The Wild Summit 2026 at Bristol Beacon

Last week, we attended the Wild Summit at Bristol Beacon, joining an incredibly diverse group of people united by a shared interest in the future of nature, wildlife and the landscapes around us.

What stayed with us most was the warmth of the event and the willingness of people to share their knowledge, experiences and ideas. Representatives from farming, conservation, science, education, land management, policy and community projects all brought different perspectives, yet there was a genuine sense of collaboration and a desire to work towards something bigger than any one organisation or individual.

At a time when environmental discussions can often feel dominated by challenges, it was refreshing to spend the day surrounded by people focused on practical solutions and positive action. There was a strong sense of hope throughout the event, alongside a recognition that lasting change is most likely to happen when people are willing to learn from one another and work together.

One of the highlights was a fascinating discussion around farming and the important role farmers have in shaping the future of our countryside. The conversation explored how food production, land management and biodiversity can work hand in hand, with many examples of positive change already taking place across the country.

We were particularly encouraged to see the level of interest in the session Rethinking Species Recovery. Demand was so high that the room quickly filled to capacity, highlighting just how many people are engaging with conversations around biodiversity, habitat creation and creating more space for nature.

It was a positive reminder that these discussions are attracting growing interest from across society, bringing together farmers, conservationists, scientists, land managers, educators and gardeners who all have an important role to play in supporting wildlife recovery.

These themes sit at the heart of what we are trying to achieve through English Country Gardens. We believe that increasing biodiversity and making space for nature should not be reserved for large estates or major conservation projects. Whether through a farm, a village green, an allotment or a small garden, meaningful change often begins with simple actions taken consistently over time.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the day was seeing so many different sectors represented in the same space. Scientists, conservationists, farmers, educators, policymakers, businesses and volunteers all have an important role to play, and events such as the Wild Summit provide valuable opportunities to connect, share ideas and learn from one another.

We left the event feeling optimistic. There is no single solution to the challenges facing nature and wildlife, but there are an extraordinary number of passionate and knowledgeable people working towards a better future.

We're grateful to have been part of the conversation and look forward to sharing more of the ideas, organisations and people that inspired us throughout the day.

A special thank you to James Benwell for kindly providing a number of the photographs used in this feature.