A two-day conference will bring together experts to discuss the future of stillwaters and natural landscapes across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the wider UK.

Entitled 'A Meeting of Minds,' the event will be hosted by The Lough Erne Landscape Partnership and the UK & Ireland Lakes Network in Enniskillen, on Wednesday, October 3 and Thursday, October 4.

Local communities, environmental stakeholders, and freshwater experts will come together for the conference, which aims to drive forward conservation efforts, raise awareness about environmental issues, and ensure the long-term health of freshwater ecosystems like Lough Erne and Lough Neagh.

The conference will focus on four key themes: engaging communities with stillwaters; dealing with water quality pressures; resilient nature and adapting to climate change; and exemplar landscape scale management.

On Wednesday, October 2, a pre-conference céili will take place followed by a pre-event at Pat's Bar on Townhall Street in Enniskillen, at 8pm.

On Thursday, the conference will commence at the Lough Erne Resort (with online participation available too), followed by an evening social at Tully Mill Restaurant, near Florence Court.

On Friday, there will be a choice of two sessions: 'Resilient Nature and Exemplar Landscape Management' at the Manor House Country Hotel, followed by site visits within the Lough Erne landscape, including a boat trip; and 'Engaging Communities with Stillwaters and Dealing with Water Quality Pressures' at Fermanagh House, with a boat trip to Devenish Island.

Elmarie Swanepoel, programme manager of the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, said: "We are pleased to be able to host this important conference in Fermanagh, showcasing the rich heritage and beauty of Lough Erne.

"This event provides opportunities for the local community and wider industry experts to engage with, and learn from, shared conversations about the conservation and management of stillwaters across Northern Ireland and the wider UK and Ireland."

A limited bursary to cover travel and accommodation costs is available for those who might face financial barriers to attendance, with a form to fill out at https://form.jotform.com/242472398236059

Thanks to support from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, all in-person and online tickets are free, but spaces are limited so tickets must be booked at https://ukandirelandlakes.org/conference-2024/

For further information, or to apply for a bursary, contact elmarie.swanepoel@rspb.org.uk.