PEOPLE PLACE NATURE
2024 WILDLIFE GROUNDSWELL CONFERENCE REVIEW
The Wildlife Groundswell Conference was a vibrant, inclusive event celebrating biodiversity, sustainable practices, and community-driven conservation. Alongside engaging speeches, hands-on workshops, and inspiring fringe activities, the conference also provided valuable updates on the Wildlife Groundswell projects undertaken throughout the year. These updates showcased the organisation’s ongoing commitment to practical, grassroots conservation, offering participants a glimpse into the meaningful progress being made locally.
The discussions and workshops collectively highlighted how individual and community actions, whether through tree planting, better farming practices, or personal mindfulness, can drive meaningful change.
Many thanks to the Oates family at Rosuick Farm, Lizard, Cornwall, for hosting the event.
THE CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE
Inspiring Speakers
The event featured impactful talks from renowned speakers like Patrick Holden, who focused on the benefits of regenerative farming, and Cheryl Marriott, who discussed actionable approaches to habitat restoration.
Their insights tied into the hands-on work Wildlife Groundswell has championed throughout the year.
Engaging Workshops
Agroforestry Workshop: which offered landowners and farmers actionable advice on integrating trees into their landscapes.
Ten Tips for Tremendous Trees: which was accessible to everyone, from large-scale landowners to small scale gardeners.
Accessing Conservation Grants: which provided practical guidance on funding opportunities.
Connecting to Nature: workshops added a personal and reflective dimension, allowing attendees to explore their relationship with nature in creative ways.
Healthy Land, Healthy Water, Healthy Horse: focusing on sustainable land management practices that benefit both horses and local wildlife.
Fringe Events
Activities like Tylan Berry’s Spider Talk and the Fungi Walk with Paul Gainey and Pauline Penna allowed attendees to explore the unique biodiversity of the Lizard Peninsula in interactive and memorable ways.
PEOPLE PLACE NATURE Conference 2024
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS
The conference delivered a dynamic program, with notable speakers addressing the connections between food production, habitat restoration, and community-driven conservation:
VALUING OUR NATURAL WORLD
Patrick Holden, a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, delivered a compelling talk on how food production systems profoundly impact biodiversity. Highlighting regenerative farming methods, Holden outlined how transitioning to organic and sustainable practices can reverse soil degradation, reduce carbon emissions, and restore wildlife habitats. His insights emphasized that the health of our ecosystems is deeply tied to the way we grow and consume food. He explored how small-scale, nature-friendly practices not only restore ecosystems but also align with broader climate goals. His focus on regenerative farming practices demonstrated how sustainable agriculture can restore ecosystems and create long-term resilience for both people and the planet. Read more about his talk here.
DISCOVERING YOU NATURE RECOVERY POTENTIAL
Cheryl Marriott from The Wildlife Trust captivated the audience with her insights into habitat restoration. Her detailed case studies demonstrated how small, targeted interventions—such as reintroducing native species or managing water systems—can create cascading benefits for biodiversity. She highlighted how even small-scale projects can have a significant impact on wildlife. Her case studies highlighted how small, community-driven projects can create significant ecological benefits, such as increasing wildlife corridors and enhancing water quality. Read more about her talk here.
The Role of Food and Farming
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the profound impact of farming and food production on the environment. Sessions examined:
• The ways industrial farming contributes to deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss.
• The importance of reducing food waste to lower the environmental footprint.
• Inspiring examples of regenerative farming practices, such as using agroforestry and organic farming methods to improve soil health and integrating wildlife corridors into agricultural landscapes.
WORKSHOPS AND INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
The workshops this year were a major highlight, offering a hands-on approach to environmental action:
• Healthy Land, Healthy Water, Healthy Horse:
This workshop, run by Rik Pendrick and Stuart Coleman, was particularly impactful for equine enthusiasts, focusing on sustainable land management practices that benefit both horses and local wildlife.
Participants learned techniques for managing pastures to reduce soil erosion, encouraging their horses as well as native plants to thrive.
• Agroforestry:
Among the many captivating sessions, agroforestry emerged as a standout topic, particularly through the farm walkabout session run by Dave Oates:
• Dave Oates highlighted agroforestry as a crucial solution to the environmental challenges posed by conventional farming. He explained how integrating trees into farmland enhances soil health, sequesters carbon, and provides critical habitats for wildlife, particularly pollinators and birds. His talk underscored the compatibility of agroforestry with regenerative farming, emphasizing its role in reducing erosion, improving water retention, and restoring biodiversity. He expanded on this by discussing how agroforestry systems can create wildlife corridors, connecting fragmented habitats and allowing species to thrive. Showing how multi-functional landscapes can harmonize food production with conservation goals, benefiting both farmers and ecosystems.
• Biodiversity Boost: By integrating diverse tree and crop species, agroforestry systems provide habitats for insects, birds, and mammals, creating a thriving ecosystem.
• Carbon Sequestration: Trees in agroforestry systems act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change while improving air quality.
• Food Security: Agroforestry enhances soil fertility, reduces pests naturally, and protects crops from extreme weather, ensuring stable food production.
• Ten Tips for Tremendous Trees:
A favourite among attendees, this session provided practical advice on tree planting and maintenance, with a special focus on selecting native species to support local wildlife.
