2026 Dedham Vale & Stour Valley Forum

The Dedham Vale National Landscape & Stour Valley team is delighted to invite you to the 2026 Dedham Vale & Stour Valley Forum.

We hope to bring together people who are passionate about the area to learn more about some of the work that is taking place in the National Landscape, with opportunities to engage in discussions and network.

The event will be held on Thursday 17th September 2026 from 9:45am to 1:00pm at Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH.

Come along to the event and hear from four fantastic speakers presenting on a range of topics impacting on the Dedham Vale & Stour Valley.

There will be opportunities for debate in lively question and answer sessions, plus time for discussion and networking during break periods.

This is a free event to attend and everyone is welcome. Free refreshments will be provided. However, booking online in advance is required.

Event programme

• 9:00am - 9:45am – Guests arrival, registration and refreshments
• 9:45am – 9:50am - Welcome & housekeeping
• 9:50am – 10.00am – Introduction to National Landscapes - Simon Amstutz, National Landscapes
• 10.00am - 10.30am – Talk 1: Wetland Habitats – Alex Moore da Luz, National Landscape Project Officer
• 10.30am – 11.00am – Talk 2: Dark Skies & International Recognition - William Shearer, Dedham Vale Society
• 11.00am -11.15am – Q & A with Talk 1 and 2 speakers
• 11.15am -11.35am – Interval and refreshments
• 11.35am – 12.05pm – Talk 3: Engaging Communities With Nature - Emma Black, National Landscape Project Officer
• 12.05pm -12.35pm – Talk 4 - Bottengoms and Ronald Blythe - Rich Yates, CEO at Essex Wildlife Trust
• 12.35pm - 12.50pm – Q & A with Talk 3 and 4 speakers
• 12.50am - 1:00pm - Summing up & close
• 1.00pm – Close & Depart

Getting to the event

Firstsite is located in central Colchester and is well served with various transport options.

The High Street, Queen Street and East Hill are well served by many local bus routes with bus stops just a few minutes’ walk from Firstsite.

Firstsite is a few minutes’ walk from Colchester Town Station via Queen Street. Walking from Colchester mainline station takes approx. 25 minutes.

There is no on-site parking at Firstsite, however the venue is a short walk from all Colchester’s town centre car parks. The nearest car parks are Priory Street and Britannia. Find out more about parking in Colchester city centre.

You can find out more about parking and getting to Firstsite at Visiting Firstsite, Free to Visit | Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH.

You can find out more about the Dedham Vale National Landscape & Stour Valley at http://dedhamvale-nl.org.uk.