Keeping our Rivers Flowing Summit 2023

We are pleased to announce that this year’s Keeping Our Rivers Flowing Summit will take place on Wednesday 29 March 2023 at the NFU Conference Centre adjacent to their headquarters in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ.

The Summit is once again being convened by four leading water and land management organisations, ADA, CLA, Environment Agency (EA), and National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and seeks to highlight the importance of river management across whole catchments throughout England.

Adapting to our Changing Climate is the theme of the 2023 Summit.

As climate change makes the UK warmer and wetter, we will be visited by extreme weather more frequently in the future and must ensure our landscape and communities adapt and become more resilient. This will mean changes in how we manage and enhance our rivers and catchments, whilst reducing emissions from construction, maintenance, and pumping.

Chairing the Summit and delivering the keynote address, will be the Deputy President of the NFU, Tom Bradshaw, who has officeholder responsibilities for climate change, net zero, and water at the union.

Other confirmed speakers include: David Mitchell, who is the Senior Manager at the Somerset Rivers Authority; Kelly Hewson-Fisher, the NFU’s National Water Resources Specialist; and Daniel Johns, Managing Director of Water Resources East. Further speakers for evidence sessions are being finalised.

Starting at 10.30, the day will include the evidence sessions aimed at sharing thinking towards future flood and water management strategies for our river catchments with ample time for questions, discussion, and a networking buffet lunch.

Highlighting the event, Innes Thomson, ADA’s Chief Executive commented:

“Our first two Summits in 2021 and 2022 identified the real issues and the need for river management and maintenance to be seen as a fundamental part of our social, economic and environmental wellbeing. This third event takes a progressive, positive look at how river management and maintenance is key to the interface with farming and food production, landscape, and nature. It will address the long-term sustainability of these aspects in light of our changing climate alongside the local economic and social needs of good water management. I am delighted that all the key partners are coming together to discuss what progress has been made and what further action we collectively need to take.”

Thanks to the generous support from our event sponsor Bedford Pumps Ltd combined with the provision of the NFU’s complimentary conference facilities we have been able to offer this year’s Summit at no cost to delegates.

Register Now

This face-to-face event is open to anyone interested. For your free-to-attend ticket, simply visit Keeping Our Rivers Flowing Summit 2023 Eventbrite page to register for a place. Spaces are limited so please register promptly to avoid missing out.

ENDS

 

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Notes to Editors

ADA is the membership organisation for those involved in drainage, water level and flood risk management. Its members include Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), the Environment Agency, Regional Flood Defence Committees, Local Authorities, Natural Resources Wales, the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency, Consultants, Contractors and Suppliers.

ADA is involved in a wide range of work for and on behalf of its members helping to exchange ideas towards solving common problems and finding new, better ways of working. ADA responds to consultations from the Government, either on behalf of members or assisting with individual member responses. It represents all interests nationally and locally in relation to drainage, water level and flood risk management, for example, in relation to legislation and public inquiries. ADA acts together with other organisations to pursue the Association’s objectives, including linking to Europe through ADA’s membership of EUWMA, the European Union of Water Management Associations.

ADA obtains and shares information on matters of importance and interest to members, and provides advice on technical and administrative problems. ADA is supported by a volunteer network of branches which bring together members for meetings at a regional level. ADA organises exhibitions and meetings for the benefit of members, maintains a website at www.ada.org.uk and publishes the quarterly ADA Gazette.

ADA is a limited company with offices based at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. ADA welcomes enquiries from the press and can be contacted during normal weekday office hours on 02476 992889 or by e-mail at admin@ada.org.uk.

For enquiries regarding the Keeping Our Rivers Flowing Summit 2023 please contact:
Heather Bailey
Marketing & Events Officer
Association of Drainage Authorities
Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LG
Office: 02476 992 889
Email: heather.bailey@ada.org.uk
Website: www.ada.org.uk

For press enquiries please contact:
Ryan Dixon
Publications & Communications Officer
Association of Drainage Authorities
Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG
Office Tel: 02476 992 889
Email: ryan.dixon@ada.org.uk

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