Morning, Thursday, 12th February 2026
Online
This conference will consider next steps for biodiversity, conservation, and restoration in England.
Following publication of the UK National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, discussion will focus on the forthcoming Environmental Improvement Plan, Land Use Framework, and 30by30 Delivery Strategy.
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to consider implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy, against the backdrop of recent commitments and reforms. Attendees will examine the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and related measures, including Natural England’s new corporate strategy, looking at implications for both nature recovery, and for housing and infrastructure delivery.
Sessions will bring out latest thinking on planning reforms, regulatory responsibilities, and the departmental and wider coordination necessary for meeting domestic and international biodiversity targets.
Delegates will assess approaches to the integration of biodiversity objectives into land use policy, farming systems, and local delivery - looking at implementation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies and Environmental Delivery Plans, revisions to Environmental Land Management schemes, and funding allocations from the 2025 Spending Review. Discussion will also consider latest thinking on balancing land use pressures for food, housing, and nature, alongside best practice and incentives for nature-friendly farming.
On Biodiversity Net Gain, sessions will assess implications of reform to requirements and planning processes for small sites and NSIPs, as well as emerging indications of the impact of exemptions and off-site credits. Strategies for financing biodiversity recovery will be examined, including public-private investment mechanisms - such as the proposed Nature Restoration Fund and Nature Market Accelerator - and the impact of new green finance standards in providing confidence for investors and supporting market expansion.
We also expect discussion to look at the marine environment, considering the extension of marine protected areas, implementation of legislation for the High Seas Treaty, aligning with the UK Marine Strategy framework, and implications for economic activity and environmental recovery.
Overview of areas for discussion
- policy priorities: consistency of objectives across government - timing of delivery in relation to domestic targets and international commitments
- regulatory reform: proposals from the Corry Review to streamline oversight - effects of recent findings from the OEP - implications of reform for enforcement, delivery capacity, and public trust
- local delivery: effects of differences in local authority resources and expertise - approaches to monitoring, reporting, and accountability at regional level
- funding and capacity: adequacy of budgets for meeting statutory targets - capacity of Defra and delivery bodies to provide leadership and skills
- markets and finance: requirements for corporate disclosures on biodiversity-related risks - impact of Overarching Principles Standard for investor confidence and market integrity
- marine environment: extension of marine protected areas - Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction implementation - UK Marine Strategy - economic activity and environmental recovery impact
