Communicate 2023 Conference Programme

Together for Nature 14th, 15th and 16th November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London

Communicate 2023 Conference Programme

#Communicate2023

communicatenow.org.uk

#communicate2023

@nat_his_con

Together for Nature 14th - 16th November 2023 | Online Bristol Manchester London

Welcome to Communicate 2023 We're looking forward to welcoming you to this year's Communicate conference! Our annual conference for environmental communicators is set to be our biggest yet with 40 sessions taking place online, hybrid or live in Bristol, Manchester, and London.

As we continue to champion nature’s recovery against a background of challenges for our audiences and our organisations, we have worked with our partners to pull together a programme packed full of opportunities, inspiration, and practical help, alongside facilitated and open networking sessions.

The Communicate community continues to grow each year, and we’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions for how we can continue to strengthen the environmental communication sector in the UK. Keep in touch at communicate@bnhc.org.uk.

The Natural History Consortium in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council is proud to present a special strand of sessions running across all three days of the conference showcasing cutting-edge social science research.

Click to book your tickets for the conference

About us Communicate Conference has been running since 2004, and is produced by The Natural History Consortium, a charitable collaboration between Avon Wildlife Trust, Bath & Northeast Somerset Council, BBC, Bristol City Council, Bristol Zoological Society, Defra, Forestry England, National Trust, Natural England, University of Bath, University of Bristol, University of the West of England, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, and Woodland Trust.

Registered Charity: 1123432

What can I attend?

This year’s Communicate runs across 3 days on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th November 2023.

The Digital conference is taking place on all three days, with access to online sessions and hybrid content that will be livestreamed from the in-person venues. Tickets for the digital conference cost £25 +VAT. Click here to book a ticket.

The Bristol conference is taking place on Tuesday 14th November, with access to a full day of in-person talks and workshops at the M Shed. Find accessibility information about the venue here. Tickets for the Bristol conference cost £75 +VAT. [SOLD OUT] The Manchester conference is taking place on Wednesday 15th November, with access to a full day of in-person talks and workshops at The Lowry. Find accessibility information about the venue here. Tickets for the Manchester conference cost £75 +VAT. Click here to book a ticket.

The London conference is taking place on Thursday 16th November, with access to a full day of in-person talks and workshops at Woburn House. Find accessibility information about the venue here. Tickets for the London conference cost £75 +VAT. [SOLD OUT]

Digital content will be recorded and, where permission is given by the speaker to share, will be available to watch back via the Natural History Consortium YouTube channel and Communicate Archive following the conference. In-person workshops will not be recorded.

Conference strands National policy and national context

Engaging people

Our people

Social science Communications techniques

The Natural History Consortium in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council is proud to present a special strand of sessions running across all three days of the conference showcasing cutting-edge social science research.

Partnerships

communicatenow.org.uk

#communicate2023

@nat_his_con

DAY 1 - TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2023 Online and Bristol

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Bristol ticket, you can access and choose from the BRISTOL and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

Together for Nature 14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

At a glance

10:00 - 10:45 Bristol (Hybrid option) - Welcome with Jonny Keeling, BBC Studios Natural History Unit 11:00 - 11:45 Online - Rural and suburban audiences: research and segmentation tools

Bristol (Hybrid option) - Motivations and how people make decisions

12:00 - 12:45 Online - 10 ways to improve the impact of short-form video content

Bristol (live only) - Lunch and networking

13:00 - 13:45 Online - Kill the newsletter: why our approach to email is all wrong — and how to get it right

Bristol (Hybrid option) - Farming and the media: stories and voices

Bristol (live only) - Beyond tree planting: new ideas for environmental volunteering

14:00 - 14:45 Online - Audience insights: a briefing session on UK public attitudes with Ipsos

Bristol (Hybrid option) - Working with influencers

Bristol (live only) - You are already a great presenter

15:00 - 15:45 Online - Communication case study: From the Ash(es): flipping the script on tree felling

Bristol (Hybrid option) - Accessibility surgery

Bristol (live only) - What could radical rest look like in the sector?

