Little more than a century ago, oysters were so widespread in the North-East Atlantic that they formed reefs on the seabed. Most of the habitat has been lost to overfishing, and is now almost forgotten. But, says Prof. Bill Sanderson of Heriot-Watt University, restoring it has many benefits for coastal communities. PhD student Emmy Cooper-Young looks at potential restoration sites and how to find the very best locations for oysters in Orkney.

Prof. Joanne Porter looks at the great seagrass meadows of Orkney, in sheltered bays and around Sanday, Westray and Wyre – and their living world of juvenile fish, shellfish and invertebrates, with their root systems stabilising sediment and providing a home for burrowing and tube-dwelling animals.

Numbers limited to 30: booking essential. The £12 ticket includes tea/coffee and a sandwich and finger buffet style lunch of Orkney fare organised by Liz Ashworth, to follow at 12.30 pm, with support from local producers and Orkney Harbours who are featured in the afternoon event that follows, A Clean Sea and a Cleaned Shore.
Please notify at least 48 hours in advance about any special diets.