TV presenter, author and naturalist Chris Packham has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for an online Chilterns conference celebrating citizen science.
Leading policy makers and practitioners from a wide range of organisations across heritage and wildlife are due to speak at the full-day event on October 24.
The ardent environmental campaigner will thank volunteers for their work in making citizen science in the UK the envy of projects around the world and showcase ways in which the data they gather can make a real difference.
The day includes Q&A sessions and a youth panel looking at how to get the next generation engaged in the world of conservation and volunteering.
“I never cease to be amazed when I hear about the efforts many thousands of volunteers go to in supporting conservation projects in the UK,” said Chris.
“Citizen science is hugely powerful in helping us not only better understand our wildlife and heritage but also informing decisions made by government and decision makers.”
Other expert speakers at the conference include Gavin Siriwardena from the British Trust for Ornithology, Michael Pocock from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Mick Jones from Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre, Allen Beechey from the Chilterns Chalk Streams project, Wendy Morrison of the Beacons of the Past project and John Shaw from Chiltern Rangers.
The conference is presented jointly by the Chalk Cherries and Chairs Landscape Partnership and the Beacons of the Past project, both projects of the Chilterns Conservation Board and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
For more information and to book a free place at the conference, click here and for a full schedule of events organised as part of the Chilterns Celebration and details on how to book your place, click here.
