CWA Annual Conference 2023 - Woodland Connections

TICKET SALES FOR THE CONFERENCE ARE NOW CLOSED

Friday 29th and Saturday 30th September

Maryhill Burgh Halls, Glasgow, G20 8YE

This year's conference is all about woodland connections.  As ever the conference provides an opportunity for networking but in addition this year we will be picking up on the connections between woodlands and people, urban and rural, using the time together to explore issues from education to development pressures, recreation and tree safety to woodland plans.  Better connected - better informed!

This 2-day conference features a range of speakers, workshops, site visits and a chance to network and find out what going on in woodlands around Scotland. Lunch is provided on both days, and an evening meal is provided on Friday. There is also a ceilidh on Friday evening. To get the most out of the conference we recommend attending both days. However, if time doesn’t allow this, you are also able to buy tickets for the Friday or Saturday only.

Additionally, this year we are offering the chance for Woodland groups to attend for the Saturday morning only, to allow them to promote the work of their group, and/or to sell their woodland products.

Tickets are available through our Eventbrite page. Tickets cost per person:

• Member - £65 for both days or £40 for one day

• Non-member - £80 for both days or £45 for one day

• Agency staff - £110 for both days or £65 for one day

• Saturday morning only (for CWA member groups) - £25

• Ceilidh attendance only - £10

Join CWA’s chair to discuss how to keep your group running smoothly. How to ensure problems don't arise, how to recognise and head off issues when they are developing, and finally what to do if things become difficult. What support might you want and where can you get it from? Participants will be invited to share anonymously any issues they may have encountered for discussion in the group.

3. The transformative power of nature on mental well-being - The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)

Join Camilo Brokaw from TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) for an enlightening workshop on the transformative power of nature on mental well-being. The Wild Ways Well method is rooted in the "5 ways to well-being," emphasizing nature-based activities to holistically enhance mental health. This session will explore the structure of Wild Ways Well sessions, offering insights into how to engage individuals with the therapeutic benefits of time spent in woodlands.  Drawing inspiration from mindfulness and ecology, we'll examine how to plan activities which foster a deeper connection with our woodlands.

4. Northwoods: rewilding and people - Scotland The Big Picture

Join James Nairne from Scotland The Big Picture (TBP) for a workshop about rewilding. The workshop will demonstrate how nature recovery can be achieved, at almost any scale, through embracing a set of rewilding principles underpinned by the return of natural processes. We will also discuss how people and communities can benefit from rewilding projects and how community groups can drive significant nature recovery in Scotland. We will also discuss how the Northwoods Rewilding Network supports individuals, farms, crofts and community woodlands who are committed to nature recovery.

Ceilidh with Clamjamfrie. Friday 29th. 8-11pm.

This year we are excited to open up the evening ceilidh to all members, family and friends, especially those in the local area. This is a great chance to meet and socialise with association members and supporters - and to have a good dance! There will also be a bar.

Clamjamfrie are a lively five piece Scottish ceilidh band formed by musicians from the villages of Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire in 1998. A typical evening of dancing with Clamjamfrie includes a good mix of popular Scottish ceilidh classics as well as an introduction to some of the less well known dances. They are all expertly guided by Karen, the dance "caller" ensuring that everyone feels at ease joining in, particularly if it is their first Scottish ceilidh dance experience. 

The ceilidh will also take place in the Maryhill Burgh Halls. The cost of the ceilidh is included in the price of all conference tickets. If you would like to attend the ceilidh but aren’t attending the conference, please purchase your ticket at the link below - tickets cost £10 each.

Site Visits - Saturday 30th. Afternoon

As part of the conference, as is usual, we offer the chance to visit one of our group members sites on the Saturday afternoon. Transport is provided to and from Maryhill Burgh Halls. On return from the site visits, there will be no re-convening, marking the close of the conference.

This year attendees can choose from 4 sites (your choice isn’t guaranteed as it will depend on numbers) - site locations are shown on the map, with further information about the sites provided below the map.

Castlemilk Park is owned by Glasgow City Council and was once part of the designed landscape and pleasure grounds of the now demolished Castlemilk House. Since 2009, Cassiltoun Housing Association, along with the other Castlemilk Park Steering Group members (Glasgow City Council, Jeely Piece Playzone, Glasgow Housing Association and Forestry Commission Scotland) have helped to transform the park from a perceived no-go area into a much loved community asset. The park’s mission statement is that “Castlemilk Park becomes a local resource that bring significant environmental, community and economic benefits to Castlemilk”.

Inchinnan Development Trust is a non-profit organisation with a focus on community-led preservation, enhancement and management of our local greenspaces for the benefit of Inchinnan and it's wider communities. Teucheen Wood is long-established woodland of plantation origin and has been standing since at least 1860. At 5.85 hectares it forms a considerable backdrop to the village of Inchinnan and is cherished by the local community. 

Baron's Haugh is an important community nature reserve in Motherwell and is a real gem for wildlife and for visitors too. Spend time in one of the four hides, looking out at the ducks and swans on the haugh, or take a walk through the woods.

Malls Mire Community Woodland is a Local Nature Reserve in Toryglen. Urban Roots has worked with the community to improve the woodland for people and wildlife since 2009. They run a wide programme of activities including woodland conservation, wellbeing sessions, outdoor education, children's clubs and family events. Malls Mire was the first Community Woodland in Glasgow and was made a Local Nature Reserve in 2015.

About Maryhill Burgh Halls

Maryhill Burgh Halls are a community-led organisation, set up by Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust. The Trust was established in 2004 by a group of local people, after demolition plans for the building had been proposed. The Regeneration Project dramatically re-imagined the spaces and has put the Halls back into the heart of the Maryhill community with the official re-opening taking place in 2012.