees for Life, and the Woodland Trust.

 

The Langholm Moor buyout’s public crowdfunder has almost reached its initial target of raising at least £150,000 towards the £2.2m needed. It can be supported at bit.ly/LangholmMoorAppeal.

 

Busy Show Season For Union’s Presidential Team Kicks Off At Ayr

BUSY SHOW SEASON FOR UNION’S PRESIDENTIAL TEAM KICKS OFF AT AYR

Ayr Show to return to Ayr Racecourse on the 14 May for first show since 2019

Regional and local shows are back after two years away with the return of these important annual events showing that things are getting back to normal post-Covid.

NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual will kick off their show season at Ayr Show when it returns to Ayr Racecourse on Saturday 14 May 2022 for the first time since 2019.

NFU Scotland Ayrshire’s Group Secretaries and staff are looking forward to welcoming members old and new at stand number J130 for light refreshments and a catch up. There will also be a children’s area at the front of the stand with a decorate your own scarecrow activity.

Union President Martin Kennedy will be present throughout the day and will be joined by QMS Chair Kate Rowell and Chief Executive Sarah Millar, who will be on the stand between 12-2pm to speak with levy payers. NFUS Dairy Policy Manager Stuart Martin, who runs the Scottish Dairy Hub, will also be attending.

NFU Scotland’s Presidential team of Martin Kennedy, Robin Traquair, and Andrew Connon will attend over 20 shows throughout the summer.

Looking ahead at the upcoming show season, President Martin Kennedy said: “For two years we have missed the craic, the banter, and the friendly rivalry of showing our best exhibits in competition, which traditionally plays such a big part in the agricultural calendar. I am looking forward to getting out and about over the summer to meet face to face with as many of our members as possible from across the country and hearing firsthand about the issues affecting them.”
The Union’s Ayrshire Regional Manager, Christine Cuthbertson, said: “We are so excited about getting back to Ayr Show which is one of the highlights of Ayrshire’s farming calendar! There is no doubt that the community have greatly missed the buzz and chat with friends, neighbours, and colleagues with Covid-19 causing a 3-year break in show proceedings.
“It has been a fine Spring weather wise, and with most famers’ lambing, calving, and planting complete they will be ready for a good day at the show. There will be a warm welcome at our stand, and it will be wonderful to discuss issues of the day and support our members in person again over a cup of tea.
“I am sure our members will be raising many of the issues which are currently affecting our industry including input costs, food security, and new support frameworks for agriculture in Scotland.”
Linda Blackwood, NFU Mutual Ayr Agent and NFUS Group Secretary, added: “We are delighted to be attending the show this year alongside NFU Scotland and the team from NFU Mutual Kilmarnock. This event is our opportunity to connect with the local community face-to-face, catch up with customers, and provide a relaxed and safe environment for people after what has been a very tough and long couple of years. This is our first physical event since before the pandemic and my partners and I are very much looking forward to supporting and seeing everyone there.”

Wylie & Graham Claim Stunning British GT Debut Podium

Thornhill Race Ace Ross Wylie, and Matthew Graham swept their Valluga Racing Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport to second place in the British GT Championship’s “blue riband” Silverstone 500 race (8 May).

The duo, contesting the GT4S category, were sharing driving duties of the AL-2 Teknik UK supported Porsche for the first time.

Wylie, from Thornhill near Dumfries, started the three-hour race from fourth in the GT4S class in the 34-car field. Ross set a searing pace and claimed the class lead at the end of the first hour of racing.

Current Porsche Carrera Cup GB championship leader Graham took over from Wylie with just over an hour gone, resuming second in class. Newcastle-upon-Tyne-born Graham, who lives in Stanfordham, consistently set scorching lap times and re-took the class lead just after mid-distance.

Wylie was briefly back behind the wheel of the striking liveried Porsche before making a final compulsory pit-stop, switching back to Graham with 30mins remaining who re-joined sixth in class, Matty recording an excellent third place at the chequered flag – demoted from second with just five minutes remaining.

However, after time penalties had been applied from the previous races, the Wylie/Graham Porsche was classified second in GT4S and a brilliant third overall in GT4. In addition to AL-2 Teknik UK support, NGE PyroDry plus Carronbridge Sawmill (Thornhill) are also partners. Round 4 is at Donington Park on 29 May.

Ross Wylie (GB)
Age: 30
Born & Lives: Thornhill nr Dumfries, Scotland.

“For Matty and I to finish second in our first BGT together with the Valluga Porsche in the colours of AL-2 Teknik UK for the first time, was a massive achievement. I really enjoyed sharing the car with Matty, he is a delight to work with and a real talent behind the wheel.
“The guys at Valluga did a great job for both of us: faultless pit-stops, great race strategy and giving us a strong and fast car. It was hard work and very hot in the car for my first stint, the air con wasn’t working. It was good fun but pretty exhausting. I’m already looking forward to the next Donington event in a few weeks.”

