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The National Park Society Annual Conference 2024
Ensuring National Parks thrive for the next 75 years
11 – 13 September 2024, Brighton University
Friends of the South Downs and Campaign for National Parks are delighted to invite you to this year’s National Park Society Conference, to be held at Brighton University’s Falmer Campus from Wednesday 11 September to Friday 13 September.
The National Park Society Conference is a prestigious annual event, bringing together National Park champions, volunteers and decision-makers from across the UK to celebrate our love for these landscapes, discuss shared issues of importance and agree positive action for change.
The conference is also offering free tickets to those under 30. The deadline for registration is 16 August.
This year’s conference: 75 years of National Parks
To recognise and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the legislation that created National Parks, this year’s conference theme will look to the future of Protected Landscapes and explore what needs to be done to ensure National Parks thrive for the next 75 years and beyond. As well as keynote speakers and panel discussions, the conference will feature networking opportunities, quizzes and a gala dinner, followed by a trip to the trailblazing Knepp nature estate on Friday morning.
The conference will cover a range of engaging and timely topics, including:
- How the new Westminster Parliament can secure the long-term future of National Parks
- What more can be done to achieve nature-rich National Parks
- Action to inspire future generations of National Park protectors
- How to refresh and build a bigger National Park campaigning movement that we can all participate in
The conference will feature prominent speakers and panellists, including Charlie Burrell from the Knepp Estate, Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National Landscapes Association and Debbie Tann, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. There will also be speakers from the RSPB, Green Alliance, British Mountaineering Council, Saddlescombe Farm, and Fight for the South Downs – with even more to be announced shortly.
For further details and timings of the conference see below.
Tickets
Full conference (3 days): £310.00
Wed 11 – Fri 13 September
This ticket gives delegates access to the full conference, including two nights accommodation, a welcome session led by CNP on Wednesday, all meals provided including the gala dinner and quiz, and a field visit on Friday morning to the Knepp nature estate. Please note that all accommodation is single.
1 day ticket: £28.00
Thurs 12 Sept
This ticket gives delegates access to the middle day of conference, featuring all speaker keynotes and panel sessions, as well as lunch.
1 day ticket (under 30): Free
Thurs 12 Sept
This free ticket gives delegates under the age of 30 access to the middle day of conference, featuring all speaker keynotes and panel sessions, as well as lunch.
Deadline for registration: 16 August
Tickets can also be paid for by invoice. Please contact Friends of the South Downs directly do this.
Dietary and accessibility requirements can be submitted when booking tickets. You can also request transport to and from the Knepp Estate.
Please note that all ticket costs include a card processing fee.