Scientists discuss climate change

AN international three day conference on the effects of climate change brought top scientists to Risley Moss nature reserve, Warrington to discuss the results of their four years of study.
The first day began with the official opening of the free ForeStClim Photographic Exhibition by Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council and Pat McCloskey, chairman of the Mersey Forest Partnership.
The exhibition is a collection of 200 photos arrayed around the woods of the nature reserve.
It illustrates well the conference theme of the impact of climate change upon people and forestry and runs until February next year.
Cllr O’Neill said: “I am very pleased that Risley Moss has been chosen for the location of this pertinent and timely exhibition and hope that it will encourage even more people to come and explore the fantastic community woodlands that Warrington has to offer.”
The opening of the exhibition was part of the final conference of ForeStClim, a project which has brought together 21 organisations from across Europe – including the Risley-based Mersey Forest – to develop new ways to help woods and forests cope with the pressure of climate change.
Dr Gebhard Schueler, director of the ForeStClim project said: “The exhibition displays poignant images around the impact of climate change on humans and forestry throughout the world…. we believe that photographs can touch people and instigate change more effectively than scientific reports or studies.”
The main ForeStClim conference took place in Liverpool’s Maritime Museum and concluded with a field trip to Sefton’s coastal pinewoods, one of the project’s study areas.
Pat McCloskey said: “It’s been really beneficial for the Mersey Forest to work with experts from across Europe. Learning from countries with hotter climates is helping us to prepare our local woods for the increased temperatures and other challenges that they will face in years to come”.
Cllr Geoff Settle (pictured), a member of the Mersey Forest Steering Group, accompanied the scientists throughout their stay.
He said “We discussed the impact that pest and diseases are having on French and German woodlands.
“They warned that these changes will cross the English Channel within the next 20 to 30 years, just as the Ash die-back has.
“It is helping us understand what is happening and leading us to a position where we will be able to take action to protect our woodlands, however with climate change nothing is certain”.
Cllr Settle added “For anyone who wants to know more they should keep an eye on the Mersey Forest web site and also the Warrington Nature Conservation Forum’s Facebook site.
“I strongly recommend everyone, especially families with children, to visit the ForeStClim exhibition at Risley Moss and try and take with you a pair of binoculars and wildlife guide so that you can enjoy the nature reserve by spotting wildlife at this great Warrington asset”.
Mersey Forest Web site: www.merseyforest.org.uk/
Warrington Nature Conservation Forum: www.facebook.com/pages/Warrington-Nature-Conservation-Forum/110886079024465