This autumn, a bold new event will bring together people from across the nature and climate movement to focus on urgent environmental goals.
The first-ever Wild Summit will take place on Thursday 11 September 2025 at the Bristol Beacon. The event will be hosted by Wildlife and Countryside Link and will bring together over 30 major nature organisations and more than 1000 people for a full day of talks, workshops and sessions. Speakers will include Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England; Ruth Davis, UK Special Representative on Nature, writer and campaigner; and Ben Goldsmith, environmentalist and government advisor on nature recovery.
WCL says the Summit comes at a crucial time. In 2022, the UK Government promised to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. But progress is lagging far behind – with just 2.92% of England’s land and 9% of its seas currently well protected for wildlife. Meanwhile, one in six UK species is at risk of extinction.
Through talks, panel discussions, workshops and networking, the Summit will shine a light on what’s working – from local community-led projects to national campaigns, new research to nature-based business models. It will also explore the big changes still needed: in policy, funding, land use, and how people access the natural world.
Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said:
“This is a moment for people who want to turn the tide for wildlife and end nature’s decline. Whether you’re restoring a river, leading a rewilding project, influencing policy, inspiring your community to care for a local greenspace, or you are just passionate about restoring nature – this is your space.
“We know what’s possible when we work together. The Wild Summit will be a powerful moment to share that energy, build momentum, and push for real change.”
Bristol is the heart of wildlife filmmaking, the first UK city to receive the European Green Capital Award, and home to the country’s first Local Nature Recovery Strategy, launched by the West of England Combined Authority. These initiatives, along with the efforts of the West of England Nature Partnership, show this vibrant city’s commitment to environmental innovation in a time when it is needed most. And make it a natural host city for the first ever Wild Summit.
The event is backed by a wide coalition of nature charities, including the RSPB, Woodland Trust, WWF UK, Marine Conservation Society, and the National Trust, with the Natural History Consortium – who run the city’s Festival of Nature – as key delivery partners.
Tickets go on sale on 9 June 2025. There will be both in-person and online options, with subsidised places for students, early-career professionals, grassroots groups, and local residents passionate about the natural world.
To book tickets visit :
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wild-summit-2025-tickets-1299419822669
