One-day meeting - Regenerating the British Countryside

In-person sold out but register for the waitlist and you'll receive a link to join online. In-person sold out but register for the waitlist and you'll receive a link to join online. This conference shares insights from the multi-year study by the Centre for Landscape Regeneration (CLR) on how the intersections between nature, climate, local economies, and communities will shape the future of UK landscapes. Focusing on the Fens, the Cairngorms, and the Lake District, this conference presents cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that responds to some of the most pressing challenges that UK landscapes face, from food security to climate adaptation to biodiversity recovery, and the interplay of trade-offs between these. Funded by UKRI NERC, the project aims to discuss how the evidence and insights gathered so far can be used to inform policy and action. The day features a wide range of perspectives, from the researchers and partner organisations who have shaped this work, to the policymakers, land managers, and members of the public who can put it into practice. • Talks & Panel Discussions: Presentations on the latest findings followed by Q&A sessions to discuss their implications. • Research Posters: An opportunity to engage directly with the researchers and explore their work. • Collaborative Conversations: Time to discuss how this ongoing research can best serve the needs of those managing and living in the British countryside. The CLR and CPS invite you to join the discussion around this important update as work continues toward a more sustainable and resilient future for our shared environment. Morning Programme Research insights and emerging evidence | Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre 09:00 - 09:30 Foyer & LR4 Arrival, Registration, Coffee and Poster Viewing 09:30 - 09:40 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Welcome and Opening Reflections Prof. Bhaskar Vira, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Environmental Sustainability, University of Cambridge 09:40 - 09:55 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Landscape Regeneration in the UK Prof. David Coomes, Director of Centre for Earth Observation and Co-Director of the Centre for Landscape Regeneration A short introduction to the aims of the day, the wider purpose of the Centre for Landscape Regeneration and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. 09:55 - 10:20 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Landscape Change Is Social Change Prof. Chris Sandbrook, and Dr Annette Green, Dept of Geography, University of Cambridge, Centre for Landscape Regeneration This session will explore how people are the starting point; shaping both the causes of and the solutions to environmental change. With Q&A. 10:20 - 10:30 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Creative Interlude: Fenland Conversations Poppy Szaybo, Centre for Landscape Regeneration, and Simon Keep, CLIP CLR Sound Artist in Residence A short creative session using sound to invite reflection on place, landscape and public engagement. With Q&A. 10:30 – 10:55 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Informing Land Use Decisions Through Scenario Modelling Dr Joshua Copping, RSPB and Centre for Landscape Regeneration Using scenario models to explore the consequences of land use decisions and identify trade-offs, synergies, and pathways for nature, climate recovery, and benefits for people and communities. With Q&A. 10:55 – 11.15 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Researcher Showcase: One Minute, One Slide, One Key Insight A rapid sequence of one-minute presentations highlighting CLR research questions and emerging findings. Delegates are encouraged to continue the conversation at the poster display. 11:15 - 11:45 LR4 Coffee and Poster Session An opportunity to meet researchers, view posters and interact with the Digital Sandbox and CLIP Soundscapes. 11:45- 12:10 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Change at Scale: Tessera and the Future of Environmental Monitoring Prof. David Coomes, and Dr Aland Chan, Dept of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Centre for Landscape Regeneration Is AI revolutionizing ecology? How can a new era of remote sensing and geospatial foundation models be harnessed to understand change at scales previously impossible. With Q&A. 12:10 – 12:35 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Biodiversity Principles in Working Landscapes Dr Jack Shutt, Dept of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Centre for Landscape Regeneration and another speaker TBC Principles and evidence for supporting biodiversity in productive, working and changing landscapes. With Q&A. 12:35- 12:45 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Morning Reflections Prof. Emily Shuckburgh OBE A discussion to close to the morning session, drawing together key themes. 12:45 – 13:45 JDB Seminar Room Lunch Break Please note lunch is provided for speakers, invited guests and organisers only. Afternoon Programme Landscapes, policy and practice | Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre 13:15 – 13:45 Foyer & LR4 Arrival, Registration, Coffee and Poster Viewing Registration for afternoon-only delegates, with posters. 13:45 – 13.55 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Welcome to the Afternoon Programme Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE, Chair of the CLR Advisory Board 13:55 – 14:05 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre From Research to Real-World Regeneration Dr Helen Driver, Research Programme Manager, Centre for Landscape Regeneration An introduction to the afternoon focus on place-based learning, practical implications and cross-sector action. 14:05 - 14:35 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre The Fens: Balancing Food Production, Climate Resilience and Nature Recovery Prof. Emily Shuckburgh OBE, Chief Scientific Advisor to DESNZ and Co-Director, Centre for Landscape Regeneration A summary of insights from the Fens, including implications for land use, climate resilience, biodiversity and communities. With Q&A. 14:35 - 15:05 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre The Cairngorms: A 200-Year Vision for Landscape Change Prof. David Coomes, Co-Director, Centre for Landscape Regeneration A long-term view of landscape change in the Cairngorms, exploring research insights, potential trade-offs and opportunities for action. With Q&A. 15:05 – 15:20 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre Researcher Showcase: One Minute, One Slide, One Key Insight A rapid sequence of one-minute presentations highlighting CLR research questions and emerging findings. Delegates are encouraged to continue the conversation at the poster display. 15:20 - 15:50 LR4 Coffee and Poster Session An opportunity to meet researchers, view posters and interact with the Digital Sandbox and CLIP Soundscapes. 15:50 - 16:20 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre The Lake District: Navigating Change in Cultural Landscapes TBC, Centre for Landscape Regeneration A summary of research insights from Cumbria, including cultural values, place-based identity and practical implications for regeneration. With Q&A. 16:20 – 17:00 Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre What Next for Policy and Practice? A Cross-Sector Conversation Panel Discussion Session, chaired by Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE. A Q&A discussion on how evidence and research insights can shape policy, practice and place-based decision-making across sectors. 17:00 Conference Close