Heal the Land London Screening

Join us at the London offices of Slaughter and May for a screening of Heal the Land, the new film documenting the beginning of nature recovery at Heal Somerset.

Heal the Land is a compelling, inspiring and hopeful film about the transformation of a former intensive dairy farm in Somerset into a thriving new place for nature and people.

This beautiful 25-minute documentary, filmed entirely at the Heal Somerset site during 2024, is a journey of drama, discovery and insight into the start of this rewilding journey. The film features astonishing new arrivals, a remarkable array of wildlife and insightful commentary from experts and the Heal team. Above all, it shows the extraordinary resilience of nature and how quickly wildlife comes back if we give it space and leave it in peace. 

Alongside the screening, we will be joined by some brilliant speakers from Heal plus director of the film, Tom Francome, who can offer a deeper insight into the world of rewilding and the ups and downs of establishing a rewilding site including rewilding principles, innovations, interventions and good practice.

With England currently one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth, the challenge to restore biodiversity and kickstart nature recovery has never been more urgent. Come along to find out how rewilding can give back to wildlife and to ourselves as individuals and communities. 

Timings*

7pm: Welcome drinks and canapes

7.30pm: Introduction and film screening

8.pm Panel discussion, speakers to be confirmed but will include:

• Sarah Winchester, director, Heal (host)
• Jan Stannard, co-founder and CEO, Heal
• Tom Francome, director of Heal the Land
• Daniel Hill, rewilding ranger, Heal Somerset

9.pm Event ends

*please note the timing are subject to change

Jan Stannard is the Co-founder and CEO of national rewilding charity Heal, which launched in March 2020 to raise money to buy land in England for nature recovery, climate change action and wellbeing. Jan moved into the charity sector after 40 years’ experience in business, having served on company boards in the strategic communications and digital marketing sectors. She first became active in campaigning for wildlife in 2015 when she set up a local swift group, which has since organised the installation of hundreds of swift boxes. She also oversaw the largest ever amphibian ladder project in England in 2018, helping to stop migrating toads from drowning in road drains. She has a BA in Geography and a first-class honours degree in Psychology, and while studying for the latter, qualified as an executive coach and trained as a resilience specialist.

Sarah Winchester is a career fundraiser with over twenty years’ experience raising millions of pounds for charities. She has held senior roles including Deputy Director of Fundraising at The Prince’s Trust and Head of Global Development for Teach First & Teach For All, and has advised leading educationalists and award-winning journalists during her consultancy career. At Heal, Sarah brings together her expertise in fundraising with her passion for nature and commitment to people from under-served communities. Her connection to the natural world began in her South London childhood, deepened through visits to family in Kent and Somerset, and crystallised after moving from the city to the countryside with her two children. Nine years on, she continues to find support and healing in nature, a source of inspiration that drives her work today.

Tom Francome is the founder of Planet House Productions and is a director, videographer and video editor who has credits shooting on feature documentaries for Nat Geo, Disney+, BBC and ITV.

As the Rewilding Ranger at Heal Somerset, Daniel Hill  manages the site’s monitoring and land management programs. You can find him surveying for signs of beavers, co-ordinating volunteer work parties, or working with partners to deliver the hydrological restoration plan, amongst a huge variety of other tasks. Dan’s passion for nature was sparked as a child growing up on an organic small holding in rural south Wales watching red kites soar above. His love of rewilding developed through volunteering with the RSPB on the Somerset Levels after completing a degree in Mathematical Sciences.

At Heal, we actively encourage and support sustainable travel. When travelling to our events, we invite you to consider more eco-friendly options such as walking, cycling, using public transport (buses and trains) or car sharing. However, we understand that these alternatives may not always be feasible and appreciate your consideration.

Thank you to Slaughter and May for hosting this screening.