Planners, ecologists, environment students and wildlife and nature volunteers from across the Southeast will consider the significance of the Environment Act, the climate change and biodiversity crises, the latest Biodiversity Net Gain metric and a new approach to planning corridors through towns to reconnect nature.
John Edwards, natural environmental team manager at Surrey County Council, and founder of the conference, said: ‘The force for change in the natural environment has resonated with people more than ever before. Many councils have declared climate emergencies, which is fantastic. But, not as many have declared a biodiversity crisis, which is much needed as they are interlinked, and it is essential that we combine our response to both crises.
‘At the same time, the Environment Act has also introduced the biggest suite of measures for nature, from protecting land in perpetuity to local nature strategies and biodiversity net gain metrics. So now we must work together to find innovative solutions, where planning and legislation comes together to become an enabling force for nature.’
Councils and nature professionals will demonstrate success with case studies from Buckingham County Council about being one of five pilots to produce a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, East Sussex County Council on partnership working to protect and expand Natural Capital and Surrey Wildlife Trust and Surrey County Council on how to identify urban nature recovery networks and whether we have the resources to respond to the challenges.
While the conference is aimed at planning professionals, the Environment Act means that specialist wildlife groups will have an important role in working alongside planners to achieve the best outcomes for nature. Therefore, these groups have been invited to exhibit their work and expertise at the conference to enable delegates to build vital networks to assist them with considering nature at the heart of their planning.
Sarah Jane Chimbwandira, chief executive of Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: ‘We are delighted to support the Surrey Nature Partnership with this conference. We are keen to collaborate with organisations attending, as working together to find solutions that recognise the interconnectedness of nature and climate crisis is a priority.’
To attend the conference ticket prices* are £75 per delegate for the public sector, £130 per delegate for the private sector and £20 for students, with discounts for group bookings of over 10 people. Ticket income supports the work of the Surrey Nature Partnership in delivering natures recovery. For further information about the conference and to book your place for the 2022 Biodiversity and Planning Conference visit www.surreywildlifetrust.org/surreynp
Published on 31st January 2022