Conference: Managing carbon and water in lowland landscapes

Managing water and soil carbon is fast becoming a priority across lowland UK and is crucial for climate action, farm resilience, biodiversity, and productivity.

This cross-sector forum at the University of East Anglia brings together experts in farming, conservation, water, and policy to explore practical, joined-up approaches across peat and mineral soils in floodplains.

Expect tools, funding insights, and real-world case studies to support action at both farm and catchment scale.

Organised by the Broads Authority, Norfolk FWAG, Norfolk Environment Food and Farming and Cranfield University.

What you'll gain from attending the Conference:

• Strategic Direction: Understand the national ambition and potential funding to help us get there.
• Practical Knowledge: Hear about the latest technologies and techniques supporting lowland peat restoration.
• Real-World Examples: Hear case studies showcasing funded peatland restoration projects.
• Local Influence: Come together to with local landowners to contribute to ideas and projects

This is a valuable opportunity to connect with others in the sector, share experiences, and shape the future of peatland restoration.

Exhibitor Opportunities:

The Managing Carbon and Water in Lowland Landscapes has some exhibition opportunity in the Foyer of the Enterprise Centre where people will be registering, having the networking lunch and breaks.

The exhibition runs from 9:30am to 4:45pm, between the conference sessions, giving plenty of time to meet new and familiar faces alike.

Showcase your organisation and the support it provides to the farming and environmental sectors, representing sectors including policy, professional services, and monitoring technology.

To express an interest in exhibiting, please contact the conference organiser [email protected]

This Conference is part of the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot funded by the Environment Agency and Defra

Info: This session will cover: 'Setting the context for whole system planning - Speaker Tony Grayling, Director of Nature and Place at the Environment Agency', 'Water availability in the Broads - Speaker Steve Moncaster, Norfolk Environment Food and Farming' and 'The lowland peat opportunity and challenge - Defra'

Followed by panel discussion on Integrated Water Management in the Broads carbon-rich soils.

Info: A series of presentations on latest technologies and techniques supporting lowland peat restoration — including innovations in water management, modelling, and monitoring.

Info: A series of case studies on the Economics of Lowland Peat Restoration, showcasing how peatland restoration projects have been successfully funded, delivered, and scaled, with insights on partnership working and funding mechanisms.

Info: Professor Nicola Hancock Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation

Info: Setting the Context for Whole System Planning An update on the government’s latest thinking around the delivery of the Cunliffe recommendations, with a focus on equipping system planners to make the complex trade-offs needed for sustainable land use and environmental resilience. The talk will explore how priorities such as water management and peat conservation can be balanced in sensitive landscapes like the Broads. It will also touch on the importance of cross-sector collaboration, robust data, and long-term frameworks — all in the context of anticipated policy developments, including the Water White Paper, the revised Environmental Improvement Plan, and the Land Use Framework.

Info: In this panel section of the day, we welcome guest experts to discuss how farmers and water managers can benefit from establishing 'Adaptive Water Management' that can provide multiple benefits for carbon emissions avoidance from peat soils, nature and water resources and quality. Themes include best practice land use to growing wetland crops, and flooding and drought management in peat wetlands.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Enterprise Centre, University Drive, Norwich, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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