Scottish Environment LINK’s annual festive reception for members and partners – join us for a mince pie and a drink!
Wednesday 18 December 2024 17:00 – 20:30
Augustine United Church
41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL
LINK Congress 2024: Tackling false narratives: environment & conservation in the age of dis- and mis-information
LINK is hosting our annual Congress event this year on Wednesday 9 October at the Royal George Hotel, Perth.
The theme this year is Tackling false narratives: environment & conservation in the age of dis- and mis-information
We live in an age where information of various qualities swirls around us constantly. As eNGOs we can challenge or ignore dis- and mis-information. What is the best approach? Is there a way for eNGOs to lead the narrative and avoid being sucked into negative, energy sapping discussions that lead nowhere and distract from key issues?
This is the topic of this year’s congress. We have two key note speakers who will share their perspectives and experiences in navigating the world of online dis/mis -information. We will have three workshops offering lessons and potential tools in understanding when to respond and when to take the lead in positive conversations.
Our evening session provides the opportunity for informal conversations and catch up over an evening meal. Our dinner speaker will explore issues from the day.
The event is now live on Eventbrite here. Tickets costs are:
£30.00 for the daytime session (lunch and afternoon workshops)
£60.00 for the daytime session and evening session.
We are keeping costs down as low as possible and as always there are small number of bursaries available for members who would otherwise not be able to attend.
Please book a place now!
All attendees from member organisations should fill out this quick form to let us know about meal options and accessibility requirements. LINK staff/guest speakers should fill out this form.
If you have any queries, please contact rachael@scotlink.org
Welcome to the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Fortnight! An series of events for Scottish Environment LINK members to learn more about EDI.
Full event listings:
Monday 5th February
10:00 – 12:00
Refugee Awareness and Right to Work Session for Employers with the Scottish Refugee Council
Refugees are in the news all the time at the moment which brings up certain questions, for example, what’s the difference between a refugee, asylum seeker and a migrant? Are they a group of potential candidates we can recruit from? How can we as an employer offer them employment opportunities or check if they have the right to work? This session will help you to understand the different terminology that is used, what rights and entitlements people have, challenges that they face when they seek employment in the UK and what you can do as an employer to support them in the recruitment process. 20 participants only, not recorded.
13:00 – 15:00
Refugee Awareness and Right to Work Session for Employers with the Scottish Refugee Council
If you didn’t get a chance to book onto the workshop above, this is your second chance! 20 participants only, not recorded.
Tuesday 6th February
10:00 – 11:00
Refugee and Asylum Seekers Volunteering Opportunities
This session will help you to understand the process of hiring refugee and asylum seekers as volunteers within your organisation. No participant limit, recorded. Recording will be available on our members-only section of Scottish Environment LINK website.
13:00 – 14:00
Refugee Festival Scotland with Scottish Refugee Council and RSPB Dundee
The Refugee Festival Scotland (RFS) is running from 14th – 23rd of June 2024- the RFS organiser will show you how your organisation can get involved during this session. RSPB Dundee will share insights of their experience of hosting an event for the RFS in June 2023 to inspire! No participant limit, recorded. Recording will be available on our members-only section of Scottish Environment LINK website.
Wednesday 7th February
10:00 – 12:00
Training on Religion and Belief Diversity with Interfaith Scotland
In this workshop, staff will improve their confidence in working with the religion or belief of those they work with. Delegates will learn about the core beliefs and cultural practices of the main faiths, and the individual needs that may arise from a person’s religion or belief identity (including non-religious beliefs). Within this workshop Interfaith Scotland will speak about Islam, Sikhism and Judaism. However, other faiths can be spoken about, if asked by any participants. 20 participants only, not recorded.
13:00 – 14:00
General Menopause Awareness Session with Talking Menopause
This workshop is open to all employees to equip attendees evidence-based, non-biased menopause facts to facilitate open and confident menopause conversations with colleagues. The session helps to understand the importance and impact of menopause in the workplace, enabling attendees to signpost and support themselves and others. No participant limit, recorded. Recording will be available on our members-only section of Scottish Environment LINK website for 6 weeks.
