The European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism brings together ecologists, nature conservationists, farmers and policy makers. This non-profit network exists to increase understanding of the high nature conservation and cultural value of certain farming systems and to inform work on their maintenance.

After considering several options and possible venues for our biennial meeting, the Executive Committee can confirm that the 6th Forum will be held in Luhacovice, in the south-east of the Czech Republic, between Saturday 6 June and Wednesday 10 June 1998. The land surrounding Luhacovice forms part of the White Carpathian Landscape Protection Area and one of the outstanding features of this Area is the survival of between 3,000 and 4,000 ha of unimproved hay-meadows.

The proposed theme for the conference is "Managing high nature conservation value farmland: policies, processes and practices" and it is our intention that the meeting should focus on practical lessons to be learned from experiences in both the EU and central Europe. We are not only interested in comparing and contrasting policies across these countries but also in considering how successful these policies have been when implemented on the ground in all areas of Europe. In particular we are keen to emphasise why a detailed understanding of the ecological links between farming practices and wildlife value is necessary in order to formulate clear and effective polices.

The detailed programme is still in development but is likely to include:

• presentations on the success (or otherwise) of the different agri-environment schemes introduced within the EU
• workshops concerned with the management of marginal and abandoned land (such as alpine meadows and pastures)
• presentations on the characteristics of high nature conservation value farming systems in central European countries

Full details of the conference programme, fees and administrative arrangements will be finalised within the next few months. Anyone interested in receiving these details should send a note of their NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE, FAX and E-MAIL details to Dr Davy McCracken at the address given below. This will ensure that potential delegates receive further information and booking forms immediately these become available.

Please also indicate whether you would be interested in making an ORAL or POSTER presentation and include an indication of a potential TITLE. Note, however, that while it is expected that there will be no restriction on the number of poster presentation, it may prove necessary to limit the number of oral presentations.

Dr Davy McCracken, Environmental Sciences Department, Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive, Ayr KA6 5HW, United Kingdom

Fax: +44 (0)1292 525 333 E-mail: D.McCracken@au.sac.ac.uk

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