Talking (and Listening) about the Heavens Valley

We're delighted to share the presentations from our Nature in the Heavens Valley event, held at the Trinity Rooms on Sunday 12 July 2026.

The afternoon provided a wonderful opportunity for Emma Kernahan, our Community Engagement Coordinator, to explain the progress we have made with our ambitious Community Engagement programme and to outline the exciting next steps.

As a first step we sent out a survey, and were delighted with the response, almost 600 people took the time to share their thoughts on the Heavens Valley. This was followed up by interviews and discussion groups are now underway (see below).

Our ecology presentation, led by Simon Pickering and Matteo Lewis, highlighted just how much we have already discovered about the Heavens Valley's remarkable wildlife and habitats. It also showed us that there was so much more to learn about the site.

Our Community Engagement programme and our Land Management Plan are being developed hand in hand. Together, they will help shape a long-term vision for the Heavens Valley that reflects both the ecological needs and opportunities of the site, access and the aspirations of the community.

Many of the ideas we are exploring for the future management of the land are based on our ecological surveys and advice from specialist experts about how best to enhance the valley's wildlife and natural habitats. As these ideas develop, we'll share them with the community and invite your thoughts. Through consultation and engagement, we want to make sure that any changes reflect both the needs of the valley and the views of the people who care about it.

If you would like to be involved and discuss this, and other issues relating to landscape and ecology, during our upcoming focus groups - the next one will be on Thursday July 30, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Trinity Rooms. To book your place email emma@heavensvalley.org.uk.

You can see Emma’s presentation here

And you can watch Simon and Matteo’s presentation here