National Heathland Conference 2008: Managing Heathlands in the Face of Climate Change National Science Learning Centre, University of York 9, 10 & 11 September 2008 Managing our heathlands has never been so challenging. Climate change could radically alter how heathlands look and will certainly alter our approach to heathland management in the coming decades. Furthermore, we are just starting to understand the details of how nutrients and fire effect heathland vegetation. The 10th National Heathland Conference, hosted by Natural England and sponsored by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will be held in September at the inspirational venue of the National Science Learning Centre at the University of York, on the edge of the historic city. The conference will be aimed at those interested in finding out the latest developments in heathland management and science and key themes will include:
Climate change Nutrient management Fire and management Housing & development Heathland interpretation
The 3 day event will include a mix of presentations, workshops and open discussions on Tuesday and Wednesday, featuring practical examples of heathland management techniques. The conference will conclude on Thursday with optional guided visits to the inspiring lowland heathland in the Vale of York and the upland massif of the North York Moors. This year there will be a great emphasis on networking and we hope that the sharing of good practice will continue beyond the formal sessions and continue over an informal Yorkshire beer tasting social evening on Tuesday and guided tour of York Minster and formal conference dinner in York on Wednesday. For more details and to register, please follow this link: www.keystone-group.co.uk/heathlands