Supporting Future Countryside 2026

Future Countryside brings together voices from across farming, conservation, business, and public life, offering a unique forum to explore shared challenges and opportunities.

We have supported the initiative since its launch in 2023, recognising the importance of creating space for open, informed discussion about the future of the countryside.

Support for a growing and recovering countryside

This year’s event will invite delegates to discuss the role of the countryside in tackling some of the greatest challenges facing us, from food security and climate change to fair growth and thriving communities.

Future Countryside 2026 will spotlight opportunities and innovations, showcasing the countryside as:

• A dynamic, inclusive space at the heart of national life
• A driver of economic growth and fair, sustainable development
• A source of community strength, cultural richness, and environmental stewardship
• A major contributor to education, health, and wellbeing

What to expect at Future Countryside

The agenda is varied and will include sessions on the economics of the countryside, the degree to which nature protection constrains or enables growth, the changing role of food and farming, building engagement with and support for the countryside, and how and by who will change be led?

The speaker line-up reflects the breadth and depth of the conversation, including Guardian journalist and former Chair of the National Trust Simon Jenkins, and broadcaster Kirstie Allsopp alongside a stellar cast of informed voices who will offer options and provocations to encourage bold thinking about the future of the countryside.

Rural Solutions’ Rob Hindle will be chairing an important panel discussion on the future of farming and food and how the new policy and funding landscape is creating choices for landowners, farmers and food producers, and how they are responding with a range of decisions about the role that food production will play in their future.

With much to discuss and over 150 delegates expected, it looks set to be another great event. Reflecting on our continued involvement, Sally Ormiston, Director at Rural Solutions, said: “Future Countryside provides a rare opportunity to bring together such a diverse range of perspectives in one place. These conversations are essential if we are to shape a countryside that is both productive and resilient, while responding to the environmental and social challenges ahead.”

As long-standing supporters, we are proud to help convene these important conversations and look forward to contributing to another engaging and thought-provoking event.

Register for the livestream

If you don’t already have a place to attend on the day, there’s still chance to register for the livestream where you can sign-up for the individual sessions.