Monday 19th February
CEMVO Scotland In-Person Workshops on Data Collection & Anti-racism
Location: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh. Lunch will be provided.
10:30 – 12:00 (data collection training)
12:00 – 13:00 (lunch)
13:00 – 15:00 (anti-racism training)
Up to £160 per person will be given to attendees to cover travel costs/expenses. Max 25 attendees. If you are unable to make the in-person sessions, but are interested in participating, please email the organiser at leigh@scotlink.org as we may be able to livestream the sessions.
Tuesday 20th February
10:00 – 11:00
Inclusive Volunteering with Make Your Mark
Make Your Mark will be sharing what they do and how to access inclusive volunteering best practice. No participant limit, recorded. Recording will be available on our members-only section of Scottish Environment LINK website.
Wednesday 21st February
10:00 – 11:30
EDI Lessons Learnt from Bat Conservation Trust, Froglife & Marine Conservation
EDI Lessons Learnt from Bat Conservation Trust, Froglife & Marine Conservation Society: Wednesday 21st of Feb. Bat Conservation Trust, Froglife and Marine Conservation Society will be sharing what they’ve learnt on their EDI journeys. Each presentation will be 15 minutes, with 15 minutes to ask questions in between each presentation (e.g., BCT will present for 15 minutes, 15 minutes to take questions, and then Froglife will begin their presentation with the same format). No participant limit, recorded. Recording will be available on our members-only section of Scottish Environment LINK website.
13:00 – 15:00
Beyond Diversity Workshop with Jo Yuen
Jo Yuen is a highly experienced and adaptable facilitator able to steer topics pace of activities to meet learners where they are. Jo is a project lead for Countryside for All and the founder of JYP Consultancy. In this workshop you will increase your understanding of privilege, intersectionality, structural inequity; overview of key terms and definitions; learn key ways to use privilege and be an active ally; create a safe space and foster an environment that encourages people to openly discuss these topics. This workshop involves active participation and discussion. 25 participants only, not recorded.
17:00 – 18:00
Lasting Leadership Equalities Guide
A workshop from the Lasting Difference on how to embed equality, diversity and inclusion and ensure access to sustain meaningful change. This workshop is for those in leadership roles only. 25 participants only, not recorded.
Sign up to EDI Fortnight sessions on Eventbrite
13:00-15:00
This session will equip participants to confidently and effectively undertake broadcast interviews. This will be an interactive session which will take place in person.
This session will be suitable for anybody who may speak on behalf of their organisation, regardless of experience.
To register your interest in attending, please email rachael@scotlink.org. Spaces limited.
Advocacy training for LINK members
10:00-12:00
This session will cover three policy-focused campaigns run by LINK member organisations. Participants will hear what worked, what didn’t work, and have an opportunity to discuss lessons learned.
To sign up, please email rachael@scotlink.org.
LINK and our members exist to act on behalf of all our members – those members of the public who join our member bodies – and on behalf of future generations. We are communities of interest for Scotland’s environment. However, there is an emergent gap in how we work with local communities of place. How we do that is the subject of the 2023 Congress.
Recent environmental legislative proposals, including HPMAs, have been hijacked by industry and others, who have been much more effective at communicating with local communities of place and who hear less from us, as communities of interest. If we are to make headway on those environmental policies that we know will restore and conserve Scotland’s environment for people today and in the future, working with communities of place is going to be vital in achieving success.
In the afternoon session, we have two keynote talks from other networks, Community Land Scotland and Coastal Community Network, whose members are communities of place. This is followed by a choice of three workshop presentations led by LINK member bodies and others, themed around working with communities of place and exploring successes, lessons learnt and opportunities for collaboration. We will discover and discuss ways of working with local communities and be inspired to take new approaches. We will also explore opportunities for funded projects to work with communities of place and future environmentalists. You will be able to choose your workshop on arrival.
During the afternoon, Leigh, our Nature for All EDI Officer will be on hand with information on the developing EDI training fortnight 2024 and for any queries about the project.