16:00 - 16:30 Bristol (Hybrid option) - Closing Keynote: Shannon Walker, Social Disruption

Bristol (live only) - Diversity in the sector: a facilitated conversation

DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2023

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Manchester ticket, you can access the MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

Online and Manchester

Together for Nature 14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

At a glance 10:00 - 10:45 Manchester (Hybrid option) - In Conversation with Jon Alexander, New Citizenship Project

11:00 - 11:45 Online - Are we being extractive? Learning to decolonise our communications

Manchester (Hybrid option) - Creating effective content by, for and with young people

12:00 - 12:45 Online - Harnessing activism energy in staff and volunteers

Manchester (Hybrid option) - Learning from the region

13:00 - 13:45 Online - Community organising and systems change

Manchester (live only) - Lunch and networking

14:00 - 14:45 Online - What does AI mean for copy and social media in 2023?

Manchester (Hybrid option) - Communication and the cost of living crisis

15:00 - 15:45 Online - Relationship-centred practices

Manchester (Hybrid option) - Moving beyond debate into action and solutions

16:00 - 16:30 Manchester / Hybrid - In Conversation with Shaunagh Duncan, Oatly

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a London ticket, you can access and choose from the LONDON and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

DAY 3 - THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023 Online and London

Together for Nature 14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

At a glance 10:00 - 11:00 London (Hybrid option) - Opening remarks with Trudy Harrison MP

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Social science and the biodiversity crisis

11:15 - 12:00 Online - Communicating biodiversity net gain

London (Hybrid option) - Communicating our biodiversity impact

London (live only) - Innovative dialogue: public consultation on environmental themes

12:15 - 13:00 Online - Working remotely and managing distributed teams

London (Hybrid option) - Framing and audience insights

London (live only) - Keeping the natural environment relevant in a rapidly changing world

13:00 - 13:45 Online - Taking the idea of ‘place’ seriously in tackling environmental problems

London (live only)- Lunch and networking

14:00 - 14:45 Online - Ecological technologies: building planetary solidarity

London (Hybrid option) - In Conversation with Roger Harriban

15:00 - 15:45 London (Hybrid option) - Communicating across the divide

16:00 - 16:30 London (Hybrid option) - Closing keynote: Solitaire Townsend, Futerra

London (live only) - Joining up thinking across the nature, climate and health crises

DAY 1 - TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2023

Together for Nature

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Bristol ticket, you can access and choose from the BRISTOL and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

Online and Bristol

BRISTOL

ONLINE

BRISTOL / HYBRID

National context and national policy

Welcome with Jonny Keeling, BBC Studios Natural History Unit Welcome to Communicate 2023, our 19th edition. With delegates joining us from every corner of the UK we’ll be kick-starting three days of debate, discussion, sharing and showcasing.

10:00 - 10:45

Communicate is delighted to welcome Jonny Keeling, Head of BBC Studios Natural History Unit, to give opening remarks to open this year’s event.

Chaired by Savita Willmott, The Natural History Consortium.

Speaker: Jonny Keeling, BBC Studios Natural History Unit This is the only session running online and in-person during 10:00 - 10:45. The session will be livestreamed to our online audience from Bristol.

ONLINE

Engaging people

Rural and suburban audiences - research and segmentation tools 11:00 - 11:45

Showcasing two research projects to inform new thinking in the sector. The Rural Racism Project, undertaken by the Centre for Hate Studies, explores the experiences of ethnic minority households in rural natural spaces. The Audience Agency will share their audience segmentation tool, with a specific look at suburban families.

Speakers: Dr Amy Clarke, The Centre for Hate Studies Mohammed Dhalech, University of Leicester Jacqui Fortnum, The Audience Agency Chaired by Dr Laura Fogg Rogers, UWE

BRISTOL (hybrid option)

Social science

BRISTOL (live only)

National context and national policy

Motivations and how people make decisions

Diversity in the sector: a facilitated conversation

Part of our special Communicate series in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council, exploring how social science can help us tackle the biodiversity crisis. This session showcases current research and practice on how individuals and organisations make decisions.

Are our collective efforts to make the environmental sector more diverse working? Join other Communicate delegates for a facilitated discussion to explore how we as communicators can accelerate progress on ensuring the sector is accessible, welcoming and inclusive.

