24th March 2026
Bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, the SNaP Forum is an annual series of events playing a key role in developing the Spatial Nature Planning (SNaP) Community. The Community aims to foster the exchange of experiences and expertise on systematic conservation planning (SCP) in England to support relevant policy and practice.
Register for online attendance here (closes 3pm on 23 March): SNaP Forum 2026 Online Registration
Building on the outcomes of the inaugural Spatial Nature Planning Forum 2025, the 2026 SNaP Forum will again be hosted at the University of Kent, Canterbury, supported by funding from the E3 Sharing Space for Nature initiative.
The agenda is shown below and attendance is free.
Main Forum: 24th March, 13.30 to 17.30
13:30-13:45 Welcome | Introduction to the Spatial Nature Planning (SNaP) Community and updates since 2025
Professor Bob Smith, University of Kent
13:45-14:15 Plenary | The policy context for spatial planning in England
Dr Pete Brotherton, Director of Science at Natural England
14:15-15:15 Presentations | Systematic conservation planning (SCP) best practice from around the world
Dr Jen McGowan, Nature Matters: Putting planning into practice: insights from around the world and new directions
Dr Fabrice Stephensen, Newcastle University and IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas: Development and use of the New Zealand Seafloor Community Classification to inform spatial planning
Dr Dominic Muenzel, University of Kent: Where should social forestry go next? Spatial prioritisation for conservation, restoration, and poverty alleviation in Indonesia
15:15-15:30 Break
15:30-16:30 Presentations | Examples of and opportunities for SCP in England
Karen Faux, Natural England: Delivering the Kent Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)
Dr David Baker, University of Exeter: Developing Cornwall’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy Using a Novel Spatial Prioritisation Model (Ebrel)
James Barton, University of Kent: Identifying priority landscapes for large-scale investment in nature recovery in England
16:30-17:15 Concurrent discussion groups
A: Best practice from around the world
B: Opportunities and examples in England
17:15-17:30 Closing address
The following events have been postponed or cancelled.
Fieldtrip: 24th March, 09.00-12:00
Option 1: Guided visit to Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve giving the chance to explore this Internationally Important Ramsar site and learn about the expansion of beavers into its mashes and wetlands.
Option 2: Guided walk in Blean Woods with Kent Wildlife Trust, to learn about the Wilder Blean project and with the potential to see bison.
Numbers are limited and first-come-first-serve, based on responses to the registration form. Return transport between the University of Kent Campus and fieldtrip site will be provided for those who require it.
Workshops and training: 25th March, 9.30 to 16:00
09:30-10:00 Arrival and coffee
10:00-12:00 Morning workshops
Working titles:
A. Introduction to applying the SCP process and its relevance to England
B. Towards priority features for SCP in England
D. How SCP can support UK policy and priorities for nature
13:00-16:00 Introductory training to SCP tools
Technical training: 26th March, 9.30 to 13:00
Advanced spatial prioritisation training with Marxan, R and CLUZ
Training cost: £125 for attendees external to DICE (including refreshments)