Young filmmakers will be the focus of a special screening taking place as part of this weekend’s first ever ImMerse festival in Annan.
There will also be a host of other entertainments and activities.
ImMerse is for all ages, with a special emphasis on young people, including the chance to help test water quality in the River Annan as part of a UK-wide citizen science initiative.
The films being shown are Why Not Scotland? an inspiring movie about nature restoration and In Nature, a five-minute short which has been created by seven young Scots and Ukrainians from Annan.
The film, made under the guidance of documentary filmmaker John Wallace, captures their connection to the natural world.
Set against the Port Street, Annan Harbour, and Annan Water, it reflects their early memories of nature and how these experiences shape their emotions and perspectives.
The young people involved were Callum McDougall, Pavlo Novikov, Anastasiia Kvitko, Shaima Sheikh, Yehor Fokin, Yuliia Yashkina and Anna Romanyuk. Social media for the project was done by another young person, Veronika Yashkina.
Yuliia said: “Making In Nature really showed me a new way we can help make the world better. By supporting nature, we can preserve the beauty and diversity of our planet. It was great fun talking and filming with everyone about nature.”
Anna, Yuliia, and Anastasiia will be taking part in a panel discussion after their film is screened.
ImMerse will be a fun-filled chance to discover and celebrate the amazing saltmarshes – and wider natural environment.
It’s all happening on 22 September, from 10am, at Annan Harbour and in the surrounding merse (saltmarshes) and river.
Olena Kadochnikova-Yashkina, Education Officer with the Annan Harbour Action Group, will show young people how to test and monitor the health of the Annan river.
This involves taking samples to see if there is a healthy population of invertebrates (animals without spines).
Olena said: “This is really important work and we’d love young people to get involved.
“Looking at invertebrates gives us a better understanding of the ecosystem so we can detect any early changes that might affect the river’s health.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to observe the testing process, discover the creatures living in the river, and contribute to our ongoing efforts to protect our river.”
The testing is part of Earthwatch Europe’s Great UK WaterBlitz – which will see people across the country going out and measure the water quality of their local rivers, streams and lakes.
ImMerse is organised by SCAMP (Solway Coast and Marine Project) which is funded by Dumfries & Galloway Council, Annan Harbour Action Group and the D&G Climate Hub.
Council Leader, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said: ““ImMerse is a wonderful way to discover and help protect and restore the beautiful environment around Annan’s river and coast and the biodiversity across southern Scotland and the Solway.
“It’s a chance to enjoy a visit to Annan’s river, harbour and merse, and find out about the inspiring work by nature based organisations across the south of Scotland including the council’s ambitious coastal and marine restoration project, SCAMP.
“It’s also a super opportunity to see In Nature, the new film made by talented local young people who care deeply about their local environment.”
ImMerse activities will include:
- Saltmarsh Sciencewith a freelance ranger and saltmarsh expert
- Up the Creek, walks with Galloway Fisheries Trust
- Wood etching with D&G Woodlands
- Moth IDwith SWSEIC (South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre)
- Birds on the Solwaywith RSPB
- South of Scotland’s Golden Eagle Project
- Learn about Wild Woods from Borders Forest Trust
- Get into Soilwith Propagate
- Woodcraftwith Southern Upland Way ranger.
The festival hub will be a marquee at the harbour.
The films will be shown from 6pm-8pm at Lonsdale Cinema, Moat Road, Annan.
It was created as part of a leadership programme launched this summer by The Annan Harbour Action Group.
The programme focuses on increasing the number volunteers and developing new skills among young people.
The movie project was funded by the Coastal Benefit Fund, Holywood Trust, and D&G Climate Hub.
- There will be a bat box making workshop and evening Bat Walk with Species on the Edge on Saturday 21 September.
