CRAWICK MULTIVERSE AWARDED BIOSPHERE ACCREDITATION
Crawick Multiverse is just one of more than fifty local organisations to be awarded the Biosphere Certification Mark from the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere (GSAB) Partnership in their latest round of accreditations.
Crawick Multiverse, a 55-acre art land near Sanquhar in Upper Nithsdale, transformed a former open cast coalmine into a popular visitor attraction and outdoor venue. The site, designed by the late Charles Jencks, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and from day one has been committed to sustainable regeneration, with many of its features being constructed from existing boulders and on-site resources.
As a Proud Supporter of the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, Crawick Multiverse is pleased to have been working with the GSAB Partnership to work towards certification. The Biosphere Certification Mark is an accreditation scheme which recognises outstanding work towards sustainability. Certification is specifically aimed at sustainable enterprises and businesses located within the UNESCO Biosphere region that are actively supporting the environment, communities and the local economy.
Having been through a rigorous assessment process and providing relevant evidence of their work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Crawick Multiverse is now the proud recipient of the Bisophere Certification Mark and part of the growing region-wide network of sustainable enterprises in the region.
The Crawick Multiverse Trust was recognised for a wide range of operational initiatives, including their low carbon visitor facilities at The Coalface. It was designed and constructed by Sam Booth of Eco Living using repurposed containers and has water and energy-saving measures built in, as well as a sedum roof. Day-to-day usage of paper and plastic is kept to a minimum. The team are already providing biodegradable cups for hot drinks, where reusable cups are not possible, and staff and visitors are encouraged to make use of the recycling facilities provided on site and to purchase eco-friendly merchandise too. Secure bicycle storage and extensive information about public transport connections are available to encourage responsible travel, whenever possible, to support net zero ambitions and visitors are regularly invited to extend their time in the area to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the UNESCO region.
Taking responsibility for repurposing and maintaining a barren coalmine has been a significant undertaking for the charity, but the team and partners have successfully rejuvenated the 55-acre site with life and greenery. Ponds and water features have become home to aquatic plants, amphibians and invertebrates, and while the landforms on site are carefully manicured to retain their clean lines, other areas of the site have been left uncut to support the growth of wildflowers and pollinators.
While there is much more to do, the GSAB Partnership has commended Crawick Multiverse for their achievements so far and for their ambitions for the future.
Jake McLaughlan, Business Engagement Officer with the GSAB Partnership, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to award Crawick Multiverse the Biosphere Certification Mark and particularly recognise the commitment, consideration and time it takes to apply for accreditation. The management team at Crawick Multiverse have been longstanding supporters of the UNESCO Biosphere and their positive action for sustainability is both creative and inspirational. This is such a unique attraction for visitors coming to the UNESCO region and more than that, it has become a place for wellbeing and connection for local people. As Crawick Multiverse joins the Biosphere’s sustainable business network we are incredibly proud to be part of the amazing journey they are undertaking, which was of course inspired by Charles Jencks and his vision for the site.”
Photo: Brian Johnson and Erin McColm have been largely responsible for working towards Biosphere accreditation for Crawick Multiverse. Brian and Erin can be seen here receiving their Biosphere Certification Mark certificate from Antoine Lemaire (Nature Recovery Officer, GSAB Partnership), who recently visited Crawick Multiverse with colleague Senga Greenwood (Senior Climate Officer, D&G Climate Hub).
Brian Johnson, Operations Manager at Crawick Multiverse said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded Biosphere Certification from the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership, which recognises our ongoing commitment to protecting the environment, our communities and the planet. Creating an art land in this former coal mine has made a significant contribution to the community, the economy and the natural habitat over the past 10 years. We are constantly reviewing how we do things and try to make responsible decisions about our day-to-day operations, whether it is reducing our carbon footprint, enhancing the natural environment or encouraging staff, suppliers and visitors to take positive steps for sustainability. Being part of a like-minded and dedicated biosphere community will strengthen our network and allow us to learn from each other as we continue on our journey to a more sustainable future. I’m grateful to Erin for taking a leading role in progressing our application for accreditation and to the GSAB team for all their advice and encouragement along the way.”
Crawick Multiverse is open to the public 7 days a week from 10am and has a range of family-friendly events running throughout the season. Motorhome bays are available for overnight stays. Groups and educational trips are also welcome.
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