Participants appreciated the practical focus, which included advice on dealing with pests and ensuring long-term tree health.
• Accessing Conservation Grants:
One of the most useful sessions of the conference, Sylvie Pearson’s workshop provided a step-by-step guide to finding, applying for, and managing conservation funding. Attendees learned how to craft compelling applications, navigate funding criteria, and connect with organizations supporting biodiversity projects.
The focus on conservation grants was a unique and highly practical aspect of the conference. Attendees received valuable advice on:
• Identifying appropriate funding sources, from government programs to private foundations.
• Building partnerships with local stakeholders to strengthen grant applications.
• Managing projects effectively to meet grant requirements and maximize impact.
• Connecting to Nature: a holistic approach. This immersive session offered participants a chance to slow down and reflect on their relationship with the natural world. Activities included guided meditations and creative exercises that fostered a deeper sense of connection to the landscapes and ecosystems we aim to protect.
• Networking Opportunities: Informal breaks and a pasty lunch created a welcoming space for attendees to connect:
• Networking breaks allowed participants to discuss ideas sparked by the talks and workshops, fostering collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
• Informal discussions over coffee created a sense of community and camaraderie, with attendees sharing their diverse perspectives on conservation and sustainability.
• Farmers and landowners had the chance to meet like-minded individuals, forming partnerships to address common challenges.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WILDLIFE GROUNDSWELL PROJECTS
The updates on Wildlife Groundswell’s annual projects were a key feature of the event, inspiring attendees with tangible examples of local conservation in action.
Swift Box Building and Installation: The efforts to support swift populations through box building and placement were particularly impactful. These boxes provide essential nesting habitats for a species facing significant declines, and the project highlighted the power of community involvement in tackling biodiversity loss.
Any size Landowners Group: Aimed at property owners and conservation enthusiasts, this initiative explores techniques to manage land in harmony with nature. Discussions include herbal lays, food growing, hedgerow restoration, and creating wildlife corridors. Regular workshops offer tailored guidance on wildlife-friendly practices, making conservation accessible to small landowners and larger estates alike.
Regular Bat Group Walks: These walks bring local communities together to explore the fascinating world of bats, combining education with practical conservation. By involving residents in monitoring bat activity, the project has fostered greater awareness and enthusiasm for protecting these important nocturnal species.
River Testing Projects: Updates on water quality monitoring and river health testing highlighted the role of citizen science in conservation. The project’s findings emphasize how consistent testing can help identify pollution sources and protect vital aquatic ecosystems.
FRINGE EVENTS: EXPLORING THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
The fringe events were a true highlight, celebrating the unique biodiversity of the Lizard Peninsula and offering attendees a closer look at local wildlife:
• Talk on Spiders of the Lizard Peninsula: Presented by Tylan Berry, this session introduced participants to the fascinating world of native spiders. Tylan’s expertise brought these often-overlooked creatures to life, showcasing their ecological importance and the rich diversity of species found in the region. Attendees left with a newfound appreciation for these essential yet misunderstood animals. Read more about this event here.
• Fungi Walk with Paul Gainey and Pauline Penna
This immersive experience was a favourite among attendees. Paul and Pauline’s passion for fungi shone through as they guided participants through the local landscape, identifying various species and discussing their roles in ecosystems. From edible varieties to rare and unusual finds, the walk offered a hands-on learning opportunity that perfectly complemented the conference’s focus on biodiversity. Read more about this event here
A BALANCED AND ENGAGING PROGRAM
The conference catered to a wide audience, ensuring that all attendees could find value:
• Farmers and landowners found practical guidance on sustainable land management and access to conservation funding.
• Nature lovers enjoyed accessible sessions, such as the fungi walk and tree planting workshop, that demonstrated how individuals can support local biodiversity.
• Conservation professionals benefited from in-depth discussions on habitat restoration and opportunities to connect with funding organizations and collaborators.
CONCLUSION
The 2024 Wildlife Groundswell Conference delivered an engaging and thought-provoking experience, with a strong emphasis on the environmental impacts of food and farming.
The Wildlife Groundswell Conference was an inspiring celebration of community-driven conservation, successfully blending expert talks, practical workshops, and moments of reflection. With engaging speakers like Patrick Holden and Cheryl Marriott offering actionable insights, and workshops encouraging hands-on involvement. Whether attendees were farmers looking to adopt sustainable practices, landowners exploring conservation options, or nature lovers seeking a deeper connection with the environment, the conference had something valuable to offer. The updates on the organization’s annual projects—including swift box building, landowner workshops, bat walks, and river testing—highlighted the power of local action in addressing global challenges. Practical workshops, and engaging fringe events, meant the conference offered something for everyone. The combination of educational content, networking opportunities, and hands-on activities ensured that all attendees—whether farmers, nature lovers, or conservationists—left inspired and empowered to make a difference.
Look out for the next Wildlife Groundswell Conference which will be held in autumn 2025. It is a must-attend for anyone passionate about conservation and sustainability.
Useful links:
A Farming Transition Patrick Holden interview
LINC: Cornwall's Natural Capital Exchange
Patrick Holden: Organic Needs Top Down, Bottom Up, And In-The-Middle Action
