National Trails UK: INNOVATION ON THE TRAILS

This November, the National Trails UK Summit returns for its second edition, bringing together leaders from government, industry, and the trail delivery community to explore how innovation is shaping the future of our National Trails.

This summit’s theme, Innovation on the Trails, will spotlight how National Trails are delivering impact at scale, supporting nature recovery, improving health and wellbeing, and creating more inclusive and accessible outdoor spaces.

Through a dynamic programme of keynotes, lightning talks and panel discussions, the Summit will showcase pioneering projects from across the trail network. Attendees will hear directly from those delivering change on the ground, while gaining insight into how collaborative investment and partnership can unlock even greater national impact.

The day is designed to do more than inform. It’s built to connect. From trail officers and rangers to corporate partners and policymakers, the Summit creates space to share ideas, build relationships, and explore how to support and scale innovative work across all 21 National Trails. It also will be an opportunity to mark the 30th anniversary of the Thames Path. 

Whether you’re shaping policy, making impactful ESG partnerships, or delivering work on the ground, this is an opportunity to understand where National Trails UK is heading and how you can be part of it.

Who is the NTUK Summit for?

We have designed this day not just to showcase the amazing innovations happening across the National Trails network, but to bring together the teams working on the National Trails with policy experts, (potential) partners and funders, so that together we can ensure the National Trails deliver for people and nature.

What is happening at the NTUK Summit?

We have planned a day full of talks, presentations, panels and networking so that everyone gets the best value for their money and time. If you are working in nature recovery, visitor economy, access and inclusion, working in the coastal margin, or working on the National Trails, you want to be there.

Agenda
We’re in the process of confirming speakers, and we’ll keep updating this page as we do.

9.30 – Arrive and networking
10.00 – welcome and keynote from National Trails UK
10.35 – morning lightening talks on visitor economy and access and inclusion
10.50 – Innovation: Visitor Economy
11.15 – morning networking break
11.45 – Innovation: Access and Inclusion
12.30 – Ministerial Keynote (TBC)
13.00 – Lunch
14.00 – afternoon lightening talks – nature recovery and Coastal Wildbelt
14.15 – Innovation: Nature Recovery
15.00 – Innovation: Coastal Wildbelt
15.45 – closing plenary

Accessibility

We are committed to making the National Trails UK Summit as inclusive and accessible as possible. The National Archives, Kew offers step-free access throughout, with lifts, accessible toilets (including a Changing Places facility), hearing loops in key spaces, and accessible parking with nearby drop-off points.

Quiet spaces, including a contemplation and prayer room, are available, and assistance dogs are welcome.

We are also designing the event itself with accessibility in mind, this includes clear pre-event information, inclusive catering, and a range of formats to support different ways of engaging.

If you have specific access requirements, please let us know when booking so we can support you fully. Full venue details can be found here.