SGLD to stage dynamic autumn symposium

SGLD to stage dynamic autumn symposium: The Society of Garden + Landscape Designers (SGLD) will stage a two-day interactive Symposium this autumn to tackle the urgent question of how to create beautiful, resilient landscape spaces in the face of climate change.

Through a rich programme of presentations, lively panel discussions and guided tours, delegates will learn how to mitigate the adverse effects of our changing climate, whether at a garden, landscape or wider community level, while also focusing on sustainable processes and materials.

Speakers / panellists

Extreme! Designing Sustainably for a Changing Climate on 17-18 October 2025, will be chaired by Errol Reuben Fernandes, Head of Horticulture at the Horniman Museum and Gardens. Errol who has a background in fine art, curation and psychotherapy as well as being botanically trained, has introduced a number of new developments at the Horniman including a Micro-Forest of 900 trees and a Xerophytic (drought-tolerant) display of plants from Mediterranean climatic zones.

Professor Nigel Dunnett, one of the world’s leading voices on innovative approaches to planting design, who helped create some of Sheffield’s pioneering urban regeneration projects, has been secured as the keynote speaker.  He will be joined by a variety of thought-provoking panellists and speakers including: landscape designer, author and presenter Tom Massey MSGLD, horticulturist, designer and author Alys Fowler, sustainable materials pioneer Loretta Bosence of Local Works Studio and South Korean ecological designer and RHS Chelsea medal winner Jihae Hwang. Panel discussions will cover themes such as ‘adapting landscapes to extreme weather events’, ‘designing with nature’ and ’embedding sustainability in both process and practice’.

Location / venue

Moving away from the tradition of holding design events in London, the SGLD will stage the event in Sheffield – one of the UK’s most exciting cities for urban regeneration and landscape innovation. The iconic, Grade II* listed Sheffield City Hall in the heart of the city will serve as the venue offering a stunning backdrop to what promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking event.

Guided tours 

With Sheffield as the backdrop, attendees at the Symposium will have the opportunity to join guided tours of the city’s award-winning public spaces and community-interest projects, including the Grey to Green scheme, Park Hill and Manor Fields Park. There will also be a guided tour of the Pictorial Meadows headquarters, part of The Green Estate and the organisation behind the design, planting, and long-term stewardship of many of Sheffield’s most ambitious urban regeneration sites.

Tours will be led by key members of the design and delivery team including Nigel Dunnett of Sheffield University; Zac Tudor, Landscape Architect at Arup Sheffield; Owen Hayman, Horticulture Innovation manager at Pictorial Meadows; and Will Tomson, director at Sheffield-based design studio Creative Cultivation.

The first day of the event will be brought to a close with an evening networking event at Sheffield City Hall where ecological gardener John Little will address the audience.

As part of the event trade stand displays, from a number of the SGLD’s Affiliated Business Partners as well as other suppliers in the industry, will be available offering delegates access to high-quality products and services aligned with sustainable principles.

Chair of the Society, Andrew Duff MSGLD, said:

“Our members, and other professionals in our field, are increasingly finding themselves at the forefront of environmental stewardship. The SGLD’s dynamic two-day Symposium will bring together leading figures in sustainable landscape design, horticulture and urban regeneration from across the globe to provide perspective and insight into this critical issue, and explain how designers can play a pivotal role in addressing climate change.

“Whether you’re a seasoned designer, emerging practitioner, educator, policymaker, or student, this event offers an exceptional opportunity to deepen your knowledge, expand your network, and be part of a growing movement towards climate-positive.”

Early Bird tickets, starting at £138 for students, are available from the SGLD website. There are also a limited number of hotel + ticket packages available. www.sgld.org.uk

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