A sold-out success for the Flow Country Research Conference

The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) recently hosted a fully booked Flow Country Research Conference 9: From Capitulum to Catchment, welcoming 100 delegates for two days of discussion and knowledge-sharing, with 50 also joining a field trip to Achentoul and Forsinard.

The conference brought peatland science to the forefront, with 9 of the 19 talks sharing research led or supported by the team at the ERI. Creative collaboration was also a strong theme, with Flow Country–inspired artwork on display at the annual poster session, a bespoke conference logo designed by a local artist, and six commissioned glass-blown lapwings gifted to keynote speakers.

Prof. Roxane Andersen, who leads the Peatland research at the ERI and has hosted the Flow Country Research Conferences since 2012 said, “For 14 years, we have been hosting these research conferences as a way of ensuring that the extraordinary research undertaken in the Flow Country is shared as widely as possible and to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to doing science. The “Flow Country Research Conference 9 : From Capitulum to Catchment” was the first of these conferences to take place after the inscription of the Flow Country as the world’s only peatland UNESCO World Heritage Site – this made the event extra special for everyone. We are extremely grateful for all the local businesses and artists who have helped us realise our vision for this year’s conference, and of course to all the attendees who made the journey.”

Attendees for the conference included students from across the UK and Europe, academics, practitioners from forestry, renewables and conservation, colleagues working at the science–policy interface, and local landowners. Attendees travelled from across the UK, as well as Germany, Iceland and Norway with many keen to see how Scotland integrates peatland research with on-the-ground restoration.

The event was primarily funded by The Leverhulme Trust through Prof. Roxane Andersen’s Leverhulme Leadership Award and the event was coordinated by Heather Johnstone from the ERI.

Find out more about the Environmental Research Institute.