Better Business / Member news
Panel event to discuss new Western Forest
UWE Bristol is bringing together environmental and community experts to discuss the bold ambitions to create one of England’s new national forests as part of the Festival of Nature.
“How to create a forest”, part of the Bristol Distinguished Address Series (BDAS) curated by UWE Bristol, will take place at the Watershed on Wednesday.
The free hybrid event will explore plans for the Western Forest, a proposed national forest spanning Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol and Somerset, and examine how large-scale tree planting and landscape restoration can be delivered in ways that are environmentally effective, socially inclusive and community-led.
The panel, chaired by UWE Bristol’s professor Darren Reynolds, brings together senior figures from across academia, conservation and community leadership.
Speakers include Savita Willmott, chief executive of The Natural History Consortium – photo: BNHC
Speakers include Savita Willmott, chief executive of The Natural History Consortium and director of the Festival of Nature; John Everitt, chief executive of The National Forest; Jamie Audsley, director of the Western Forest; Leah McNally, chief executive of Avon Wildlife Trust; and Chiara Lodi, research manager at Black Southwest Network.
Together, the panel will combine expertise in environmental science, large-scale conservation, policy and community inclusion.
The free hybrid event will explore plans for the Western Forest – photo: Bristol Design
Their discussion will focus on how ambitious forest creation projects can be delivered at scale while ensuring biodiversity benefits, long-term sustainability and meaningful community engagement.
The event forms part of the wider Festival of Nature, the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world, which runs annually across the West of England and aims to connect communities with nature through events, walks, talks and activities.
The event is free to attend, with booking required.
To book a ticket, visit www.uwe.ac.uk/events/bdas-how-to-create-a-forest
UWE Bristol are member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
Main photo: Ania Shrimpton
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