Somerset Wildlife Trust Wilder Futures Forum & 61st Annual AGM
Schedule
Sat Nov 15 2025 at 10:30 am to 04:30 pm
UTC+00:00Location
The Canalside | Bridgwater, EN
About this Event
We believe that without a vibrant, resilient natural world, our economy has no change of achieving long term stable growth. Blaming the UK's lack of economic growth on existing restrictions aimed at protecting wildlife and wild places is short sighted, and removing these will do more harm than good for both the economy, communities and the economy.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you are a Somerset Wildlife Trust member and plan to attend the full day, please ensure you purchase both an AGM and Wilder Futures Forum Ticket
WILDER FUTURES FORUM
“How can nature, planning and development work side by side.”
This afternoon session is an exciting and open session where we delve into topical discussions and welcome insights from external speakers. We’ll be opening our doors to everyone for this event, and we encourage you to invite friends and family who might be interested.
This year, given the pressing intersections between growth and the environment, we have centred our focus on “Nature and the Economy”, with an emphasis on exploring “How can nature, planning and development work side by side.”
Our speakers have a range of expertise, from areas such as communities, infrastructure and economics. We hope the session will challenge the notion that nature impedes development and economic growth and that sustainable planning and environmental stewardship can coexist and even enhance economic progress now and for the future.
Speakers:
Laurie Laybourn - Executive Director - The Strategic Climate Risks Initiative
Stephen Elderkin - Director of Environmental Sustainability - Highways England
Sarah Jones-Morris - Director - Landsmith Associates
Timings
Lunch: 13:00
SEssion Starts: 14:00
Session Closes - followed by refreshements 16:00
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the morning from 11am until 1pm is exclusively for current members of Somerset Wildlife Trust and is free to attend in-person or online.
Join us to find out about the successes of the 2024/25 year and our aspirations for the future.
Timings:
Arrival and refreshements: 10:30
AGM Starts: 11:00
AGM Closes: 13:00
Please Note: Lunch is only available to those who have also booked a wilder futures forum ticket
THE VENUE
The Canalside, Marsh Lane, Bridgwater
Somerset, TA6 6LQ
There is extensive parking at the site, which is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Bridgwater. Sadly, there is no public transport to the venue.
HOW TO GET THERE
What3words ///fuel.filed.oasis
From Junction 24 (M5) - South:
- Leave the motorway and take the A38 towards Bridgwater.
- Follow the A38 into town, keeping signs towards the centre.
- Look for signs to Marsh Lane (it’s just off the main road on the south side of Bridgwater).
From Junction 23 (M5) - North:
- Exit onto the A39 towards Bridgwater.
- Continue along the A39 into town.
- Follow local signs towards the industrial estates, then Marsh Lane is nearby.
From Cannington - West:
- Head east towards Bridgwater on the A39.
- Carry on straight into Bridgwater.
- Look for Marsh Lane on the southern side of the town.
Where is it happening?
The Canalside, Marsh Lane, Bridgwater, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 17.43
