The Spatial Nature Planning (SNaP) Forum will return to the University of Kent, Canterbury, from 24–26 March 2026, bringing together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to advance the role of systematic conservation planning in England.
Systematic conservation planning is a well-established approach used internationally to guide conservation and restoration. It enables ecological and socio-economic data to be combined with stakeholder priorities to identify where nature recovery actions can most efficiently deliver impact.
Building on the success of the inaugural Forum in 2025, the 2026 event will support the continued development of the SNaP Community in England. This is a growing community of practice focused on sharing experience and expertise to strengthen evidence-based spatial planning for nature.
Supported by funding from the E3 Sharing Space for Nature initiative, the Forum will feature a range of talks on 24 March, including on international best practice in SCP, examples of its application in England, and discussion of how it can support national policy priorities for nature recovery. The programme will be complemented by a local field trip and two days of in-person workshops and training on 25–26 March, with advanced technical training offered on 26 March.
Attendance at the Forum is free. The event is in-person, but talks will be recorded and uploaded to the DICE YouTube channel after the event. We are happy to offer a limited number of travel and accommodation grants for those who work on relevant topics but require funding to attend.
Registration is open until 20th February and enquiries can be sent to diceconsulting@kent.ac.uk