Speaker: Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, University of Bath Simeon Rose, Faith In Nature & Nature on the Board Chaired by Simon Garrett, Nature Positive

Speakers: Sophie Mallett, SEED Ellie Ward, Wildlife and Countryside Link Roy Kareem, Bright Green Future Chaired by Navroza Ladha, Natural England

DAY 1 - TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2023

Together for Nature

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Bristol ticket, you can access and choose from the BRISTOL and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

Online and Bristol

ONLINE ONLINE

12:00 - 12:45

Communications techniques

BRISTOL (live only)

BRISTOL

10 ways to improve the impact of short-form video content

Lunch and networking

Do you want to make scroll-stopping video content using your phone to create brilliant TikToks, Instagram and Facebook Reels, or YouTube Shorts? Rhian Williams, founder of Be Better Known, specialises in supporting organisations to reach new audiences in an affordable way. She’ll share her top ten tips to improve the quality and impact of your short-form video content – no previous experience necessary.

Our conference delegate list will be shared in advance, and the Communicate team will be on hand to help with introductions.

If you’re booked for a live event, please join us for a vegetarian / vegan lunch and a chance to connect with other delegates.

Quiet spaces are also available for those who need to take a break, or wish to watch the online session.

Speaker: Rhian Williams, Be Better Known Chaired by Polly Allen, Media Trust

ONLINE

Communications techniques

Kill the newsletter: why our approach to email is all wrong — and how to get it right 13:00 - 13:45

The sector has fallen into a monthly generic newsletter trap, and it’s doing us more harm than good. Join this session if you want to inject new email energy into your organisation, improve performance, discover how you can be more creative and ultimately how to build an email programme that inspires your community to act.

Speaker: Alex Fearon, Maybe Later Chaired by Valerie Leisten, Media Trust

BRISTOL (hybrid option) Engaging people

BRISTOL (live only)

Farming and the media: stories and voices

Beyond tree planting: new ideas for environmental volunteering

Farmers and landowners are critical players in nature’s recovery, yet there is still a need to build better relationships and understanding across the sector. Our panel will explore the farming and nature stories that we hear through the media and whose voices are heard.

Speakers: Dimitri Houtart, BBC Rural Affairs Anna Jones, Just Farmers Humphrey Lloyd, Three Hares Farm Chaired by Pete Williams, Soil Association

Partnerships

How can we involve more people in taking action for nature?

Join other delegates for a facilitated open space session to share and co-create new volunteering offers.

Speakers: Open space session hosted by the Communicate team.

DAY 1 - TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2023

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Bristol ticket, you can access and choose from the BRISTOL and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

Online and Bristol

ONLINE ONLINE

National context and national policy

BRISTOL

Partnerships

BRISTOL (live only)

Communications techniques

You are already a great presenter

How are public attitudes towards the environment changing?

Mike Clemence from Ipsos Trends & Foresight will share the latest data and insight from Ipsos to reveal the latest developments in UK views of Net Zero, climate change, green behaviours and more.

How can we take our environmental stories to new audiences, and build powerful partnerships? Natalie Lam will explore the opportunities for engaging influencers on any budget, and guide how you can equip your organisation with the knowledge and resources as a brand to launch a successful influencer campaign.

Face-to-face presenting is a key skill for environmental communicators: Whether it's speaking at conferences, sharing project updates with stakeholders, or showing off an amazing venue. In this interactive workshop, professional presentation coach Barney Speed-Grenfell will give you some top-tips to help you unleash your passion for presenting!

Speaker: Mike Clemence, Ipsos Trends & Foresight Chaired by Sarah Jackson, Bath & North East Somerset Council

Speaker: Natalie Lam, Greenhouse Agency Chaired by Natalie Middleton, Bristol Zoological Society

Speaker: Barney Speed-Grenfell, Ignited Presenting Chaired by Mark Leach, Bristol City Council

ONLINE

BRISTOL (hybrid option) Engaging people

BRISTOL (live only)

Accessibility surgery

What could radical rest look like in the sector?

Looking for some new tools, inspiration or confidence to ensure your communications are as accessible as possible?

