TWIC Conference: Every Species Counts

Join us at our conference for a day filled with captivating talks, engaging displays and a chance to meet with like-minded individuals. We are delighted to announce the programme for our 2026 Conference and AGM, which takes place in TWIC's 35th Anniversary year! Our theme this year is Every Species Counts: Biological Recording & Conservation in a Changing World. Join us for a day filled with captivating talks, engaging displays, and a chance to meet with like-minded individuals. The event will also host TWIC's AGM and will conclude with the presentation of the Bob Saville Award, which for the first time the winner has been selected from nominations from TWIC members. The event aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and inspire others to get involved. If you’d like to provide an exhibit or poster, please let us know your requirements on the booking form. There will be raffle tickets on sale to help support the event. Prizes include a wine tour, and tickets to Blair Drummond Safari Park! Anyone interested in wildlife recording and conservation is welcome to attend. With thanks to RSK Biocensus and Moray Estates for sponsoring this event. Programme Please note that the programme may be subject to change. • 09:30: Registration opens. Teas/coffees will be available on arrival. Session 1: Chair: Michael Scott (TWIC Director) • 10:00: Welcome and Introduction – Michael Scott (TWIC Director) • 10:10: State of Nature in South Scotland 2000-2025 (Title TBC) – Peter Norman (Research Associate, Southern Uplands Partnership) • 10:35: Dragonflies on the Move: New Arrivals to SE Scotland – Brian Hickman (British Dragonfly Society) • 11:00: Comfort break and displays. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase. Session 2: Chair: Michael Scott (TWIC Director) • 11:30: Keynote: Orchids, Shifting Ranges and Changing Names – Dr Richard Milne (University of Edinburgh) • 12:05: Wildlife Insite: Celebrating 35 years of TWIC – Natalie Harmsworth (TWIC) • 12:25: TWIC AGM: All welcome, but only TWIC members can vote on any resolutions. • 12:45: Lunch break and displays (finger buffet lunch provided). Raffle tickets will be available to purchase. Session 3: Chair: Joan Cottrell (TWIC Director) • 13:25: UV as a Tool for Night-time Caterpillar Surveying (Title TBC) – Gareth Tilley (Butterfly Conservation) • 13:45: The Ripple Effect: How Wildlife and Pathogens are Responding to Restoration on the Allan Water – Charlotte Neary (Forth Rivers Trust), Ilze Brila & Phillip Watts (Jyväskylä University) • 14:10: Comfort break and displays Session 4: Chair: Joan Cottrell (TWIC Director) • 14:50: Restoring Nature at Old Sauchiemill – Michelle Pearson (The Howietoun Heritage and Nature Sanctuary) • 15:15: Discovering Wildlife through Citizen Science because Nature Counts – Tracy Lambert (Scottish Wildlife Trust) and Krissy Stevenson (The Conservation Volunteers) • 15:40: Bob Saville Award presentation • 15:55: Closing remarks – Joan Cottrell (TWIC Director) • 16:00: Conference ends Displays and second hand books: There will be a range of display stands from different recording and conservation groups, which you can visit during the breaks. Please indicate on your booking form if you would like to bring an exhibit and/or require board space for a poster. Exhibits are free of charge, although we ask any commercial organisations to consider a donation to TWIC (suggested donation £10). If space is limited, we will prioritise display space for recorders and recording and conservation organisations. TWIC will have a small second hand books section with donations for books going to support TWIC's work. Donations of books welcome. Raffle: Tickets will be available to purchase during the breaks and lunch. We would also welcome donations of any raffle prizes – please bring them on the day. With thanks to Blair Drummond Safari Park, Edinburgh Zoo and Scottish Seabird Centre for donating complimentary family passes to their respective attractions as raffle prizes. Thanks also to Cairn 0'Mohr Winery for donating a winery tour ticket for two. Thanks also to the following for generously providing raffle prizes: • The Chocolate Tree • Glenkinchie Distillery • Edinburgh Bookshop • Lighthouse Bookshop • Nairn's Oatcakes • Clipper Teas Booking details: Booking is essential. Tickets cost: £30 (students £15) and includes a buffet lunch and teas/coffees. The booking deadline is Friday 6th November. Early booking advised as places are limited. Getting to the venue: The conference will be held in the Blair Atholl suite of Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling, Airthrey Road, FK9 4LA. The rooms are on the ground floor and are wheelchair accessible. Directions can be found here: Getting here | About | University of Stirling Public transport The Stirling University campus is 2 miles from the centre of Stirling. The campus is well served by public transport from central Stirling and Bridge of Allan. The Unilink bus also connects Stirling train station with the university hub. More information here: Getting here | About | University of Stirling and here: Home - Traveline Scotland Car Parking Parking is free for guests. Guests who are driving MUST register with reception upon arrival or they will receive a private parking notice. More parking information can be found here: Find Us & Parking :: Stirling Venues Photo credits: Conference audience by the late David Palmar (photoscot.co.uk), Banded Demoiselle by Iain Cowe, and Coralroot Orchid by Jacob Davies CC-BY via iRecord. With thanks to NatureScot for their support.