“A good time had by all”at the latest World Heritage UK Members Networking Meeting which took place at the Causeway Hotel at Bushmills in Northern Ireland, a stone’s throw(!) from the Giant’s Causeway itself. This two half-day meeting began with guided tours to the World Heritage Site by excellent National Trust staff and behind-the-scenes talks at the magnificent visitor centre. Who knew it was so green? Ground sourced heating, recycled grey water and a green roof to boot! Not sure if they came to inspect these credentials too, but HM Queen and Prince Phillip arrived by helicopter during our meeting there, greeted by amongst others, World Heritage UK Board Member and National Trust General Manager for the site, Max Bryant.
Then it was down to business. The next day a General Meeting discussed the proposed 3 year strategy which was considered and agreed by World Heritage UK members. Presentations on a variety topics were heard but the main focus was on planning matters and, after a useful overview from Henry Owen-John from Historic England, case studies from the Jurassic Coast and Giant’s Causeway were given. It was agreed to have a more in-depth planning theme for the next World Heritage UK Technical Workshop early in 2017.
Thanks are due to the team at the Causeway Hotel and all the other National Trust staff and volunteers who spent time with us while we were there. We came away educated and entertained!