In the evening, we’ll hear from Dr Richard Dixon, one of LINK’s Honorary Fellows, who will speak to us over dinner, with his experience of achieving policy change and the tactics that work, including engaging local communities and amplifying their voices. You will receive a form about your menu choices, and any access requirements, by email.
10.00-12.00 [BACKUP SLOT IF OVER CAPACITY]
13.00-15.00 [MAX 10 ATTENDEES]
This session will equip participants to confidently and effectively undertake broadcast interviews. This will be an interactive session which will take place in person.
This session will be suitable for anybody who may speak on behalf of their organisation, regardless of experience.
To register your interest in attending, please email rachael@scotlink.org.
10.00-11.30
This session will provide a detailed look at the barriers to achieving change and the strategies the environmental movement can take to overcome these obstacles. Participants will apply strategic concepts to contemporary political issues and consider the most effective ways of achieving their objectives.
This session will be suitable for all LINK members.
To register your interest, please email rachael@scotlink.org.
10.00-11.15
This session will explore how best to engage with MSPs and the Scottish Parliament. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of experienced parliamentary officers and a former MSP on how to ensure your advocacy work is effective and impactful.
This session will be most useful for those with minimal advocacy experience and those looking to refresh and build on their existing skills.
To register your interest in attending, please email rachael@scotlink.org.
13.00-14.15
This session will explore how to effectively engage with the media, how to write compelling press releases, and how to ensure your communications speak to your audience.
This session will be appropriate for all wishing to develop or improve their media skills but may be most relevant for those working in organisations without dedicated media staff.
To register your interest, please email rachael@scotlink.org.
The topic of the reception will be farming for nature and climate and it will raise awareness of nature and climate friendly farming ahead of the Agriculture Bill, building upon both the outcomes of COP27 and the biodiversity COP15. Attendees will include parliamentarians, NGOs, statutory agencies, business, academics and other parts of civic society. The event will explore how Scotland can lead the way with best practice and solutions for the future of farming in Scotland.
The Nature for All project presents Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Fortnight which is held on May the 15th, 16th, 17th & week commencing the 22nd of May. This online event is for Scottish Environment LINK member organisations only; it is FREE. For further details on workshops and talks of the event, please see Eventbrite link below. All registrations must be made via Eventbrite.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-fortnight-tickets-596909651837
If you have any questions, please contact our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer at leigh@scotlink.org
Join our webinar to learn more about Farm For Scotlands Future, the campaign to make farming work for nature, climate and people. We’ll hear from farmer Nikki Yoxall about the power of regenerative grazing, from crofter Helen O’Keefe about crofting’s role in restoring biodiversity and building resilient rural communities, and from WWF Scotland’s Ruth Taylor about why 2023 is such a crucial year in the transition to sustainable farming.
Image: © David Bebber WWF-UK.
LINK’s annual Strategic Planning will be held online from 10:00-13:00 on Wednesday 14 December this year. We would love to see all of our convenors/vice-convenors and as many members as possible. More details are available here.
This year’s reception will take place on Thursday 8 December (from 17:00 onwards) in the Augustine Church, Edinburgh. Members and friends of LINK are welcome to join us for wine and mince pies. Please look out for your invite!
LINK’s Annual General Meeting will be taking place online, on Thursday 24 November from 16:00-17:00. The AGM is for LINK members only and a nominated representative from each member organisation should be present if possible. Members should contact Deborah@scotlink.org if this will not be possible. Please look out for more information nearer the time.
LINK hosted its annual Congress event this year at Perth Station Hotel. We had training sessions run by CEMVO Scotland to introduce LINK members to what Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) means, starting or progressing on a journey to build a more diverse, inclusive and equal sector, that is stronger for the planet and society. We also had a workshop on Disability & Neurodiversity at work, run by our EDI Officer, Leigh Abbott.
The day began with lunch, followed by afternoon workshops; dinner at 18:00 and then some evening presentations and discussions. All of the available material from the day is in the publications area for members.
