Regenerating the British Countryside: From Evidence to Action

Insights from the Centre for Landscape Regeneration.

Insights from the Centre for Landscape Regeneration

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.

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.

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.

12:35- 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, wi

Description supplied by the event organiser.