2026 National Landscapes Forum: People, Climate, Nature, Place

The Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape team is delighted to invite you to the first annual National Landscapes 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 5th February 2026 from 9:30am to 1:00pm at The Hold, 131 Fore Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1LR.

Come along to the event and hear from some four fantastic speakers presenting on a range of topics including:

• Nature - supporting wildlife and wading bird populations
• People - engaging young people with farming and the natural environment
• Climate - inspiring community action on climate change
• Place - planning policy and challenges in a National Landscape

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 - 9:30am – Guests arrival, registration and refreshments
• 9:30am – 9:35am – Welcome & housekeeping – (Nick Collinson, Chair)
• 9:35am – 9.50am – Introduction to National Landscapes (Simon Amstutz, National Landscapes)
• 9:50am – 10:00am – Comfort break and entry for late arrivals
• 10.00am - 10.30am – Talk 1 (Place) - Planning and Applying Section 85 – Beverley McClean, Planning Officer, National Landscapes
• 10.30am – 11.00am – Talk 2 (Climate) - Inspiring Community Action -Eamonn O’Nolan, Chair, Deben Climate Centre
• 11.00am -11.15am – Q & A with Talk 1 and 2 speakers (hosted by Chair)
• 11.15am -11.35am – Interval and refreshments
• 11.35am – 12.05pm – Talk 3(Nature) - Suffolk Wader Strategy - Alex Moore da Luz, Nature Enhancement Officer, National Landscapes
• 12.05pm -12.35pm – Talk 4 (People) - Engaging With Farming & The Natural Landscape - Carrie Phoenix, Founder, Natural Habitat
• 12.35pm - 12.50pm – Q & A with Talk 3 and 4 speakers (hosted by Chair)
• 12.50am - 1:00pm - Summing up & close – (Chair)
• 1.00pm – Close & Depart

Getting to the event

The Hold is located opposite the University of Suffolk Waterfront building, approximately a 15 -20 minute walk from Ipswich Train station.

For those arriving by car, there is a limited amount of car parking available for visitors to The Hold accessed via Long Street and New Street – 18 spaces including 2 Blue Badge spaces.

Please note that the pay and display parking at The Hold is limited to 3 hours and is monitored by Ipserve cameras.)

There are other public Pay and Display car parks at Fore Street Car Park – 30 spaces, Duke Street Car Park 248 spaces, Athena Hall Car Park 94 spaces.

Blue badge spaces are also available at the rear of the Waterfront Building, accessed via Coprolite Street.

You can find out more about parking and getting to The Hold at www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/about-suffolk-archives/the-hold.

You can find out more about the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape at coastandheaths-NL.org.uk.

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