Join the team from All Able and other Communicate delegates for our Accessibility Surgery and get practical advice and support. No prior knowledge or experience needed, but please do bring along any current challenges!

“I feel I am always on a treadmill, keeping things going...”

The ecological emergency, eco-anxiety and funding pressures can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and a feeling of constantly rushing to the next project. What could radical rest look like in the sector? Kate Oliver has been researching the need for rest in the cultural sector, and invites you to find out more, share your experiences – and have a rest. Share your thoughts ahead of the session in this survey.

Communications techniques

Communication case study: From the Ash(es): flipping the script on tree felling

15:00 - 15:45

14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

Working with influencers

Audience insights: what do the UK public think about the environment and climate change?

14:00 - 14:45

BRISTOL (hybrid option)

Together for Nature

How we can effectively engage our audiences with our real-life conservation challenges? The engagement team at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, will open this session with a recent case study of Ash Dieback. They will share how they are turning the devastation of felling 5,000 trees into an opportunity for public engagement and community cohesion, before opening the floor to Communicate delegates.

Speakers: Emily Burgin, Oscar Adams, Susanna Bayliss, Nia Crouch, Forestry England

Speakers: George Rhodes, Georgia Mann, Ben Watson, All Able

Speaker: Kate Oliver

Our people

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Bristol ticket, you can access and choose from the BRISTOL and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

DAY 1 - TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2023 Online and Bristol

Together for Nature 14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

BRISTOL

ONLINE

BRISTOL (hybrid option)

Partnerships

Closing keynote: Shannon Walker, Social Disruption Shannon Walker is an award-winning changemaker, recently recognised in PRWeek’s esteemed 30 under 30 list and “Black Representation in Media (BRiM) changemakers awards.

Her expertise lies in transformative ‘people first’ digital and influencer communications with purpose and inclusivity at the forefront to inspire positive change.

16:00 - 16:30 Speaker: Shannon Walker, Social Disruption Chaired by Savita Willmott, The Natural History Consortium

This is the only session running online and in-person during 16:00 - 16:30. The session will be livestreamed to our online audience from Bristol.

For those attending the in-person day at M Shed in Bristol, we invite you to continue networking over drinks provided at a nearby venue.

DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2023

Together for Nature

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Manchester ticket, you can access the MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

Online and Manchester

BRISTOL

ONLINE

MANCHESTER (hybrid option)

Engaging people

In Conversation with Jon Alexander, New Citizenship Project Jon Alexander, author of the best-selling book CITIZENS, believes passionately that communication must not just be about informing or even mobilising individual behaviour change, but instead inviting people into their collective agency as citizens. In conversation with Savita Willmott, Chief Executive of The Natural History Consortium.

10:00 - 10:45 Speaker: Jon Alexander, New Citizenship Project Chaired by Savita Willmott, The Natural History Consortium

This is the only session running online and in-person during 10:00 - 10:45. The session will be livestreamed to our online audience from Manchester.

ONLINE

11:00 - 11:45

Engaging people

MANCHESTER (hybrid option)

Engagingpeople people Engaging

Are we being extractive? Learning to decolonise our communications

Creating effective content by, for and with young people

As we face such huge crises in our natural world, inclusive global collaboration is essential in the way we communicate the state of our planet. In this panel we discuss the process of becoming more aware of whom and what benefits from the ways in which we communicate, and ask: what does fair, decolonised communication about the natural world look like?

Curated in partnership with Filmmakers for Future: Wildlife.

Looking for inspiration for new content, channels and campaigns? From Blue Peter, to Gen Z, to influential youth councils - our panel showcases current research, projects and user-generated ideas from children and young people who are taking a fresh approach to connecting people with nature.

Speakers: Pauline Kyalo, Wildlife Direct and Project Songbird Jane Dawson, UWE Bristol & University of Bristol Chaired by Tom Richards, Filmmakers for Future: Wildlife

Speakers: Rebecca Roberts, Thread and Fable Rebecca Maxted, BBC Audio North Ellen Evans, BBC Blue Peter Lydia German, Lancashire Wildlife Trust Chaired by Connor Davies, Bristol Zoological Society

DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2023

Together for Nature

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Manchester ticket, you can access the MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

Online and Manchester

BRISTOL

ONLINE ONLINE

12:00 - 12:45

Our people

National context and national policy

Harnessing activism energy in staff and volunteers

Learning from the region

How do we best support our staff and volunteers in this new age of employee activism?

