Wildlife Trust BCN AGM 2021

About the event

Due to the continuing uncertainty about the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust’s Council has taken the decision to hold this year’s AGM at the Cambourne office, and we'd love you to join us online!

The AGM will take place on Saturday 9th October and this year we are delighted to welcome TWO guest speakers; and the day will also include a choice of interactive sessions laid on by our Bedfordshire team.

The day will start at 11am with a welcome from Brian Eversham and talks from our two guest speakers: Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts movement, and Sir Partha Dasgupta, economist and leader of the independent review of the economics of biodiversity.

The formal AGM is at 12 noon and then, after a short break, you’ll be able to attend one of the interactive sessions on offer.

Please remember to state clearly which of the afternoon sessions you’d like to attend. Numbers on some sessions will be limited so if you’d like to indicate a second choice, please do so.

If you would like to make a donation towards our costs, do feel free to do so through your website booking or by cheque, payable to ‘The Wildlife Trust BCN’ at the above address. We are always grateful for and humbled by our members’ generosity.

Breakout Group Options

Pegsdon through the Seasons - A Virtual Guided Walk

Take a trip around our beautiful Pegsdon Hills from the comfort of your own home. Our Reserves staff will narrate as the cameras show you around the reserve and focus on some of the area’s fantastic wildlife highlights – recorded between April and September. The tour will also offer an insight into the challenges of managing such a diverse site, including conservation grazing. You will have the opportunity to ask the team any questions you have once the ‘tour’ has ended.

Rewilding Planning Policy’ – The Environment Act, Nature Recovery Network and Wildbelt

Join Matt Jackson, our Conservation Director, as he sheds some light on the Environment Act, how it fits with the work being done across our Trust, and its implications for our three counties. He’ll look at the concept of Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and how these might be achieved locally as well as discussing some of the wider planning issues facing our region. Matt will also ask what the Act means to you – what are the important issues that you feel should be the focus in your area – river catchments, the use of urban green space, wildlife gardening? Finally, there will be a discussion on how you can get involved in enacting change in your area.

‘Pools & Riffles’ – River Feature Workshop

A chance to participate in a live workshop with our Bedfordshire ‘Water for Wildlife Officer’, Lewis Dickinson. Learn about a river’s key features that perform different functions and create habitats and niches. Then, using the knowledge you’ve gained, it’s your turn to have a go at identifying these features in an activity which will have been sent to you ahead of the workshop. Come back to the group and discuss your answers before having the opportunity to quiz Lewis about our local waterways.

Let’s go ‘Batty’! - Bats near & far

Dr Gwen Hitchcock will be discussing the conservation and monitoring of bats across our three counties. These often misunderstood creatures are an excellent indicator of the condition of our habitats as well as being fascinating in their own right. She will also be drawing comparisons with her experience in Malawi last year where she spent a month on sabbatical with the African Bat Conservation. This is sure to be an enlightening talk, for anyone who is ‘batty about bats’ and for those who would like to find out a little more about these elusive and protected species.

Please note that you will need your membership number in order to register. You can find this on the envelope of your Local Wildlife magazine, or in your e-news bulletin. If you can't find it, please email agm@wildlifebcn.org.