Free event in Northern Ireland: "A Meeting of Minds"
Bringing together those interested in stillwaters - Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, on October 3 and 4, 2024
The Lough Erne Landscape Partnership and the UK & Ireland Lakes Network are thrilled to announce "A Meeting of Minds", a two-day conference that will bring together local communities, environmental stakeholders and freshwater experts, to discuss the future of our stillwaters and natural landscapes. This vital event, taking place in Enniskillen on October 3 and 4, 2024, aims to foster collaboration, drive conservation efforts and raise awareness about pressing environmental issues — particularly in light of climate change.
Thanks to the generous support of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, all in-person and online tickets are free. Spaces are limited, so booking is essential.
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"A Meeting of Minds" will focus on four key themes:
Engaging Communities with Stillwaters
Dealing with Water Quality Pressures
Resilient Nature and Adapting to Climate Change
Exemplar Landscape Scale Management
The event will empower attendees to contribute to the conservation and management of stillwaters across Northern Ireland and the wider UK and Ireland. Through knowledge sharing and community engagement, this conference aims to build resilience and ensure the long-term health of freshwater ecosystems like Lough Erne and Lough Neagh.
Why Attend?
Learn from Experts: Engage with leading freshwater practitioners and environmental stakeholders.
Collaborate for Change: Share your insights and learn best practices in landscape management.
Network: Connect with like-minded professionals passionate about environmental sustainability.
With climate change placing growing pressure on our lakes and freshwater resources, this event offers an invaluable opportunity for dialogue and action.
Event Schedule & Venues:
Day 0 - Wednesday October 2, 2024 – Pre-Conference Céili
20:00 – Pre Event @ Pats Bar, Townhall Street, Enniskillen.
Day 1 – Thursday, October 3, 2024
The conference kicks off at the Lough Erne Resort, a stunning venue on a 600-acre peninsula overlooking the lough. Online participation will be available for key presentations, with opportunities for attendees to ask questions.
Evening Social: Join us for food, drinks, and local entertainment at Tully Mill Restaurant, near Florence Court.
Day 2 – Friday, October 4, 2024
Choose between two thematic sessions:
Option 1: "Resilient Nature and Exemplar Landscape Management" at the Manor House Country Hotel, followed by site visits within the Lough Erne landscape, including a boat trip.
Option 2: "Engaging Communities with Stillwaters and Dealing with Water Quality Pressures" at Fermanagh House, with a boat trip to Devenish Island.
Dan Hoare, Chair of UK & Ireland Lakes Network said: "The UK and Ireland Lakes Network are thrilled to welcome attendees to the 2024 Lough Erne Stillwaters Event. A Meeting of Minds is an event designed to foster collaboration, connection, and mutual respect. This is not just an opportunity to share knowledge and discuss the future of our stillwaters, but also a space where participants can connect on a personal level, support one another, and be part of a community that cares deeply about the wellbeing of our natural resources and each other. Together, we can make lasting, positive changes.
"As we gather to explore the latest research and innovative approaches, we also emphasize the importance of kindness and inclusivity in driving meaningful conversations. The event provides a platform for everyone—researchers, land managers, policymakers, community members—to come together, listen, and work towards positive outcomes. By fostering a spirit of collaboration, we hope to inspire new ideas and solutions that benefit not only our stillwaters but the broader environment for generations to come."
Elmarie Swanepoel, Programme Manager of the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership stated: “We are pleased to be able to host this important conference in Fermanagh, showcasing the rich heritage and beauty of Lough Erne. This event provides opportunities for the local community and wider industry experts to engage with, and learn from shared conversations about the conservation and management of stillwaters across Northern Ireland and the wider UK and Ireland.”
Bursary for Attendees:
To ensure the event is accessible to all, we are offering a limited bursary to cover travel and accommodation costs for those who might face financial barriers to attendance. Applications are encouraged and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Application forms are available here Attendance bursary application form
How to Book:
Tickets are free, but places are limited. Secure your spot today for in-person or online attendance by visiting our booking page https://ukandirelandlakes.org/conference-2024/. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a collaborative effort to protect our lakes and landscapes for future generations.
For further information or to apply for a bursary contact elmarie.swanepoel@rspb.org.uk.