Megan Reitz shares thoughts on what employees want from their organisations and how leaders in the environmental sector can rise to the challenge of building proactive and productive organisations where every voice and perspective has the chance to make a difference.

As Communicate brings a live event to the North West for the first time, we’ll hear from an inspiring range of local and regional exemplary projects who are connecting people and nature.

Speaker: Megan Reitz, Hult International Business School Chaired by Anna Woolman, Environment Agency

ONLINE

13:00 - 13:45

MANCHESTER (hybrid option)

Our people

Speakers: Jason Williams, The Cloud Gardener Ellie Sherlock, Climate Change Agency Kirsty Tyler, Lancashire Wildlife Trust Chaired by Alan Wright, Lancashire Wildlife Trust

MANCHESTER (hybrid option)

Engaging people

Community organising and systems change

Lunch and networking

How can we motivate communities to come together and take action for nature? Our panel will share a range of inspiring examples and practical ideas from a range of sectors, showcasing the opportunities to use community organising to create real and systematic changes for the natural world.

If you’re booked for a live event, please join us for a vegetarian / vegan lunch and a chance to connect with other delegates.

Speakers: Mohammed Afridi, Civic Power Fund Sotez Chowdhury, Friends of the Earth Hannah Martin, Green New Deal Rising

Our conference delegate list will be shared in advance, and the Communicate team will be on hand to help with introductions.

Quiet spaces are also available for those who need to take a break, or wish to watch the online session.

DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2023

Together for Nature

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Manchester ticket, you can access the MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

Online and Manchester

BRISTOL

ONLINE ONLINE

14:00 - 14:45

Communications techniques

Engaging people

What does AI mean for copy and social media in 2023?

Communication and the cost of living crisis

The emergence of ChatGPT and related AI tools in 2023 is having a huge impact on copywriting and content creation. Marketing consultant Jo Burnham will walk us through some recent tools and discuss how they might be explored and applied. No previous knowledge or experience required!

The UK is facing a cost of living crisis with inflation and rising prices on everyday essentials.

Our panel will explore how financial pressures on our own organisations shapes our programme delivery and priorities, and how we can sensitively and effectively communicate with our audiences (including seeking donations, support and membership) while they face their own challenges.

Speakers: Adam Ogilvie, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm Lorna O’Neill, Surge Communications Dr Saira Ali, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

Speaker: Jo Burnham Chaired by Charlotte Zamboni, Global Action Plan

ONLINE

15:00 - 15:45

MANCHESTER (hybrid option)

Our people

MANCHESTER (hybrid option)

Engaging people Social science

Relationship-centred practices

Moving beyond debate into action and solutions

Relationships span every corner of our lives, from the places we live and work to the places we socialise and seek help. Our panel will explore the role of relationships and well-being across the sector as we strive to create change together. If we value and strengthen the bonds between individuals and organisations, can we increase our impact?

Part of our special Communicate series in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council, exploring how social science can help us tackle the biodiversity crisis.

This session showcases current and cutting-edge research mobilising stakeholder and public audiences to take evidence-based action for nature.

Speakers: Immy Robinson, The Relationships Project Jude Fransman, The Open University Chaired by Helen Featherstone, University of Bath

Speakers: Sarah West, University of York and SEI York Peter Kraftl, University of Birmingham

DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2023

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a Manchester ticket, you can access the MANCHESTER / HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

Online and Manchester

Together for Nature 14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

BRISTOL

ONLINE

MANCHESTER (hybrid option)

National context and national policy

In Conversation with Shaunagh Duncan, Oatly

16:00 - 16:30

Shaunagh Duncan is Oatly’s Head of Sustainability for Europe and International Markets. Oatly’s mission is to make it easier for people to eat better without recklessly tackling our planet’s resources – so sustainability is one of the company’s core values. Shaunagh has extensive experience in sustainability and joined Oatly in April 2021.