Matty Graham (GB): 

Age: 25

Born: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland

Lives: Stanfordham, Northumberland

“I got everything I wanted from today’s race – second-place is so good and I can’t thank everyone enough – Ross, the Valluga team and of course, AL-2 Teknik UK, because without its support, I wouldn’t be in the Porsche!
“Driving it for the first time was a steep learning curve but I couldn’t be happier. We can all be very proud of what we achieved. My first stint was a long one and very hot work. We were battling the entire race. Roll on Donington!”

A Feast Of Bluegrass Music Heading To Newton Stewart This Weekend

A feast of bluegrass music heading to Newton Stewart this weekend

Dumfries & Galloway will welcome bluegrass & Americana musicians and music fans from all over the UK this weekend for the inaugural SpringGrass bluegrass festival at Newton Stewart’s popular new live music and performing arts venue, The Vault Arts Centre.

Running from 13th-15th May 2022 the festival, which takes inspiration for its name from the Internationally renowned ‘RockyGrass’ festival in the USA, will feature some of the very best bluegrass & Americana musicians in the UK, including popular North of England trio ‘Jaywalkers’, local singer/songwriter Bee Williams, Northern Irish 4-piece ‘Cup O’Joe’, who were one of the first International bluegrass bands to take part in the Bluegrass Ramble at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) conference and festival in North Carolina, and Scottish trio ‘The Auldeners’ which features Aberdeenshire vocalist Iona Fyfe who, in 2021, became the first singer to win the coveted title of Musician of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.

Festival Director, and Project Co-ordinator at The Vault Arts Centre, Nathon Jones, said “After a difficult couple of years, we’ve hit the ground running in 2022 and are thrilled to be welcoming performing artists and live music back to the venue. Tickets and enquiries have been going really well and that’s not surprising because there are some fantastic musicians performing this year.”

As well as the Friday and Saturday night concerts there will be opportunities throughout the weekend for musicians to take part in bluegrass jam sessions, both inside and outside (weather dependent!), with the new Festival Marquee erected in the garden and gazebos and seating in the courtyard.

A keen guitarist, banjo and resonator guitar player himself, Nathon is particularly looking forward to the weekend. “As well as the evening concerts it’s also going to be great, in between those, to play music with other musicians, meet new people and create new musical friendships.  We’re very keen for people to bring their instruments, and voices, along for what promises to be a wonderful weekend of live music in Dumfries & Galloway.”

Further information and booking details can be found on The Vault Arts Centre’s official website at www.thevaultartscentre.co.uk, or you can call the Box Office on 01671 404924 / 07762 064298.

 

SAF Submissions Down On 2021 With One Week To Go

SAF SUBMISSIONS DOWN ON 2021 WITH ONE WEEK TO GO

Scottish farmers and crofters urged to complete online forms ahead of 16 May deadline

The number of Scottish farmers and crofters who have filled out their Single Application Form (SAF) ahead of the window closing at midnight on Monday 16 May is lower than at this time last year.

Latest figures provided to NFU Scotland by Scottish Government suggest that, as of week ending 6 May, more than 3500 forms had yet to be started.

The number of SAFs completed, at 9200, was more than 500 fewer than at the same date in 2021.  Scottish Government also indicated that 4600 SAF forms were in a ‘draft’ state so, although commenced, have yet to be completed.

This year, for the first time, all SAF forms must be completed online.  The large number of forms yet to be started or completed raises concerns of a last-minute rush to submit forms over the coming weekend.

Completion of a SAF is required to access important support schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening, and the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme.  All schemes available as part of SAF are critical to the financial well-being of Scottish agriculture – injecting well over £500 million to the industry annually.

With only a few days left, NFU Scotland has welcomed the news that Scottish Government has organised out of hours cover for IT related issues this weekend (14/15 May) and after office hours cover on Monday 16 May until midnight.

Customers having issues affecting their browser, accessing the SAF site or account problems can contact the IT service desk on 0131 244 6202.

However, any questions in relation to SAF2022 guidance should be directed to local Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE) offices during office hours. Farmers and crofters can also speak online about SAF to a member of ARE Area Office staff over its web chat facility.

NFU Scotland Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said: “Support payments remain critically important to the viability of most Scottish farming and crofting businesses.  The importance of that support will be underlined this year and into next year as we see unprecedented rises in input costs and unpredictable volatility in prices.
“That is why it is so worrying that, with exactly a week to go, there is a significant number of SAF forms still to be started.  There is also concern about the number of forms started but not completed and we urge those with forms in a draft state to go on and complete their application at the earliest opportunity and ensure that it is properly submitted.
“Farmers and crofters must prioritise these annual application forms in the next few days.  The deadline of the 16 May is fast approaching, and we urge all eligible applicants to concentrate on completing their submission now rather than at the last minute.
“This year marks this first where applications are entirely online.  Those who previously submitted their SAF on paper have been sent a number of reminders on the transition. If they require assistance to get online then they can contact their local ARE office.  It’s vital that they do this as soon as possible so that they can submit their SAF online by the 16 May deadline.
“As we start our transition to new agricultural policy and support arrangements, the SAF deadline remains one of the most important dates in the Scottish farming calendar and we need farmers and crofters to crack on with applications.”