Biodiversity isn't just a concept; it's our lifeline, sustaining our health and the health of our planet. We rely on biodiversity to stay healthy.  

Biodiversity sustains our food supply, is a source of medicines, and supports the provision of clean air and fresh water while also contributing to economic development, and cultural and spiritual enrichment. 

Imagine an NHS that heals not just patients, but also the planet. This event explores the critical role the NHS plays in biodiversity conservation, showcasing its potential to become a global leader in sustainability. 

Join us on the 22nd of August to: 

• Discover the impact of the NHS on biodiversity: Explore the environmental footprint of healthcare and the hidden costs of neglecting nature. 

• Uncover innovative solutions: Learn about groundbreaking initiatives to reduce the NHS's ecological impact, from green spaces within hospitals to sustainable procurement practices. 

• Hear from leading experts: Gain insights from healthcare professionals, environmental scientists, and policy makers driving positive change. 

• Engage in collaborative discussions: Explore opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and share your ideas for a greener future for the NHS and beyond. 

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation.  

Speakers include:

Dr Emma Vittery - Paediatric Sustainability Fellow, Centre for Sustainable Healthcare and Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust

Many people receiving medical care and treatment face barriers to the benefits of interacting with nature, both in hospital and community settings. The Great North Children’s Hospital have formed an innovative partnership with Northumberland Wildlife Trust to run their Eco Influencers Project with children and young people on a ward, for the first time. This collaborative aims to help young people feel calmer and closer to nature, alongside inspiring projects to protect and promote biodiversity in their hospital and communities, building holistic life skills including leadership and teamwork.

Rhiannon Studholme - Eco Mentor, Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

Eco Influencers is a Youth Social Action project funded by Newcastle Youth Fund to connect young people in Newcastle aged 13-19 to support young people to take action for and connect to nature. 

Liz Heard - Wild City Manager, Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Northumberland Wildlife Trust aim to create a society where nature matters - where people understand the value of nature and take action for it. To do this, they educate and inspire thousands of people every year, reconnecting them with their local environment through their visitor centres, events, campaigns and engagement programmes.

Harriet White - Woodland Creation and Tree Planting Project Manager, NHS Forest.

Harriet is the Woodland Creation and Tree Planting Project Manager and is part of the NHS Forest project, working to increase tree planting on green space around NHS Sites. This project has DEFRA-funded trees which enable sites to create woodland, orchards, tiny forests, and plant individual trees. She is passionate about the well-being benefits of engaging with the natural environment and is currently completing an MSc in Agroforestry and Food Security. She has worked locally and internationally on woodland and horticulture projects. Most recently, she has run a busy program of practical activities including woodland management, and conservation projects for The Conservation Volunteers in Essex.

Gemma Linacre - Principle Ecologist, Sweco UK

Gemma is a Principal Ecologist for Sweco. Gemma has worked in ecological consultancy since 2008 working for a diverse range of clients, on a wide variety of projects including residential developments, schools, Anglian Water assets, hospitals, railway infrastructure improvements and road schemes. Gemma is experienced in conducting surveys for habitats and a range of protected species with particular expertise in great crested newts, reptiles and dormice.  Gemma has been involved in large scale species mitigation projects where she has designed appropriate mitigation; she has been the named ecologist on Natural England great crested newt and badger mitigation licences. Gemma has extensive experience in ecological reporting and project management for a range of projects. 

Matt Lindsay - Director and General Manager, Growing Revolution Limited

Matt works as one of the Directors at Growing Revolution, helping to bring nature into our public and private spaces through living walls and other green infrastructure products. 

Matt was selected as one of ProLandscaper’s 30 Under 30 Horticulture professionals in 2020, as well as selected as a “Future Leader” by the UK Green Building Council in the same year. 

In 2023, Matt was one of 26 professionals who represented the “Future of Horticulture” at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.