This July, colleagues, leaders, policy makers and inspirational figures from across the environmental sector will come together in Norwich for the National Landscapes Annual Conference 2025.
Hosted by Dedham Vale and Suffolk & Essex Coasts & Heaths National Landscapes, this year's conference theme is Vitality.
National Landscapes are places of outstanding natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and thriving communities but vitality is about more than maintaining what makes these places special. It is about creating the conditions for nature, people and local economies to flourish together, while balancing today's needs with the wellbeing of future generations.
Over the three days, delegates will explore how National Landscapes can act as drivers of vitality in their areas, navigating competing priorities and responding to some of the most pressing environmental, social and economic challenges we currently face.
Coasts and Heaths Blythburgh (C) Gill Moon
John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National Landscapes Association, said: “Vitality is about recognising that our landscapes are living, working places that shape the wellbeing, prosperity and resilience of the communities around them.
“As we come together in Norwich, we'll be exploring how National Landscapes can lead the way in tackling some of society's biggest challenges. It's not about curating the past but shaping the future and building landscapes that are richer in nature, stronger in culture and more resilient for generations to come."
“Vitality is about recognising that our landscapes are living, working places that shape the wellbeing, prosperity and resilience of the communities around them.
Deadham Vale, Flatford (C) Ben Heather
The conference will open with contributions from leaders across government, academia and the National Landscapes family, including welcomes from Association Chair Philip Hygate, conference host Simon Amstutz, Lucy Galvin, Leader of Norwich City Council and Asher Minns, Executive Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change.
Delegates will also hear from Mary Creagh MP, Minister for Nature at Defra, before John Watkins sets the scene for the conversations ahead.
A highlight of the programme is the conference's 'Disrupt' session, designed to challenge assumptions and encourage new ways of thinking about the future of protected landscapes.
Jenny Andersson, founder of The Really Regenerative Centre CIC, Sarah Housley, design futurist and innovation researcher, and Jaz Brook, founder of Youth Climate Solutions, will bring fresh perspectives on regeneration, future thinking and youth leadership.
Together, they will explore how landscape organisations can embrace innovation, rethink established approaches and build resilience in a rapidly changing world.
An afternoon of workshops on the first day will give delegates the opportunity to explore practical solutions to real-world challenges facing National Landscapes. Sessions will examine questions including: Who speaks for nature and how can protected landscapes embed nature-centric governance? How can we make a compelling business case for investment in nature? And how do we deliver the right homes in the right places while protecting landscape character?
Together, these discussions reflect the breadth of issues shaping the future of National Landscapes and the diverse skills needed to create thriving places.
One of last year's field trips to the Isle of White National Landscape
On the second day, delegates will get the chance to explore the amazing work being done in the region on the ever-popular field trips which this year includes a chance to see the Tern Around nesting project at RSPB Little Strumpshaw, an opportunity to explore the rewilding work being undertaken at High Fen Wildland and a look at the brilliant work being done by the Brecks Landscape Partnership and learning about the diverse habitats of the Norfolk and Suffolk Brecks.
To keep the energy flowing, on the final day delegates will be asked to take part in an innovative Fitter for the Future session led by Tim Duckmanton from the Lake District Natinoal Park and Myrthe Fonck, from Netherlands-based Provincial Water and Nature. And the final session of this year’s conference will be delivered by Will Behenna from the Beach Access Project and Mark Cridge from the National Park City Foundation, whose thought-provoking contributions will help draw together the key themes of vitality, access and place before the conference closes.
From nature recovery and climate adaptation to community wellbeing, cultural heritage and sustainable economic growth, the programme will explore how National Landscapes can continue to deliver benefits for people, nature and place.
The conference provides an opportunity to share learning, challenge thinking, celebrate success and build the partnerships needed to create vibrant and resilient landscapes for generations to come.
