The South East Climate Alliance (SECA) is a coalition of over 140 local environmental, community and faith groups from across the South East of England uniting for urgent action on climate change and biodiversity loss. Our Annual Gathering is a chance to network with like-minded individuals from across the region who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and helping address the climate and biodiversity crises.
It’s a chance to share ideas and challenges, make new connections, and be inspired!
Facing the Future
This year’s focus will be on “facing the future”. There are two main threads:
- Climate resilience – evidence of the changing climate is all around us. How do we prepare for the inevitable impacts this will have on our communities, ecosystems and ways of life? What can we do as local action groups to anticipate these risks, reduce the harm they cause, and strengthen our ability to adapt and survive the changes ahead?
- Local government reorganisation – councils are being radically restructured across the whole of the South East. How do we ensure that climate and nature remains centre stage during this complex and confusing process, and does not get sidelined? And what do we do to make sure local voices are heard?
Agenda
The outline agenda is as follows:
| 11.30 |
Registration, visit stalls, informal networking over lunch |
| 13.00 |
Opening Plenary – a thought-provoking introduction to the two main themes of the Gathering |
| 14.00 |
Parallel Workshops with breakout groups and active engagement from the audience:
- Climate Resilience – led by the Climate Majority Project, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Surrey Climate Commission, and others.
- Local Government Reorganisation – led by Hampshire Climate Action Network, Friends of the Earth, Surrey Climate Commission, and others.
|
| 15.30 |
Tea break/Open Space – with informal networking and room for sub-groups to meet up to discuss other topics of interest |
| 16.30 |
Closing Plenary – What have we learned today, and what are we going to do differently in future? |
| 17.00 |
Ends |
The emphasis throughout is on participation – so be prepared to engage!
Practical details
Holy Trinity Church is a 12 minute walk from Guildford Station and is on a variety of local bus routes. Note there is no street parking outside the church, but there is public parking at Bright Hill and Castle Car Parks.
Participants are invited to bring you own lunch, or pop out to a local café to grab a bite. Please arrive in good time so the plenary can get started promptly at 1.00pm.
The £5 ticket price includes free tea and coffee. We have a limited number of free tickets available for students and those under 25.
