Event Agenda:
08:00 – 08:45
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
08:45 – 09:45
Introduction & Talks
09:45 – 10:15
Q&A
10:15 – Departure
Details:
Wednesday 13th November 2024
08:00 – 10:15
The Orchard Barn @ Nicholsons
The Park
North Aston
Oxfordshire
OX25 6HL
Learn how mindful soil management might save one client up to £1 million
Join us for an insightful morning dedicated to tackling the pressing issue in construction and land management: the sustainable handling and assessment of soils.
This event will be valuable to all involved in this sector, including landscape architects, garden designers, architects, planners, main contractors, developers and other stakeholders within the construction industry.
With poor soil practices leading to increased emissions, habitat loss and financial setbacks, it’s crucial to rethink our approach. Our presentations will delve into actionable strategies for reducing carbon emissions through smart design, protecting existing habitats to support biodiversity and maximising soil resources.
Attendees will also discover the cost-saving benefits of these sustainable practices, reinforcing the importance of proactive measures – not only for regulatory compliance but also for sound environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.
Our Speakers
Liz Nicholson
Managing Director
Liz will explore how improved design strategies can significantly reduce carbon emissions in construction projects. She’ll discuss the environmental impact of CO2 released from soil movement, excavation and export, supported by published data and Vacant and Derelict Land (VDL) research. Liz will outline practical steps to minimise these emissions by retaining soils in situ, modifying designs and avoiding sealed surfaces. She’ll also highlight opportunities for creating exemplar projects that minimise Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) loss, offering both environmental benefits and enhanced relationships with planning authorities.
Rachel Jackson
Senior Ecological Consultant
Rachel will focus on the importance of protecting existing habitats through sustainable soil management practices that align with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) principles. She’ll discuss strategies for retaining Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) to prevent habitat degradation and highlight how preserving seedbanks and essential microorganisms supports long-term soil health. Rachel will explain the benefits of maintaining nutrient-poor habitats, which are ideal for creating and enhancing wildflower meadows. She’ll also cover the ecological opportunities present in different soil types, such as low-nutrient and sandy soils, which contribute to rich and diverse ecosystems.
Robin Truslove
Principal Forestry & Environmental Consultant
Robin will discuss strategies for optimising soil resource re-use in construction and land management. He’ll cover the importance of understanding soil properties and volumes to ensure that habitats are matched to the right soil types. Robin will explain best practices for minimising soil compaction and structure loss, from selecting the right machinery to establishing efficient haulage routes. He’ll also walk through practical implementation steps, including stripping, storing and replacing soil, while protecting seed integrity. Finally, Robin will highlight the value of monitoring soil moisture and setting hold points to guarantee successful placement and loosening.
Jonny McCree
Estimating Manager
Finally, Jonny will explore the financial benefits of smart soil management in construction. He’ll discuss the high costs associated with unnecessary soil movement and export, which are influenced by rising labour rates and fuel prices. Jonny will highlight how poor soil handling can lead to costly landscaping failures, such as tree replacements and re-seeding waterlogged areas. He’ll provide insights into cost-saving opportunities, like deepening soils and opting for low-intensity, semi-natural habitats over ornamental planting.
OUR EVENTS
Throughout the year, our marketing team will organise a variety of events for our clients, colleagues and industry professionals. Full details of each event will be uploaded below.
Previous Events
Check out our recent events by clicking on the tabs on the left.
‘Working with Water – Capturing the Opportunities’
April 2024
Join us for an insightful morning dedicated to the critical exploration of water and its profound impact on the land and environmental sectors.
Our discussions will be focused around:
- Strategic landscape content and catchment planning within the Nene Valley.
- On-site landscape design integrating water and forging connections with the wider environment.
- Emerging commercial opportunities and partnership links, highlighting substantial value for all parties involved.
Given the increasing challenges of climate change, including flooding, river pollution and summer droughts, Nicholsons is actively collaborating with partners in this space.
- John Lockhart (Nicholsons, Principal Consultant) will introduce and round up, highlighting Nicholsons involvement with water resource management, in particular our flagship catchment driven project in the Dorn and Glyme Valley on the Blenheim Estate.
- Julie Hutton-Attenborough (Nicholsons, Senior Landscape Architect) will then outline the role for landscape design within the development sector to work effectively with water.
- Tristan Baxter-Smith (Nene Rivers Trust Funding, Land Advisor) will provide us with an understanding of The Trust’s work and aspirations around business partnerships, local nature recovery aspirations and biodiversity net gain in the River Nene catchment.
- Digby Sowerby (Natural Capital Advisory, Operations Officer) will outline the emerging opportunities for landowners and managers to work with developers, regulators and statutory agencies to develop real business opportunities in the water management space.
Event Agenda:
08:00 – 08:45
Registration, Breakfast and Networking
08:45 – 09:45
Introduction and Talks
09:45 – 10:15
Q&A
10:15 Networking & Departure
Natural Capital – Less Talk, More Action!
November
This breakfast event will focus on the critical subject of Natural Capital.
Our aim will be to cut through some of the jargon and marketing rhetoric and provide you with clarity as to how you need to proceed in this space to ensure you protect your business and maximise opportunities with real confidence. As a business, we have been supporting our clients for over 30 years and are right at the cutting edge of the emerging opportunities.
John Lockhart, Principal Consultant, will introduce and round up, providing an understanding of why natural capital is important and explaining how we are turning theory into practice.
We are delighted to be joined by Kate Russell, Chief Operating Officer of Tellus Natural Capital Ltd, who is hugely experienced in this area. We have been working closely over recent months. Kate will provide an update as to where we are now, the development of the emerging markets and the opportunities that could be available to you and your projects.
Liz Nicholson, Managing Director, will conclude our speaker sessions by presenting on the real opportunities that are being developed for Nature Credits by Nicholsons in conjunction with the Forest Canopy Foundation and Grown in Britain. The session will round off with case study examples and an open panel discussion.
Our aim will be to provide delegates with a balanced and robust understanding of the current position, its potential value and a clear pathway to take things forward.
This event is aimed at Planners, Developers, Landowners, Housebuilders, Architects, Project Managers and Local Authorities.
We have 80 places available, and these will be booked on a first come/first served basis. A reserve list will be maintained for those not initially successful.
We hope that you can attend, and look forward to welcoming you at The Great Barn in November.
Event Agenda:
08:00 – 08:45
Registration, Breakfast and Networking
08:45 – 09:30
Introduction and Talks
09:30 – 10:00
Q&A
10:00 Networking & Departure
