Getting it Right

WEDNESDAY 18 September 2013

A one day seminar on the value of evidence-based decision making in parks and green spaces

Identifying the precise question and then answering it will establish needs, set goals, monitor progress and evaluate success. But what is the right question? To help guide you we will be bringing together a wide range of researchers and practitioners from the natural environment, heritage and health & wellbeing sectors.

This event is a full day seminar which will include:

• Keynote speakers from Natural England, HLF and independent advisers
• Interactive workshops
• Lunch and optional evening meal
• Networking opportunities
• Optional overnight accommodation available on-site

Topics being covered include:

• How is evidence being used, from policy development to local decision making.
• What evidence should be captured, how to go about it and how to present it.
• What tools already exist to either provide the evidence or help set the scene.
• The value of evidence to secure funding or demonstrate economic benefits.

Full programme details & booking form available here (PDF, 1.5Mb)

Venue Details

The seminar will take place at the historic Folly Farm in Pensford, a restored 18th Century farmhouse and outbuildings set within a 250 acre nature reserve. For those staying overnight, a more informal, practical view on the subject of evidence gathering in relation to the Farm is being arranged for the next day as part of a guided walk around the nature reserve. This will be led by the owners of Folly Farm, Avon Wildlife Trust.

Who should attend?
This one day seminar, organised by the Countryside Management Association, is for anyone involved in planning a grant application, reviewing a service, evaluating the success of a project or just looking to put the best available evidence at the heart of their decision-making process. It is suitable for :

• Project managers and development officers
• Heads of service and programme managers
• Rangers, wardens and other frontline staff
• Team leaders and volunteer co-ordinators
• Conservationists and biodiversity officers
• Parks and green space consultants and policy advisers
• Fundraising managers and grants officers

Costs
For members of CMA, WACCM, SCRA and CIEEM the cost of the seminar is £150 per delegate. For non-members working for a charity / not-for-profit organisation it is £160 and all other organisations, including local authorities, it is £170. This includes a light lunch and evening meal, all refreshments during the day (pay as you go bar in the evening), overnight accommodation, breakfast on the Thursday and the site visit.
Day delegates are welcome. The cost for members of CMA, WACCM, SCRA and CIEEM is £70 per delegate. For non-members working for a charity / not-for-profit organisation it is £80 and all other organisations, including local authorities, it is £90. This includes a light lunch and all refreshments during the day.
There are 50 places available on the seminar and they will be sold on a first come, first served basis. We are offering a reduced registration fee for a small number of places for people who are unwaged or low income – please get in touch if you would like to apply.

Reserve your places now. For a booking form please email Heather Tarrant at cma@writtle.ac.uk or phone her on 01245 424116