Perth & Kinross Council

Both breeding and wintering populations of Curlew are declining at an alarming rate throughout the British Isles and the species has recently been added to the Red List of endangered species and is considered Near Threatened, having already vanished as a breeding bird from large parts of the lowlands. Changes in farming practices, predation and human disturbance are the most commonly highlighted factors.

Species-rich grasslands are an important part of our farming landscape. They provide habitats for birds and pollinators as well as areas of fodder for livestock to eat. How can we better utilise these areas within our farming systems? Does mob grazing work on these sensitive grasslands, and most importantly, how can we profit from these native pastures?

Speakers include Rob Havard of Natural England and Chris Bailey, RSPB Scotland, and the event will include a trip to a local farm.

This event is suitable for people who are interested in starting up a market gardening business, as well as those who already have a market garden, smallholding, or croft. There will be a good mixture of theoretical and practical sessions, with a tasty local lunch included.

Building Rural Futures looks at how to secure the delivery of affordable rural housing and the future of our rural communities. In 2018 the community right to buy land for sustainable development comes into force. 2018 is also the Year of Young People. The sustainable development of rural Scotland requires affordable housing to enable young people to make their futures there.

Due to the continued success of The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) in Perth & Kinross they have organised a Volunteer Training Night on Monday 29 January 2018 at Letham St Marks Church Centre, Perth from 7 – 9pm.

Chair Emily Grant has invited all current and potential volunteers to come along to learn tips and techniques on how to teach pupils about food and farming.  

Emily said:

Phil Differ is the headline stand-up act for the upcoming Comedy Night to raise funds for RHET Perth & Kinross – a charity dedicated to educating children across the region about food, farming and the countryside.

The Comedy Night will take place at Blairgowrie Town Hall on the evening of Saturday 24 February 2018 and tickets can be purchased on EventBrite (search ‘RHET Comedy Night’).

Tay Landscape Partnership (TayLP) are delighted to offer a one-day conference on 9 November 2017 to raise awareness of how important both rural and urban buildings are to the survival of key species like swifts, barn owls and bats and to explore cost effective ways to accommodate them, whilst avoiding delays to work, and complying with the law.

Who should attend
The event has been designed to appeal to professionals who plan, build, repair, maintain and manage buildings.

What you will take away