Previously she worked as Global Head of Sustainability for renewable energy company Bulb. Shaunagh has a Masters in Sustainability Engineering and is currently studying for an MBA, due to graduate in early 2023.

Speaker: Shaunagh Duncan, Oatly Chaired by Savita Willmott, The Natural History Consortium This is the only session running online and in-person during 16:00 - 16:30. The session will be livestreamed to our online audience from Manchester.

For those attending the in-person day at The Lowry in Manchester we invite you to continue networking over drinks provided at a nearby venue.

Engaging people

DAY 3 - THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a London ticket, you can access and choose from the LONDON and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

Online and London

14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

BRISTOL

ONLINE

LONDON (hybrid option) 10:00 - 10:30

Together for Nature

Social science

Opening Remarks with Trudy Harrison MP Speaker: Trudy Harrison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Natural Environment and Land Use), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Unfortunately Trudy Harrison, MP, will no longer be able to join us in person.

She is preparing a video answering a number of questions posed by the Communicate conference editorial committee. We will show this video live at the London event.

Social science and the biodiversity crisis 10:30 - 11:00

How can social science and interdisciplinary research help us tackle the ecological and climate crisis? Part of our special Communicate series in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council, this session explores opportunities for better cross-sector working as well as current research on behaviour change.

Speakers: Birgitta Gatersleben and Melissa Marselle, University of Surrey

ONLINE

11:15 - 12:00

National context and national policy

LONDON (hybrid option)

Partnerships

Communicating biodiversity net gain

Communicating our biodiversity impact

Biodiversity Net Gain is a coming legal requirement that affects multiple sectors and differing audiences. As environmental communicators, we have a critical role supporting internal, public and stakeholder engagement. This session will explore language, potential pitfalls and the opportunities for communicating the rationale and process for BNG as part of nature’s recovery.

Curated by Natural England. Chaired by Katherine Wingate, Natural England.

How can a media organisation measure – and communicate – its biodiversity footprint? The Guardian and BBC Group have been working on innovative approaches with the University of Oxford and our panel will share emerging insights on the opportunities for internal and external communications.

Speakers: Dr Nick White, Natural England Dr Julia Baker, Mott MacDonald

Speakers: Phoebe Weston, The Guardian Danielle Mulder, BBC Group Joseph Bull, University of Oxford Chaired by Rachel Parkes, Greenhouse Communications

LONDON (live only)

Engaging people

Innovative dialogue: public consultation on environmental themes How can we involve more, and more diverse, citizen voices in environmental decision making? This session looks behind the scenes at two innovative projects: The People’s Plan for Nature and NERC’s public dialogue work.

Speakers: Hannah Collins, Natural Environment Research Council Alex Hunt, National Trust Kathryn Machin, WWF-UK Henrietta Hopkins, Hopkins Van Mil

DAY 3 - THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

Together for Nature

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a London ticket, you can access and choose from the LONDON and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

Online and London

ONLINE ONLINE

12:15 - 13:00

Our people

Working remotely and managing distributed teams

Framing and audience insights

Covid-19 changed the way we work, with many staff and volunteers now working flexibly or remotely. New challenges arise supporting distributed teams or managing partnership projects where relationships are built online. Jamila Daley-Jeffers of Tabitha's People is a charity consultant who has worked with a range of organisations, and will facilitate this interactive discussion to share ideas between delegates.

How can environmental communicators best frame the current conservation and ecological crisis in today’s public discourse?

Nicky Hawkins is a specialist in narratives and environmental change and will share research, insights and practical examples.

Speaker: Jamila Daley-Jeffers, Tabitha's People Chaired by Jacob Burley

Speaker: Nicky Hawkins, Heard

ONLINE

LONDON (live only)

Social science

Taking the idea of ‘place’ seriously in tackling environmental problems 13:00 - 13:45

LONDON (hybrid option)

National context and national policy

How can thinking with place help us to create effective communications and campaigns to connect people and nature? In what ways can concepts like place attachment help us to better understand how people respond to change in places and landscapes? How can we better connect place research and realworld action?

Speaker: Patrick Devine-Wright, University of Exeter

BRISTOL

LONDON (live only)

National context and national policy

Keeping the natural environment relevant in a rapidly changing world Forestry England's mission is to connect people to forests.

