Enabling Biodiversity Net Gain in the Planning System 2024

• 09.00

  Online Registration 

• 09.50

  Chair’s Opening Remarks 

  Professor Nathalie Seddon, Professor of Biodiversity, University of Oxford (invited)

• 10.00

  Keynote: National Update: Improving National Efforts to Conserve and Enhance Biodiversity

   Abstract: This opening keynote outlines recent updates on national biodiversity conservation projects, focusing on the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023. It covers strategies for habitat creation and maintenance to achieve biodiversity net gain and provides guidance for public authorities on complying with biodiversity duties and submitting Biodiversity Gain Plans. These initiatives aim to enhance biodiversity and improve climate change mitigation.

  • Outlining the latest updates on major national projects to conserve and enhance biodiversity
  • Environmental Improvement Plan 2023: sharing government plans to restore our biodiversity and improve our mitigation of climate change
  • Strategies for creating, enhancing and maintaining habitats to deliver biodiversity net gain
  • Guidance for public authorities looking to comply with their biodiversity duty and submit a Biodiversity Gain Plan

   Richard Pullen, Head of National Biodiversity Policy, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (invited)

• 10.20

  Keynote: The Multi-Agency Approach: Working in Partnership with Key Stakeholders to Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain

   Abstract: This session outlines efforts to collaborate with the private sector on biodiversity net gain projects, secure funding for long-term success, and improve public education on sustainability. It also addresses using environmental conservation to aid regeneration in deprived areas and leveraging natural resources to gain public support for sustainable development.

  • Working with the private sector to overcome the challenges of the regulations and deliver onsite and offsite biodiversity net gain projects
  • Insights into funding opportunities to secure long-term deliverability of biodiversity net gain
  • Tips on improving public education in subjects relating to sustainable development and the protection of the environment
  • Reflections on addressing areas of economic and social deprivation through the promotion of regeneration by the conservation of the environment
  • Utilising natural resources and biological diversity to achieve public buy-in in sustainable development projects

  Alan Carter, Chief Executive, The Land Trust (CONFIRMED)

• 10.40

  Key Supporter Session

• 11.00

  Questions and Answers 

• 11.20

  Comfort Break

• 11.35

  Case Study: Best Practice on Integrating Green Infrastructure into the Development Process

   Abstract: This case study provides guidance on promoting people-centric, eco-friendly street designs through the “Healthy Streets for Surrey” initiative. It outlines common national funding streams for green infrastructure and emphasises fostering community engagement by maintaining local green spaces. Additionally, it highlights the importance of collaborating with local stakeholders to integrate active lifestyles into future transport and infrastructure planning.

  • Healthy Streets for Surrey: guidance on encouraging a shift towards more people-centric and environmentally friendly street designs
  • Outlining the most common national funding streams towards green infrastructure provisions and advice on accessing funding
  • Fostering community engagement in the natural environment through the maintenance of local green spaces
  • Collaborating with local stakeholders to embed active lifestyles into the heart of future transport and infrastructure planning

  Carolyn McKenzie, Director for Environment, Surrey County Council (CONFIRMED)

• 11.55

  Case Study: Implementing Strategies to Provide a Sustainable Solution to Woodland and Habitat Conservation

   Abstract: This session explores the Wilder Blean project, focusing on how introducing bison can reduce hands-on woodland conservation. It provides tips for extensive consultation and engagement with local stakeholders and co-producing informative leaflets to keep residents updated. Additionally, it offers advice on integrating technology, data, and innovation into monitoring woodland and habitats.

  • Wilder Blean project: understanding how the presence of bison will allow a step back from hands-on conservation management of woodland
  • Tips on developing extensive consultation and engagement with local stakeholders who know and love the area
  • Co-producing information leaflets with local partners to educate and inform the local residents on updates of the project
  • Advice on how to integrate technology, data and innovation into the monitoring of woodland and habitats

   Kora Ross, Wilding Evidence Ecologist, Kent Wildlife Trust (CONFIRMED)

• 12.15

  Case Study: Establishing Community Engagement in Biodiversity Net Gain Plans

   Abstract: This case study stresses the importance of involving local communities in biodiversity conservation efforts. It recommends appointing a tree warden, promoting wildlife-friendly practices, and collaborating with landowners. Community buy-in is crucial, achieved through inclusive approaches like resident input. This highlights the significance of grassroots action in preserving local biodiversity.

