Saving Species Conference Day One 2026
About this Event
Join Us for Day One of the Saving Species Conference 2026!
We invite you to our annual winter conference, a premier event dedicated to advancing species conservation and conservation efforts. We are excited to welcome conservation professionals, students, early-career researchers, and passionate advocates for nature to Brixham Lab!. Organized by Conservation Chat UK Ltd, this conference puts the environment front and centre.
Event Highlights
- Inspiring Guest Speakers: Hear from experts working on the front lines of species conservation.
- Engaging Sessions: Dive into presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities.
- Ideal for: Conservation professionals, students, and anyone with a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Sustainability Focus
- Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided, and we encourage you to bring a packed lunch to keep ticket costs low. We also challenge you to go plastic-free!
This conference will be held exclusively in person. However, we will offer full refunds should cancellation become necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.
See You There!
- Laura & Stu, Directors
Why not take a look at a free sample to see what you can expect?
Agenda
The Hidden Footprint of Everyday Products
Host: Laura Collier, Conservation Chat UK Ltd
Info: We use everyday products without much thought about where they end up, but many can have unexpected impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. From skincare and sunscreens to cleaning products and clothing, small choices at home can add up in meaningful ways in the natural world.
This talk looks at some common examples, including sunscreen and reef health, and explores how everyday habits connect to the environments we care about. It also highlights simple, realistic alternatives and considerations that can help reduce impact without major lifestyle changes.
Limitation to Leverage
Host: Nathan Prescott, Butterfly Conservation Trust
Info: Agricultural land use dominates the UK landscape and has been a principal driver of long-term declines in Lepidoptera, largely through habitat loss and degradation. However, agricultural systems also present the greatest opportunity for large-scale species recovery if managed with a clear understanding of the underlying ecological mechanisms. This talk uses butterflies and moths as model taxa to examine how different agricultural practices either constrain or facilitate population persistence within farmed landscapes.
Saving Our Spiky Neighbours: The Future of European Hedgehogs
Host: Dawn Powley, Griffiths Veterinary Centre
Info: From a young age, I have always had a passion for wildlife, but my love for the European hedgehog truly began when I was just 15 years old, volunteering with a local hedgehog rehabilitation. Seeing these incredible little animals up close and the challenges they face every day inspired me to dedicate my studies towards wildlife conservation.
This passion led me to study International Wildlife Biology, where I focused my dissertation on investigating whether European hedgehogs are affected by the presence of red foxes (Vulpus vulpus) and European badgers (Meles meles) in urban and rural areas across the UK. Through both my academic research and hands on rehabilitation experience, one thing became increasingly clear: our hedgehogs are in serious decline and something needs to change.
In this talk, I’ll explore why Britain’s beloved spiky friends are becoming endangered, the threats they face in modern landscapes and what we can all do to help protect their future before it’s too late.
Title to be confirmed
Host: Debbie Rolmanis, Nature's SAFE
Title to be confirmed
Host: Simon Roper, Ambios
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 24.54 to GBP 62.00
