A room full of expertise and enthusiasm

The Space for Nature; Land for Life Conference on 28^th February was a key milestone for the Greater Thames. Over a hundred individuals, representing interests from across business, communities, local government, conservation and funders, came together to celebrate our previous successes and identify ways of capitalising on these as we look to the future.

Last week I wrote about some of the reasons why I thought this was such an important event for the Thames, and today I’m happy follow up with a summary of some of the highlights from the conference:

• It was fantastic to hear Rt Hon Eric Pickles highlight the Thames as a place to both “progress and preserve” to ensure the land we have on leasehold (our ‘geographical birthright’) is handed over to the next generation in a better condition than when we received it. I hope he will be wearing his JeThames pin-badge with pride at the next Cabinet meeting!
• Professor John Lawton so passionately and eloquently outlined the reasons for delivering conservation at a landscape scale, referring to the key findings of his influential report ‘Making Space for Nature’ – more, bigger, better and joined (but not necessarily in that order) - see the Greater Thames Marshes NIA for more information.
• DP World and Veolia outlined some excellent case studies of how industry can not only comply with key regulations, but make a genuine contribution to improving the natural environment, particularly where development is front-loaded to collaborate with partners
• Max Farrell (to be commended for beating jetlag!) provided the background to Parklands (one vision, a thousand projects) and suggested how this would be taken forward in the new Local Nature Partnership
• Mike Clarke hit us with hard facts outlining the importance of the economy and environment going hand in hand – did you know that a recent CBI report suggested that the green economy contributed 1/3 of all UK’s growth in 2011/12?
• Finally, Graham Farrant used Thurrock Council as an example of looking back to reflect on your strengths before taking moving forward – an approach which has informed their new Riverscapes vision to use the natural environment to support inward investment in Thurrock.

After opportunities to network over lunch and during a refreshing walk around Veolia-RSPB Bowers Marsh (due to open to the public later this year), attendees brought fresh thinking to a series of thought-provoking seminars looking at barriers and opportunities to help connect people to nature and build stronger links between nature and economic growth.

Our task now is to take forward the actions and ideas identified to begin to deliver positive change in the Thames for local wildlife, communities and businesses. It is clear that there is a lot to be done, and organisations such as the RSPB have a vital role to play in facilitating and informing these changes.

If we can harness the expertise and enthusiasm demonstrated last week, then together, we have a real chance to make the Greater Thames a place to be proud of.