Moors under microscope at top-level research conference
This is an archived press release
Wednesday 22 October 2008
22 October 2008
Moors under microscope at top-level research conference
This is the sixth forum for discussion and exchange organised by the Peak District’s Moors for the Future Partnership, which commissioned many of the leading research projects.
Climate change will be high on the agenda - peat-moors potentially store more greenhouse gases than the forests of the UK and France combined, but centuries of damage put this under threat.
And at a time of significant environmental and economic change, affecting farmers, grouse-moor owners, water companies and rural businesses, the conference will also focus on:
- Sustainable upland farming
- Environmental and agriculture policy in UK uplands
- Resolving raptor and game conservation conflicts
- Renewable energy in UK uplands
- Water quality
- Upland recreation and health
The gathering, at Losehill Hall, the national park’s environmental learning and conference centre in Castleton, will be chaired by Peter Costigan, science co-ordinator for the Government’s Natural Environment Group.
Speakers include Prof Steve Redpath, chair of conservation science at Aberdeen University, Ian Condliffe, former head of upland policy at Defra, Will Cockbain, national uplands spokesman for the National Farmers Union and environmental award-winning Peak District farmer Robert Helliwell.
Dr Dan Osborn, of the Natural Environment Research Council, will speak on Living with Environmental Change, providing fuel for workshops on future research projects.
Chris Dean, Moors for the Future manager, said: “The conference brings together scientists and practitioners for what has become a very valuable two-day exchange of ideas and best practice. It’s an occasion to hear the latest upland research findings and an opportunity for stimulating discussion about topics that affect all our lives, such as climate change and flooding.”
The full programme and registration forms are available on www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk or 01629 816578. Bookings are essential, and must be sent to sharon.davison@peakdistrict.gov.uk by October 31.
Moors for the Future, based at the Moorland Centre, Edale, is a Heritage Lottery-funded £4.7m restoration, research and heritage project. Its partners are the Peak District National Park Authority, the National Trust, Natural England, United Utilities, Severn Trent Water, Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, Derbyshire County Council and the Moorland Association. For further information visit: www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk