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ARTICLE · 22 OCTOBER 2026

Reflections On The Wild Summit 2026

Burges Salmon LLP
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The Wild Summit 2026 brought together campaigners, policymakers, scientists and community organisers in Bristol to explore how nature-friendly farming, urban wetland restoration, and tree equity can drive meaningful environmental recovery. From conservation covenants to Bristol's bid to become the UK's first Ramsar-accredited Wetland City, discover the practical strategies shaping the future of sustainable land use and development.

United KingdomEnvironment
Freya Whittaker
Freya Whittaker
Nicole Valentinova
Nicole Valentinova

The Wild Summit 2026 was held at Bristol Beacon on 9 September 2026, hosted by Wildlife and Countryside Link and its CEO, Richard Benwell. Nicole Valentinova, a Senior Associate in our Real Estate team, attended this landmark gathering. 

The event brought together organisations and individuals – including campaigners, policymakers, scientists and community organisers – with a shared purpose to turn ambition into action for nature's recovery.

Our key takeaways from the Wild Summit 2026 are set out in this article.

Nature-friendly farming 

The cost of intensive farming

As noted in our latest quarterly Estates and Land Farming & Agriculture Horizon Gazing Report, a dedicated Poultry Sector Growth Plan has been confirmed as a 2026 focus area. Speaking at the Wild Summit, the Global Director of Campaigns and Advocacy for Compassion in World Farming highlighted how those involved with the expansion of the poultry sector and wider food production industry must carefully manage risks

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