Creating Nature Towns and Cities conference recordings
Conference - 05-06-2025
Watch back recordings from this online conference including keynote speakers, case study showcases and best practice examples.
- Creating Nature Towns and Cities
Creating Nature Towns and Cities
An online conference on 5 June 2025 brought speakers together to explore what is needed for local government, the public sector, voluntary and community organisations to work together to create green, thriving towns and cities.
Most sessions were recorded and you can catch up with the day on this page.
Keynote speakers
The opening session brought together three keynote speakers to discuss the importance and benefits of urban green space. Baroness Hayman (Minister for Access to Nature) discussed urban greening in government policy, Councillor Sam Lux shared how Nottingham City Council is improving access to nature and James Scott (Urban&Civic) lent his perspective on the importance of networks in positive development.
Panel session 1: how nature can transform urban places for people
Panellists brought their perspectives and experience on the opportunity to transform people’s lives through urban green space.
- David Luckin (Head of Community Funding and Partnerships, The Co-Operative Group)
- Lisa Dodd-Mayne (Executive Director, Place, Sport England)
- Graham Duxbury (Chief Executive, Groundwork UK)
- Paul Lawrence (Chief Executive, City of Edinburgh Council)
- Tom Stratton (Chief of Staff, The RSA)
- Chair: Hilary McGrady (Director General, the National Trust)
Panel session 2: working together to create change
A panel discussion explored the power of working together, sharing practical steps to get the most out of inclusivity, partnerships and collaboration.
- Tayshan Hayden-Smith (Founder, Grow to Know)
- Kersten England CBE DL (Chair, Bradford Culture Company)
- Chantelle Lindsay (Wildlife conservationist, TV presenter and Nature-connection facilitator)
- Chair: Roisha Hughes CBE (Trustee, The National Lottery Heritage Fund)
Project showcase: people and communities
After an introduction to the afternoon from Eilish McGuinness, CEO of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, speakers brought case studies from across the UK of making change for communities, discussing what they’ve learned along the way.
- Nadine McAuley (Eastside Greenway, Belfast)
- Gill Thornton (Better Place, Bradford)
- Alexandra Hoadley (Edinburgh Nature Network)
- Chair: Saira Ali
Project showcase: nature and climate change
Three case studies from organisations who have delivered projects to support nature and tackle climate change.
- Allys Ludlow (Clyde Climate Forest)
- Ian Russell (Enfield Blue and Green Spaces Strategy)
- Jerry Griffiths (Derriford Community Park, Plymouth)
- Chair: David Coughlin
How to involve more voices in decision making
Speakers discuss the steps that need to be taken to engage, inspire and support communities, bringing more voices in to influence decision making, and the benefits of doing so.
- Lucy Reid (DemocracyNext)
- Harold Garner (Camden Council)
- Chair: Rory Crawford
Participation and partnerships
This workshop explored participation and partnerships, looking at how to share decision-making, as well as different delivery models.
- Bryony Carter (Nextdoor Nature)
- Kieron McGlasson (Sow the City)
- Sam Evans (Greater Manchester Combined Authority)
- Chair: Casey Morrison
Keynote: Mete Coban
Deputy Mayor of London, Mete Coban delivers a closing keynote on London’s mission to grow access to green space and help nature flourish across the city.
Closing reflections: Tony Juniper
Closing out the afternoon, a final keynote from Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper.
