Event: Spatial Nature Planning (SNaP) Forum 2026
Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology (DICE), University of Kent
The Spatial Nature Planning (SNaP) Forum is a free annual event supporting the development of a community of practice for systematic conservation planning (SCP) in England. It will bring together relevant representatives from government, local authorities, NGOs and academia who are involved in spatial planning and conservation.
Building on the inaugural Forum in 2025, the 2026 SNaP Forum will take place at the University of Kent, Canterbury on 24–26 March 2026, supported by the E3 Sharing Space for Nature initiative. Through talks and workshops on 24–25 March, the Forum will introduce the SNaP Community, share international case studies, showcase examples from England, and explore how SCP can support national policy priorities for nature. A full agenda and registration form is available on the Forum webpage.
What is SCP?
SCP is a decision-science approach that brings together ecological and socio-economic data with stakeholder priorities to identify where conservation and nature recovery actions can deliver the greatest impact. While widely applied internationally, its uptake in England is growing, with increasing potential to inform spatial planning and development processes and support policy implementation such as Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) and 30x30.
Who should attend?
The Forum is relevant to those involved in land-use and conservation planning, protected area management, area-based policy such as LNRS, or landscape-scale nature recovery programmes. Attendees will gain practical insights into applying spatial approaches within policy, development, and land management contexts, and will have opportunities to exchange knowledge and build professional networks. You will leave with a clearer understanding of how SCP can be applied in your work to prioritise conservation and restoration actions more efficiently.
Attendance is free, including lunch and refreshments. Some travel grants are available — please get in touch with a short explanation of how attending would support your work. For enquiries, contact: [email protected]
About Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology (DICE) / University of Kent
DICE is an internationally renowned teaching and research institute based in the UK. We carry out re-wilding research, planning and monitoring to restore nature across Kent and the UK. Our courses provide world-class training in ecological and social science field techniques. Our work mixes the natural and social sciences to deliver people-centric conservation solutions.
DICE is an internationally renowned teaching and research institute based in the UK. We carry out re-wilding research, planning and monitoring to restore nature across Kent and the UK. Our courses provide world-class training in ecological and social science field techniques. Our work mixes the natural and social sciences to deliver people-centric conservation solutions.
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