Wed 10 June 2026 18:00-21:00
Hybrid : Online Event + Watershed
Looking into the new western forest and how woodland creation is much more complex than large-scale tree planting.
Trees are transformational, and our region has a bold mission ahead: to create one of England’s new national forests. Can it be done, and what will the benefits be for communities, wildlife and businesses?
John Everitt (CEO, The National Forest) will open by sharing the nation’s ambitions for transforming landscapes. He will be followed by Jamie Audsley (Director, Western Forest) and Leah McNally (CEO, Avon Wildlife Trust) who will unveil plans for the region before handing over to Chiara Lodi (Research Manager, Black Southwest Network) to share early findings from Western Forest research exploring how we ensure forest creation is inclusive.
This event will be chaired by Darren Reynolds, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at UWE Bristol, with a welcome from Savita Willmott, Director of the Festival of Nature.
This event is part of The Festival of Nature.
18:00 Arrival & registration in Cinema 1
18:30 Event starts in Cinema 1/Livestream begins.
19:30 Q&A.
19:45 Event ends/livestream ends.
19:45-21:00 Networking and drinks
The Bristol Distinguished Address Series (BDAS) is brought to you by UWE Bristol, and provides an opportunity to hear unique perspectives and insights from change makers, activists, entrepreneurs, and people who have achieved amazing things in Bristol and beyond.
You can attend this event in person or watch online via live-stream. Please register so we can send you all the relevant details.
Attending in person: Further information on how to find us will be emailed to you a few days before the event.
Attending online: The live-stream link will be emailed to you a few days before the event.
Register your place here.