Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the resounding success of the Seeing is Believing 2024 CEO Conference, held last month in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.
The event brought together leaders from Wildlife Trusts across the UK, along with notable conservationists Liz Bonnin, Chris Packham, and Megan McCubbin, to showcase the innovative conservation work throughout the two counties.
The conference highlighted the vital connection between land and sea, emphasising the importance of integrated conservation strategies and a collaborative approach to nature recovery.
A key highlight was the remarkable seagrass restoration efforts across the Solent, discussing initiatives to protect, restore, and monitor this crucial habitat. The conference also focused on the importance of healthy soils and river ecosystems, exploring the potential role of beavers in landscape restoration, flood and drought mitigation, and biodiversity enhancement.
The Trust's vision for a thriving, interconnected ecosystem was demonstrated through connected landscapes at the New Forest coast, particularly at Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes. Additionally, the successful synergy between rewilding and regenerative farming at Wilder Little Duxmore and Wilder Nunwell on the Isle of Wight was highlighted.
Hollie Fallick and Francesca Cooper from Nunwell Home Farm showcased how their regenerative farming practices integrate with the Trust's rewilding initiatives, providing a powerful example of collaboration in addressing biodiversity and climate crises while maintaining a viable business.
Insights from local pioneers, such as the Garlic Farm and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, highlighted how sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also drive economic resilience.
This conference marked a milestone in conservation collaboration, providing a platform for Wildlife Trust leaders to exchange ideas, debate challenging topics, and explore new possibilities for scaling up nature recovery and rewilding efforts across the UK.
The positive feedback and shared sense of purpose have reinforced our commitment to pioneering conservation strategies in our counties that can inspire local communities and be replicated nationwide.
"I was incredibly proud to be able to showcase the incredible work we are doing to other Wildlife Trusts as part of our collective mission to bring nature back," said Debbie Tann MBE, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
"This conference provided an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate how our integrated approach to conservation is enabling wildlife to bounce back, improve the wider environment and support the economy. The collaboration and knowledge exchange that took place have been truly inspiring. With gratitude and renewed determination, we are more committed than ever to pushing the boundaries of how to achieve nature's recovery through partnership working and innovation, which is becoming ever more urgent as 2030 approaches."
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust thanks everyone who participated and contributed to making this conference an outstanding success. And for all those in our two counties how have helped the Trust in pioneering this collaborative approach to nature recovery, setting a benchmark for conservation efforts nationwide.
