Please arrive at 10:00am for tea and coffee followed by a talk by rush management expert Ian Cairns. Ian Cairns has spent many years working for SAC and is now the leading authority on rush management and control.

After the formal presentation, we will have time for informal discussions before we break for an early lunch (which will be provided). After lunch we will have a look around Geltsdale, discussing rush management in the context of conservation and breeding waders with the help of Ian Ryding, the RSPB farmland warden.

Geltsdale is a lovely nature reserve which is renowned for black grouse, birds of prey and breeding waders. At this time of year we should see flocks of geese and other migrants. During the early afternoon we will be able to marvel at the views whilst discussing different rush control strategies with advice from Ian Cairns, Natural England representatives and the RSPB. We will finish the workshop with tea and cake.

Please book via email and state whether you can provide a lift or if you would like to car-share.