This is the inaugural BALI National Landscape Conference and will take place at The Royal Society, London, on 26 March 2026, bringing together contractors, designers, suppliers and industry leaders for a day of strategic insight and discussion.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Climate resilience: how to future-proof your organisation.” The programme will explore how landscape professionals can design, build and maintain landscapes that perform in a changing climate while adapting to pressures such as Biodiversity Net Gain, extreme weather and evolving client expectations.
Keynote speakers include Sir Tim Smit KBE, co-founder of the Eden Project, who will discuss regenerative sustainability and environmental leadership, and Trevor Williams, economist and former chief economist at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, who will provide an economic outlook for businesses navigating uncertain market conditions.
Delegates will also hear from Helen Nyul, director of ecology at Verna, who will explore how biodiversity strategy and ecological thinking can be embedded into landscape design and delivery.
The event will be hosted by Mark Gregory, managing director of Landform Consultants and BALI board member.
In addition to keynote sessions the programme will include breakout discussions.
See the full agenda here:
09:30 to 10:00: Arrival and refreshments
10:00 to 10:05: Welcome & Opening Remarks: Hosted by Adrian Wickham
Setting the scene for a day focused on resilience, sustainability and opportunity across the landscaping sector.
10:05 to 10:40: Keynote: Trevor Williams – Global Trends & Economic Forces Impacting Landscaping
A strategic overview of the geopolitical and economic forces shaping global trade — and what they mean for UK landscaping businesses.
Key themes include:
- Global trade, exports and imports: pressures on supply chains and costs
- How shifting wealth dynamics are influencing demand for landscaping and luxury projects
- What economic uncertainty really means for the landscaping industry
- Practical, clear takeaways on managing risk, building climate resilience, and future-proofing your
10:40 to 11:15: Keynote: Sir Tim Smit – Regenerative Sustainability & The Eden Project
An inspiring exploration of how bold, regenerative thinking can transform landscapes, businesses and communities.
Key themes include:
- The transformation of the Eden Project from clay pit to global sustainability icon
- Moving beyond sustainability towards regenerative practices that actively restore ecosystems
- Practical lessons for embedding climate resilience into landscaping operations and long-term
11:15 to 11:50 Refreshments and networking
11:50 to 12:25: Keynote: Helen Nyul – Biodiversity Net Gain & Climate Resilience
A practical look at how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) can drive climate resilience while strengthening business performance.
Key themes include:
- BNG as a tool for sustainable, resilient business practice
- How to operationalise BNG requirements using current guidance and standards
- Turning compliance into opportunity
12:30 to 13:30: Lunch and networking
13:30 to 14:30 Breakout sessions (choose one)
Room 1: A Workplace for the Future
Hosted by Sam Grayson – Hyphae Learning
Panel with Paul Downer – Oak View Landscapes/ BALI Board Director, Gamiel Yafai – Diversity Marketplace. More panellists to be announced.
This panel will share perspectives on what the future workplace will look and feel like, covering topics from leadership, high performance, and well-being to culture, acceptance, inclusion, and respect.
Room 2: Data-Driven Biodiversity
With Liz Nicholson – Nicholson Nurseries
- Practical advice on integrating biodiversity measurement into everyday operations
- How biodiversity metrics support sustainable landscape practice and business strategy
- Introduction to Elemental
Room 3: The Reality of Plant Health
Hosted by Dougal Driver – Grown in Britain
Panel with Will Innes-Taylor – Hillier Nurseries, Alistair Bayford – Frosts/ BALI Board Director, Malcolm Catlin – Plant Healthy
- Major threats to plant health in nurseries and landscaping projects
- Managing increased plant health risks and import pressures
- The nursery sector’s role in biodiversity and sustainability
- How landscapers and nurseries can collaborate for stronger long-term outcomes
14:30 to 15:00 Refreshments and networking
15:00 to 16:00 Breakout sessions (choose one)
Room 1: Training and Developing Future Talent
Hosted by Jake Catling – Hyphae Learning/ BALI Board Director
Panel with Ruth Orrell-Harris – Activate Learning, Jonathan Pettit – BALI, more panellists to be announced.
To build a resilient workforce, leaders must move beyond traditional "tick-box" training. A strategic three-prong approach to talent development, analysing how we currently utilise In-House, External, and Formal training and – more importantly – how we must evolve them to resonate with a digital-first generation.
Room 2: Goods to the Ground – Inside the Supply Chain
Hosted by Rachael Forsyth – Hortweek
Panel With Chris Swan – Green-Tech, Richard McKenna – Provender Nurseries, Richard Brown – Germinal , Michael Mclvor-New – Tobermore
This panel will explore:
- The journey from supplier to site: risks, delays and cost pressures
- Export and import challenges affecting availability and pricing
- Managing customer expectations in an “Amazon-effect” world
- Being transparent about price increases without losing trust or margin
- Strengthening collaboration between suppliers, contractors and clients
- One practical improvement the industry can adopt to build supply-chain resilience
Room 3: Where’s the Money? Navigating the Economic Landscape
Hosted by Adrian Wickham – BALI, Chair
Panel with Mark Powell – J M Finn Investments, Kim Sones – Sones Accountancy Services and more to be announced
In an era of economic uncertainty, pricing volatility and climate pressures, how can landscaping businesses stay financially resilient and strategically positioned for growth?
This session brings together leading financial voices to explore the economic landscape from global trends to business-level impact.
16:00 to 17:00: Panel Discussion & Closing Session
A reflective panel with hosts from each breakout session, sharing:
Key insights and learnings from the day
Practical actions for the industry moving forward
Audience Q&A
Closing remarks: Wayne Grills, BALI Chief Executive
17:00 to 18:30: Networking drinks reception
