How can the John Clare Countryside benefit the people of Peterborough, Stamford and the Deepings? It’s the big question we’re asking at an inspiring event this December.
Following an exciting summer conference, at which an ambitious vision for landscape-scale nature recovery was unveiled, the John Clare Countryside partnership will be exploring how the project can benefit local people at an event in Peterborough on Tuesday 10 December 2024.
Influential and inspiring speakers will be taking to the stage for ‘Clare in the City’, at ARU Peterborough, which will focus on opportunities for residents living in the urban areas surrounding the John Clare Countryside.
Kicking things off at 10am, JCC chair and event compère Richard Astle will introduce Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, who will be speaking on ‘Why Clare matters to us all – the benefits of landscape-scale nature recovery’.
Afterwards, acclaimed nature writer Mark Cocker – author of Crow Country, Our Place, and One Midsummer’s Day – will make the case for ‘Harnessing Clare’s Legacy’.
The John Clare Trust’s Keira Harvey will then explore how Clare’s natural world can be brought to life for a new generation, after which James Tusting, Head of Land and Property at Burghley Estate, will address why the JCC project matters.
Imagining a better tomorrow
After a break at 11.30am, a series of round-table discussions will delve into the following topics:
- Community cohesion: How can we facilitate stronger community connectivity?
- Education: Can Clare’s legacy help today’s children improve their skills and health?
- Health and wellbeing: How can the John Clare Countryside improve people’s health and wellbeing?
- Visitor economy: What are the opportunities to boost the local visitor economy?
- Climate and biodiversity crisis: Creating a nature-rich landscape that also stores carbon.
Residents of Peterborough, Stamford and the Deepings are encouraged to attend and help shape the future of the John Clare Countryside. Places at the event are limited and must be booked in advance.
When: 10am–1pm, Tuesday 10 December 2024
Where: ARU Peterborough, University House, Bishop’s Road, Peterborough, PE1 5BW (what3words: ///audit.swing.sparks)
Parking: On-site parking is limited. There are pay-and-display car parks nearby: Bishop’s Road, Car Haven and Riverside.
Public transport: ARU Peterborough is about 20 minutes’ walk from the city’s railway and bus stations. Local buses 4 (Parwell–City Hospital) and 61 (Newark–Queensgate) stop outside the nearby lido.
To book a place at Clare in the City, email chair@langdyke.org.uk