countryside view

Future Countryside 2024

”A Countryside for All”

Future Countryside brings together people and organisations who are united by a love of the countryside and a shared belief in the potential of rural Britain.

We believe that the countryside is part of our national heritage and should be central to a modern vision of a healthier, greener and more prosperous country.

We want to ensure that political leaders give the countryside the attention and priority it deserves.

2024 AGENDA:

  • 8.30 – Arrival and coffee
  • 9.30 – Welcome from the Duke of Northumberland, Syon House
  • 9.35 – Welcome – Nick Herbert, co-founder of Future Countryside, and Sarah Mukherjee MBE, chief executive IEMA and Future Countryside Steering Committee.
  • 9.45 – René Olivieri, Chair, National Trust
  • 10.05 – Steve Reed, Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, chaired by Sarah Mukherjee MBE
  • 10.40 – TEA BREAK
  • 11.00 – Jon Alexander – “Citizens of the Countryside”, in conversation with Sue Pritchard, FFCC
  • Part 1 – Communities and the Countryside – Chaired by Ewen Cameron
  • 11.45 – Case studies:
    1. Charlie Luxton, Plunkett Foundation – “Countryside solutions for the people by the people”
    2. Gavin Lane, Deputy President, CLA
    3. Lisa Manning, New to Nature, WCL
  • 12.15 – ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
  • 12.45–2.00 – LUNCH
  • 2.00 – Rt Hon Stephen Barclay, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, chaired by Sarah Mukherjee MBE
  • 2.30 – Archie Norman, Chair M&S plc, in conversation with Alice Thomson, Associate Editor, The Times
  • 3.00 – TEA BREAK
  • Part 2 – Landscapes for Food, Nature and Health – Chaired by Sarah Langford
  • 3.15 – CASE STUDIES:
    1. Ben Andrews, Broadward Hall Farm
    2. Abi Reader, Goldslands Farm – “Embracing the crazy at Goldslands Farm”
    3. Flavian Obiero, Tynefield Farm
  • 3.45 – ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
  • 4.15 – Closing plenary, chaired by Dame Fiona Reynolds
  • 5.00 – Wrap up and close
  • 5.00–7.00 – Drinks