From augmented reality to behavioural change techniques and creative communications on small budgets, Josephine Lavelle will share successful approaches and explore current and future trends to reach people and stay relevant in an increasingly complex world.

Speaker: Josephine Lavelle, Forestry England Chaired by Stu Payton, The Natural History Consortium

Lunch and networking If you’re booked for a live event, please join us for a vegetarian / vegan lunch and a chance to connect with other delegates.

Our conference delegate list will be shared in advance, and the Communicate team will be on hand to help with introductions.

Quiet spaces are also available for those who need to take a break, or wish to watch the online session.

DAY 3 - THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a London ticket, you can access and choose from the LONDON and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

Online and London

ONLINE ONLINE

14:00 - 14:45

Engaging people

14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

BRISTOL Communications techniques

Ecological technologies: building planetary solidarity

In Conversation with Roger Harrabin

Join technologists, futurists, and greening activists to consider how technology can help us restore our connection to nature. The panel will explore how emerging technologies can form planetary solidarity in building just and equitable futures.

Hosted by Mark Funnell, National Trust. Roger Harrabin was the BBC’s energy and environment analyst until July 2022, founder-presenter of Radio 4’s ‘Costing the Earth’ and has worked internationally interviewing prime ministers, CEO’s and environmental leaders.

Speakers: Kalpana Arias, Nowadays on Earth Itamar Lilienthal (Ita), Lead at Casa Tamarindo Scott Hill Guarani, Guarani Kaiowá people Callie Rojewski, Cyber Collective

Speaker: Roger Harrabin Chaired by Mark Funnell, National Trust

ONLINE

LONDON (hybrid option)

15:00 - 15:45

LONDON (hybrid option)

Together for Nature

National context and national policy

LONDON (live only)

BRISTOL National context and national policy

Communicating across the divide

Joining up thinking across the nature, climate and health crises

Our environmental messages and campaigns find our audiences in an increasingly fractured and polarised society. Our panel shares their research on insights on what is driving us apart, what could bring us closer together, and how we might effectively communicate across the divide. Can the ecological crisis be a shared common ground in the UK?

Across the UK, people and organisations are straining under the weight of numerous interconnected crises. As communicators, how can we join up policy and campaigns into coherent messages that deliver greater benefits across society? Our panel of professionals from the health, climate and ecological sectors, explore the bigger picture, and how we can work beyond and across silos. Curated by Natural England. Chaired by Dom Higgins, Wildlife Trusts.

Speakers: Luke Tryl, More in Common Kirsty Sedgman, University of Bristol Chaired by Timandra Harkness

Speakers: Dr Elaine Mulcahy, UK Health Alliance on Climate Dave Bell, Natural England Dr Radha Modgil, National Academy for Social Prescribing

DAY 3 - THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

If you have a Digital ticket, you can access and choose from the ONLINE and HYBRID sessions on this day. If you have a London ticket, you can access and choose from the LONDON and HYBRID sessions on this day. HYBRID sessions will take place at the in-person venue and be livestreamed for our online audience.

Online and London

Together for Nature 14 - 16 November 2023 Online Bristol Manchester London communicatenow.org.uk

BRISTOL

ONLINE

LONDON (hybrid option)

Engaging people

Closing keynote: Solitaire Townsend, Futerra

16:00 - 16:30

Solitaire Townsend is a renowned sustainability expert who works with some of the worlds’ most influential organisations. She is Co-founder & Chief Solutionist at Futerra and Trustee of the Solutions Union. In 2023 she was named ‘Agency Lead of the Year’ at Adweek’s Sustainability Awards. Solitaire will close Communicate 2023 with a message of “evidence-based hope” for the sector.

Speakers: Solitaire Townsend, Futerra Chaired by Savita Willmott, The Natural History Consortium

This is the only session running online and in-person during 16:00 - 16:30. The session will be livestreamed to our online audience from London.

For those attending the in-person day at Woburn House in London, we invite you to continue networking over drinks provided at a nearby venue.

communicatenow.org.uk Programme design by Isabelle Pulletz