Scottish Environment LINK and RSPB Scotland are pleased to invite you to our webinar on achieving a Nature Positive Economy for Scotland. This webinar is part of a series of briefings for MSPs introducing the upcoming UN Convention on Biological Diversity conference (COP15).
COP15 will produce a new global agreement for tackling the nature emergency and is as significant a moment for the future of our planet as the COP26 conference in Glasgow. This series of briefings explores why we need nature, what is driving its unprecedented decline globally and in Scotland, and solutions to the nature crisis here at home. This international deal must be delivered by domestic ambition in Scotland and the Scottish Parliament has a crucial role to play in securing a Nature Positive future for nature, climate and people.
This second event in the series will explore how Scotland can transition towards a Nature Positive Economy.
Chaired by Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland
James Curran, Green Purposes Company
Dougie Peedle, Head of Policy at Scottish Wildlife Trust
Jane Morrison, Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland
Join Live at 1.00-2.00pm May 12th 2022
Click the link below:
Scottish Environment LINK and RSPB Scotland are hosting our interactive parliamentary briefing introducing the upcoming UN Convention on Biological Diversity conference (COP15). COP15 will focus on tackling the global nature emergency and it is as significant a moment for the future of our planet as the COP26 conference in Glasgow last year.
This is part of a series of briefings for MSPs to explore why we need nature, what is driving its unprecedented decline globally and in Scotland, and solutions to the nature crisis ahead of COP15. We plan to hold four briefing events over the spring and while most of these will take place online, the first one in the series will take place face to face in the parliament.
An international deal for nature will be agreed at COP15 this year setting new goals for countries to reverse species declines and restore habitats. This international deal must be delivered by domestic ambition in Scotland and the Scottish Parliament has a crucial role to play in securing a Nature Positive future for nature, climate and people.
At this event, three speakers will highlight the importance of COP15, discussing opportunities for Scotland leadership such as the new Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, and sharing ways that MSPs can take action. There will be a chance for an interactive discussion.
This event will be sponsored by Brian Whittle MSP, with contributions from Dr Deborah Long (Chief Officer, Scottish Environment LINK), Dr Paul Walton (RSPB Scotland), Milly Revill-Hayward (RSPB Scotland) and Dr Christopher Ellis (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh).
We will be live on INSTAGRAM from 1.00pm – 2.00pm with time dedicated to questions for the panel in the last portion. Please ask questions on Instagram.
A recording of this event will be available on YouTube after the event.
We are very sorry that we have postponed our 2021 festive reception owning to the ongoing spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19. However, we plan to hold it early in 2022.
Please join us from 13:30-15:30 on 17 November to discuss a proposed Scottish Environment LINK campaign on agriculture, plus what’s next for the Fight for Scotland’s Nature campaign now that we have a commitment from the Scottish government on nature restoration targets.
Please complete our short member survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KWZ6RTW around your ambitions for LINK campaigns in 2022 and the proposed LINK agricultural campaign, by Wednesday 10 November.
1000 – 1630
The levers for change: Environment Links UK biennial conference 2021
9 September 1130 – 1330: Session 4: Delivering inclusive access to nature
A showcase of inclusive access projects from around the UK and an opportunity to learn more about the barriers faced by different communities when accessing nature and the countryside, how organisations have removed these barriers and made it easier for people to access nature.
Join us to hear more about inclusive access projects being delivered by the RSPB, Llais y Goedwig, Ramblers, Plantlife, Keep Wales Tidy and UK Youth for Nature. Joining details here.
The levers for change: Environment Links UK biennial conference 2021
7 September 1130 – 1330: Could all jobs be Green Jobs?
The public profile of ‘green jobs’ is on the rise. Over the last year, members of Link organisations have worked hard to position ourselves as employers of good quality green jobs; the agents of a green recovery. However, recent reports, such as Westminster’s Green Jobs Taskforce, have placed emphasis on green skills and greening of the workforce as a whole.
