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Programme

The Northern Nature, Culture and Place Forum showcased opportunities to enhance both natural and cultural heritage together, through keynote presentations, expert panels and audience discussions.

Explore speakers

The opening session will be chaired by Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director for Bradford UK City of Culture 2025. Clare Hayward MBE DL, Co-Chair of the Convention of the North will open the conference, setting the vision for central role of nature and culture in the future of the North of England.

This will be followed by a keynote discussion between Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, and Duncan Wilson CBE, Chief Executive of Historic England. Together, they will set out the vision for the integration of nature recovery and cultural enrichment.

Following the keynote discussion, hear from leading experts who are actively exploring these connections, showcasing opportunities and initiatives currently underway.

  • Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director, Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 (chair)
  • Clare Hayward MBE DL, Co-Chair, the Convention of the North
  • Tony Juniper CBE, Chair, Natural England
  • Duncan Wilson CBE, Chief Executive, Historic England.
  • Kerenza McLarnan, Arts Development Director, National Landscapes Association
  • Timothy Crawshaw, Chair, Tees Valley Nature Partnership

An opportunity to network, including meeting our sponsors and exhibitors. Discover some leading examples of how nature and culture can be integrated into place-making.

This session will be chaired by Angela Jones, Director of Thriving Places for Westmorland and Furness Council and Chair of the ADEPT Northern Board.

Part 1 | Best practice in making the case

Discover insights from projects and funders across the North of England, showcasing tangible opportunities for cultural engagement and deeper economic and social impact. With:

  • Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North, The National Lottery Heritage Fund 
  • Mike Innerdale, Regional Director – North of England, National Trust   
  • Sheona Southern, Director, Destination Insight, GC Insight
  • Saira Ali, Team Leader Landscape Design and Conservation, Bradford City Council
Part 2 | Nature North: Investing in Nature for the North; Opportunity for Nature and Culture

The session will conclude with a presentation by Nature North on their emerging Strategic Investment Plan will protect and enhance the North of England’s natural heritage; creating investable propositions and building partnerships. With:

  • Sarie Mairs Slee, Strategic Lead, Northern Place and Culture Partnership
  • Colm Bowe, Development Manager, Nature North 

An opportunity to network, including meeting our sponsors and exhibitors, and listen to interviews with leading projects that are pioneering in how they are already integrating nature and culture into place-making. Lunchtime speakers:

  • Dr David Haley, Ecological Artist and Researcher, Art Gene
  • Mark Cunliffe-Lister, Owner, Swinton Estate
  • Laura Angel, Rural Estate Manager, Swinton Estate

Hear perspectives from a range of organisations across the North of England on how they see opportunities for integrating nature and culture into funding and finance for better places.

  • David Renwick, Regional Director for the North, Natural England (Chair)
  • Dee Grahamslaw, Lead Place-Based Planning Manager, United Utilities
  • Vera Jones, Technical Director for Water Quality, AtkinsRéalis
  • Tom Hind, CEO, North York Moors National Park Authority

Over afternoon refreshments, join us for an interactive session led by Pete Massey, Director, Northern Economy, Arts Council England. Engage in live polls, discussions, and attendee feedback on the opportunities and challenges of integrating funding across natural, cultural, and historic heritage sectors.

16:00 | Event close

21 January 2025

10:00 – 16:00

Aspire, Leeds City Centre

3 minute walk from Leeds Station

Register your interest for future events

The event was organised by the award-winning Ecosystems Knowledge Network (EKN), an independent forum for harnessing the role of a healthy environment in people’s lives. We are a social enterprise and registered charity.

Thank you to our sponsor; AtkinsRéalis and our event partner; the Northern Place and Culture Partnership. This forum is part of the 2025 Convention of the North event series.

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