  • Outlining the importance of informing the local community of the biodiversity value of the local area
  • Recommendations on appointing a tree warden or volunteer who could monitor any actions to improve biodiversity
  • Key tips on encouraging the local community allotment holders to use wildlife-friendly techniques, or asking landowners to create areas of long grass
  • Gaining community buy-in by asking local residents what they would like to be done to conserve biodiversity in the local area

  Lucie Hoelmer, Career Grade Planner, Leicestershire County Council  (CONFIRMED)

• 12:35

  Questions and Answers

• 12:55

  Lunch Break

• 13:35

  Keynote: Addressing the Role of Local Government in Delivering Plant Biosecurity

  Abstract: This abstract provides progress updates from The Great Britain Invasive Non-native Species Strategy, highlighting key lessons shaping the long-term approach. It emphasises the importance of information-sharing among stakeholders to develop unified plans against invasive species, offers tips on ensuring plant procurement complies with legislation, and underscores the need for regular health and safety meetings to upskill staff in plant biosecurity.

  • Progress updates from The Great Britain Invasive Non-native Species Strategy: key lessons learnt and how they are shaping long-term strategy
  • Sharing information between stakeholders to develop and deliver unified plans against invasive non-native species
  • Key tips on ensuring procurement of plants complies with legal requirements
  • Upskilling staff through regular health and safety meetings to enhance awareness of plant biosecurity

  Abi Bunker, Director of Conservation and External Affairs, The Woodland Trust (CONFIRMED)

• 13:55

  Case Study: Securing a Coordinated Response to Strengthening the Impact of Local Action for Nature Recovery

   Abstract: This session provides guidance on establishing successful community-led nature recovery partnerships, focusing on integrating the needs of nature, people, and the economy. It discusses strategies for gaining community support by ensuring access to high-quality green spaces for all and emphasises co-producing reviews to address key issues and recommend improvements in local biodiversity net gain legislation.

  • Guidance on cultivating a successful community-led nature recovery partnership
  • Instilling positive outcomes that integrate the needs of nature, people and the economy
  • Gaining community buy-in through facilitating access to high-quality green space for all
  • Co-producing reviews to highlight key issues and offer recommendations on local biodiversity net gain legislation

  Dr Simon Lyster, Chair, Essex Local Nature Partnership (invited)

• 14.15

  Key Supporter Session 

• 14:35

  Questions and Answers

• 14:55

  Breakout Networking: Working in Partnership to Protect and Enhance Biodiversity

   This session will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the main challenges you face when working in partnership to protect and enhance biodiversity. This session will allow you to share your experiences and encourage cross sector collaboration between colleagues.

• 15:25

  Comfort Break

• 15:40

  Panel: Delivering Biodiversity Net Gains: Enacting Policy Changes at a National Level

  Abstract: This panel offers insights on optimising national biodiversity conservation by effectively sharing expertise and resources. It provides key tips for achieving biodiversity net gain and highlights the importance of regular training to upskill staff and enhance their knowledge in this area.

  Panellists will discuss their organisation’s approach to enacting national policy changes to successfully deliver biodiversity net gain.

  • Sharing insights on effectively sharing expertise and resources to optimise national biodiversity conservation
  • Upskilling staff through regular training to enhance knowledge around biodiversity net gain
  • Enhancing biosecurity: strengthening measures to safeguard against biological threats

  Tim Gardiner, Biodiversity Officer, Environment Agency (invited)

  Nick White, Principal Advisor, Natural England (CONFIRMED)

  Kieron Huston, Biodiversity Planning and Policy Manager, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (invited)

• 16:40

  Chair’s Closing Remarks

  *programme subject to change without notice

Who Should Attend?

Delegates who will have an interest in this event will be people who work in planning and sustainability.

*This Conference is open to Public, Private and Third Sectors

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

We are now taking bookings for our wide range of sponsorship and exhibition packages; we also offer bespoke packages tailored for your organisation.

Why Sponsor and Exhibit at this event:

✓ Network with key decision makers from across the NHS
✓ Meet your target audience in the sector
✓ Listen and Learn from leading industry experts from across the sector
✓ Opportunity to demonstrate your products or services
✓ Speak alongside industry leading experts
✓ Work with your dedicated account manager to generate the maximum amount of leads

Exhibition and Sponsorship Packages:

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Strategic Headline Sponsor:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Pre show marketing email to all registered delegates
• Post show inclusion on presentation email
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or A4 Chair Drop
• 5 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Speaker Pass

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Key Supporter Package:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or Chair Drop
• 1 Speaker Pass
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes

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Exhibition Stand:

• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Power, Wifi, Table and 2 Chairs (If required)
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Stand Manager Pass

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Insert or Chair Drop:

• 1 Delegate Conference Pass
• A4 insert into delegate pack or A4 Chair Drop

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For more information or to discuss the available option please call 0203 961 5002 or email Sponsorship@GovernmentEvents.co.uk 

• Public Sector Rate incl. GE Insights: £360.00+VAT
• Voluntary Sector Rate incl. GE Insights:: £330.00+VAT
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