In this online interactive event, we will consider the merits of broadening our vision for green jobs to include a much greater share of the 35 million employees. Where are the opportunities to involve all workers in positive steps towards recovery of nature and building climate resilience? Which professions could do with green skills injection from Link organisations? How do Link organisations help all of government gain a rounded view of what green jobs are, and what they can do?
Led by NI Environment Link and the Ecosystems Knowledge Network. Joining details here.
The levers for change: Environment Links UK biennial conference 2021
2 September 1130 – 1330: Session 2: Nature
COP-15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity will take place in China in early 2022. The outcome will guide global conservation efforts for a decade, and early indications had shown high ambition for halting nature’s decline and creating a nature-positive economy. Recently, however, ambition has wavered. What should we hope for from the negotiations in terms of targets, area-based protection and the crucial accountability mechanism? And how can the four countries of the UK contribute, collectively and through individual country-level leadership?
Join us for a look ahead at the negotiations and how the four Links can play a part. Joining details here.
The levers for change: Environment Links UK biennial conference 2021
31 August 1130 – 1330: Session 1: Setting our seas on a path to recovery
Our seas are one of the UK’s greatest assets and yet, under pressure like never before. They provide vital ecosystem services, including food provision, protection from storms, nutrient cycling and mitigation of climate change impacts, but ongoing destruction of marine habitats and ecosystems impair their ability to provide these life-sustaining benefits.
Transformative change in how we use, manage, connect to, and ultimately protect and recover our ocean is urgently needed. To ensure that nature thrives, and the ecosystem service provided by the marine environment are available to future generations, our Administrations and Governments must commit to delivering ocean recovery.
For the opening session of Environment Links UK biennial meeting 2021, Scottish Environment LINK invites you to reflect on the actions needed to set our part of the global Ocean on a path to recovery! We will also showcase the inspiring stories of communities who work to protect and enhance Scotland’s marine environment.
Get ready to be inspired! Joining details here.
Organised by Scottish Environment LINK and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland
This event will hear from experts and explain why a focus on materials is important, which materials and products have the biggest impact, how these might be addressed and how climate change policy needs to broaden out if we are to really ‘end our contribution’ to climate change by 2050.
Speakers:
Please register to attend here.
1400-1600
1100-1200
1100 – 1200
1400 – 1600
contact Juliet for more information
1330 – 1500
Contact Phoebe for more information
0930 – 1200
1330 start, contact Phoebe for more information
1300-1400
1400-1600
1030 – 1200
1400 – 1500
By invitation only
1000 – 1230
10 – 11.30am
0930 – 1100am
12 – 2pm
How much does the ocean mean to you? Share your #OceanDreaming photos. Scottish Environment LINK is inviting people in Scotland contribute to #OceanDreaming competition, run by our sister Wildlife and Countryside Link in England to celebrate World Oceans Day.
Wildlife and Countryside LINK are inviting people to share their favourite photos by the seaside in our #OceanDreaming photo competition to help celebrate our seas and build support for greater ocean protection.
Full details can be found here
https://www.wcl.org.uk/ocean-dreaming.asp
Please email your submissions to oceandreaming@wcl.org.uk by July 8th.
Good luck and happy #OceanDreaming!
1330 – 1630
1.00 – 4.00
1400 – 1600
Beyond 2020: what can we do to build a resilient Scotland – able to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and nature loss and build a sustainable society?
Join us for a breakfast launch of LINK’s new strategy on Friday 6 March 0900 – 1100, at Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
Three of LINK’s Honorary Fellows will be kicking off a panel discussion with their perspectives on where Scotland’s society, legal, political sectors and the research needs are for us to be able to build and maintain a truly sustainable society in a healthy environment. Join us and our partners, both current and future, to explore how we can all work together to deliver this vision for Scotland.
RSVP to information@scotlink.org by Wednesday 26 February.
For the Strategic Planning meeting and AGM, please let us know you are coming and your catering needs via eventbrite
The Strategic Planning meeting is for Members, Trustees, work area leads and Fellows.
It will be followed by a short AGM.
We will then move on to the nearby Augustine Church for the Festive Reception. Please remember to tell Lisa you are coming.
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