Green Liberal Democrats in Bournemouth
We're delighted to have a huge presence at the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference this year. Here's everything we're up to from Saturday to Tuesday - come along for some fantastic sessions.
GLD are being joined by some of the most brilliant campaigners and professionals in the environmental and sustainability sector. It is our pleasure to help bring their ideas to the forefront of our very own Liberal Democrat members, campaigners and politicians.
We'll be continuing to update this page as and we continue to confirm our lineup!
Saturday
Saturday lunchtime 13.00–14.30
Green Liberal Democrats and Rewilding Britain
Roam, Rewild, Restore: Democratising England’s Land
Who owns and accesses the UK’s green spaces? This discussion explores rewilding, right to roam, and equity through community empowerment, decision-making and right to buy. We’ll envision a new social contract where nature recovery supports wellbeing, ecosystems and climate resilience.
Chair: Richard Benwell - CEO Wildlife and Countryside Link
Speakers:
Caroline Voaden MP
Tim Farron MP
Rebecca Wrigley- CEO Rewilding Britain
Doug Parr - Chief Scientist Greenpeace
Jon Moses - Right to Roam
Rose O'Neill - CEO, Campaign for National Parks
Refreshments and nibbles available
Marriott Highcliff, Dorchester South
Saturday mid evening 20:15–21.30
Green Liberal Democrats and MCS Foundation with Climate Emergency UK
Climate Scorecards to Real Change: Local Authorities powering climate and nature action?
Unlock insights from climate scorecards, exploring routes to resilience through renewables, nature-based solutions, placemaking, procurement and bold local leadership. Impact starts here.
Speakers: Pippa Heylings MP, David Cowdrey - CEO MCS Foundation, Isaac Beevor - Climate Emergency UK, Sam Markey - Recurve Solutions- Impact Investing.
Drinks and finger buffet available
Bournemouth International Centre, Tregonwell Hall
Sunday
Sunday 21st September - 9:45
Marine Conservation Society, Rewilding Britain & Green Liberal Democrats
With Dorset Wildlife Trusts
Beach Clean / Comb
This event will kick off the first-ever ‘Climate and Nature Day’ at conference.
A friendly walk and a scour of the beach, looking and learning about marine ecosystems through their findings and pauses from marine expert thoughts on the harms of pollution and what can be done to restore and protect our beautiful beaches. We will also collect and record litter and nature findings.
Bournemouth Beach - Outside Oceanarium Entrance
Sunday mid-morning 11.30–12.30
Green Liberal Democrats
Building Social Capital through a Just Transition
As a new Lib Dem economic vision develops. What does the transition plan look like for a sustainable future that works for all? The science, the frameworks exist - SDGs, the Doughnuts, Missions - let's get the roadmap and communication right.
Speakers: Josh Matthews - LibSTEMM - Practice Leader for Sustainability, Energy, and Utilities at HFS Research
Cllr Rachel Bentley - Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Southwark Council - 2024 PPCs for 2024 Bermondsey & Old Southwark
Helen Cross - FPC, VC of Lib Dem Women, AI and Energy Transition Consultant
Adam Jacobs - Bloom Procurement
Sam Markey - Recurve Solutions - Impact Investing
Teas and Coffees available
Marriott Highcliff, Blandford Room
Sunday, Lunchtime 13.00-14.00
CHEM Trust & Green Liberal Democrats
How closer collaboration between the EU-UK would
benefit the environment
Despite promises to maintain and strengthen environmental protections post-Brexit, the UK has fallen behind the EU in many areas, harming public health and environmental quality. Meanwhile, not a single river, lake or estuary in England meets legal standards for chemical pollution, and rivers in the UK have some of the highest levels recorded globally of ‘forever chemicals’ PFAS. What are the Liberal Democrats’ plans for the UK’s future relationship with the EU?
Speakers: Baroness Olly Grender (DEFRA Spokesperson Lords)
Dr Michael Warhurst - CHEM Trust,
Emma Knaggs - European Movement
Bournemouth International Centre, Westbourne Suite
Sunday, early evening 18.15–19.15
Green Liberal Democrats and Cadent
Green Gas: Powering the Next Industrial Revolution
How can Green Hydrogen and Bio-Gas reshape our economy? We explore solutions to decarbonise industry and agriculture, driving clean growth, and transforming Britain into a net-zero powerhouse from field to factory.
With: Stephen Smith - Cadent, Chris Huhne - Anaerobic Digestion Biogas Association
Drinks and Canapés available
Bournemouth International Centre, Bayview Suite 1
Sunday evening, 19.45-21.00
The Green Groups Climate and Nature Drinks Reception!
Wrap up Climate and Nature Day with leading environmental voices - including Green Alliance, National Trust, WWF, RSPB, and more. And hear from Pippa Heylings MP on how Lib Dems can lead the charge for nature and climate.
Bournemouth International Centre, Bourne Lounge
Monday
Monday morning 08:00–09.00
Green Liberal Democrats and The Property Institute with MCS Foundation
Tackling Tough Retrofits: Overcoming Barriers to Net Zero in Tower Blocks and Heritage Homes
Many challenges prevent the decarbonisation of our buildings. Dive into leaseholder dilemmas, planning roadblocks, and funding gaps as we ask how the Lib Dems can lead with fairness and ambition, and who pays the bill?
Speakers: Jaclyn Mangaroo - The Property Institute, Gary Felgate, CEO - MCS Foundation, Wera Hobhouse MP, Gideon Amos MP
Marriott Highcliff, Sherborne Suite
Monday 22nd September 2025
Time: 18.15 - 19.15
National Oceanography Centre & Marine Conservation Society with Green Liberal Democrats
How can the UK be a global leader in marine policy & protection?
Speakers: Professor Alex Rogers - National Oceanography Centre, Roz Savage MP, Fiona Thomas- Marine Conservation Society, Graham Neale (Chair, GLD)
Marriott Highcliff, Blandford Room
Tuesday
We're back delivering our training session which receieved excellent feedback and attendance in Harrogate this year.
Tuesday Morning 11:00 - 12:15
Training
ALDC & Green Liberal Democrats
Winning the Environmental Vote
Bournemouth International Centre, Meyrick Suite
Delivered by: Cllr Graham Neale (Chair, GLD), Cllr Louise Harris