By Stuart Gillespie
Copyright dailyrecord
A community woodland will be hosting music, stories and poetry to celebrate World Rivers Day. Everyone is invited to Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland on the banks of the River Urr above Corsock on Sunday, September 28. As well as joining musicians, sound artists and storytellers, its a chance to look back at 12 months of community activity in the woodland – as well as build excitement for Scotland’s Climate Week. Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland is owned by Foresight Group and leased to Upper Urr Environment Trust. Managing director and co-lead of Foresight Natural Capital Robert Guest, said: “The past year at Glaisters Bridge has shown what’s possible when communities and landowners work together. “Local residents have helped shape a woodland that reflects their needs and values, and events like this bring that space to life. “As we mark World Rivers Day and look ahead to Scotland’s Climate Week, it’s a timely reminder of how community collaboration can support both nature and climate resilience.” The celebrations on September 28 will run from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Highlights will include river songs from singer-songwriter Sarah Jane Scouten, sound artist Helmut Lemke performing in and with the Urr, and watery tales from around the world told by Anne Erringtoon. The community woodland is a 20 year lease between Foresight Group and Upper Urr Environmental Trust. Work so far has included creating paths, installing benches and volunteer tree planting days. There will soon be new signs, with plans for a car parking area. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. UUET trustee Kerry Morrison, who is overseeing the event, said: “It’s great to be celebrating World River Day on the banks of the Urr with three artists whose performances will take us into the watery worlds of rivers and the life they support. “Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland is such a special place and it il be lovely to talk with everyone after the performances.” The event is free and tickets can be booked at Fienta. Light refreshments will be served but people should bring something to sit on – and wellies if they fancy a paddle. The event is supported by a grant from the Dumfries and Galloway Climate Hub Seed Fund, and is taking place just before Scotland’s Climate Week 2025. All work is supported by Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands, with funding secured from Foresight Group, EJD Forestry, Glenkens & District Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
