On Thursday 13 February 2020 Cumbria Wildlife Trust held their Uplands for Everyone Conference at Roundthorn Country House, Penrith. The sell-out event hosted over 180 delegates, including farmers, conservationists, representatives from organisations across the country, Cumbria Wildlife Trust members and the general public.
The conference highlighted to work that the Trust has done at Eycott Hill Nature Reserve and how, through a collaborative programme of restorative, low-input farming, habitat restoration and people engagement, this special place has been put into natural recovery for everyone’s benefit.
Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, headlined the conference and spoke about the importance of a partnership-based, holistic approach to environmental recovery. Tony emphasised that now is a moment of fundamental change for land managers, especially within the context of climate change and wildlife emergencies.
Nichola Jackson, Eycott Hill Events and Communications Officer said: "After many months of planning the conference, it was wonderful to see so many people from all aspects of the uplands come together to have inspiring and thought-provoking discussions. It was brilliant to share our work at Eycott Hill and what we’ve achieved over the five-year long project.
"The conference was made possible thanks to National Lottery Players and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thank you to our speakers, panel members and all those who attended – it was a great success!"
