Nature is calling - will you answer? A vision for our future landscape
As the days turn chillier and November rolls around, so too does the next Surrey Hills Symposium.
Hosted at the University of Surrey, this year’s event championed the National Landscapes Association’s pioneering arts project, Nature Calling, and gave attendees the chance to discuss the future of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Featuring engaging partners, interactive elements and thought-provoking displays, attendees were encouraged to reimagine the future of their countryside from sustainable farming practices to arts projects connecting people to nature.
Four visionary speakers from diverse backgrounds shared their bold ideas for the National Landscapes, and how they are working to drive change.
The speakers
- Professor Lorenzo Fiormonti | Founding Director of the Institute for Sustainability at the University of Surrey and former Italian Minister of Education. A global thought leader, Lorenzo has reshaped conversations on sustainable well-being and post-growth economies, with his books Wellbeing Economy and The World After GDP making waves worldwide.
- John Watkins | Director of the National Landscapes Association. A champion for sustainable landscapes, John Watkins brings decades of experience from his work in the Clwydian Range to his role as Head of Policy for Future Economy at the Welsh Government. John spearheaded the Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission, developing strategies for post-COVID recovery with a focus on well-being and environmental sustainability.
- Tim Crawshaw | Director of Planning and Placemaking at Surrey County Council. He is the former President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Tim is passionate about nature-based solutions to tackle the climate, health, and biodiversity crises. As Chair of the Tees Valley Nature Partnership, he brings expertise on creating spaces where both people and nature thrive.
- Still Shadey | Undeniably one of a kind, MOBO Award-winning Still Shadey is a multifaceted entertainer and electric performer. Hailing from Croydon, a town known for producing some of the UK’s most distinct acts, Shadey has carved out his own legacy as one of its precious gems. With millions of streams across platforms, the British-born artist, of Nigerian descent, has built his reputation through transparent, thought-provoking lyricism and wholesome sounds that explore a wide array of topics. Shadey is currently creating a unique and inspiring piece for our Surrey Hills Arts ‘Nature Calling’ project. Through this work, he will explore the essence of the Surrey Hills National Landscape and reflect on its personal significance to him.
- Molly Biddell | A leader in regenerative farming and rewilding. Molly works at the Hampton Estate, leads natural capital at the renowned Knepp Estate, and is actively involved with projects like Weald to Waves and the River Adur Landscape Recovery Project. Passionate about connecting people, nature, and farming, Molly offers unique insights into the future of sustainable agriculture.
An inspiring evening at the Surrey Hills Symposium with Lorenzo, Tim and Molly advocating the need for, and power of, long term thinking, a well being economy, shifting the norm on what land can deliver. A highlight was a preview of Still Shady’s work for Nature Calling and his accompanying call to make landscapes cool 😎
John Watkins, National Landscapes Association