Ever looked out on a beautiful sunny day and enjoyed the shimmering water of the Forth, or commented on the atmospheric harr that flows from the Forth across Edinburgh on more misty days?
Ever wondered what might be underneath the surface?
Join ecologists, Leonie Alexander and Rosslyn Barr, to hear a little of what they know about what lies beneath… and how you can get involved to help our marine environment.
The Forth has been fundamental to local people for food, economy, health and wellbeing for centuries! It’s had a roller coaster of highs and lows, times where it’s inhabitants have been plentiful and times where almost all species are under threat.
Come along and join us for a light (prop supported) talk where we’ll share a little of the Forth’s history, tell you a few tall tales about famous local residents (human and animal) and then move to the more serious side of the Forth’s current marine and coastal state and what we’re doing to help.
About
Leonie Alexander has over 20 years of professional experience working in the environmental sector in Scotland and has particular expertise in ecological survey including protected species and habitats and in Ecological Impact Assessment. She has been involved in the implementation of numerous road, windfarm and other development schemes involving wildlife survey, mitigation, protected species licensing, habitat management and habitat creation throughout Scotland. She is an External Director of Edinburgh Agroecology Community Interest Company at Lauriston Farm in Edinburgh, a major urban food growing hub and biodiversity hotspot through regenerative farming practices.
Rosslyn Barr has been incredibly lucky to have been supported and encouraged through a successful corporate career, and has now returned to her first love of marine biology and environmental change. In the last few years she has moved into the environmental charity sector, combining her original marine biology degree with her corporate skills to support marine, environmental & heritage related change. She is currently a trustee and volunteer for Edinburgh Shoreline Project, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Project Seagrass and for Bathgate Hills Venture.
Both Leonie and Rosslyn were involved in the start up of the Edinburgh Shoreline Project, a local registered environmental charity. We work with community groups to rediscover the coasts fascinating and often unknown history and the rich plant and animal life that survives against the odds in unexpected places, inspiring people to explore their coast and take responsibility for its future health.