Meet the speakers for our 'Big Day Out'

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our annual site visit on the 18^th of September — reimagined, expanded, and rebranded as The Heather Trust’s Big Day Out. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, bringing together leading voices in upland management, conservation, and moorland restoration for an inspiring, informative, and practical day in the North York Moors.

Whether you’re a land manager, policymaker, conservationist, or simply passionate about the future of our uplands, this is your chance to hear from experts at the forefront of their fields. Here’s a taste of the incredible speaker line-up you’ll meet in Goathland this September.

Meet our guest speakers

Geoff Ayre – 60 Years of Moorland Management and Habitat Restoration

Few people can match Geoff Ayre’s lifetime of experience working in the uplands. From pioneering “cool burning” techniques to large-scale heather restoration projects visible from space, Geoff has been at the forefront of practical habitat creation for decades.

His talk will chart his journey from family farming traditions to developing methods for converting bracken and molinia monocultures into thriving mixed heath, as well as his innovations in bare peat restoration.

John Clarke – Wildfire Risk and Real-Time Upland Management

John Clarke, Director of Policy, Conservation and Uplands at the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, brings decades of hands-on experience in gamekeeping and moorland management. His talk will focus on the Wildfire Risk Index — a unique, real-time tool built in collaboration with experienced gamekeepers to address the gap between official fire risk assessments and the reality on the ground.

John’s career spans from head keeper at the Duchy of Lancaster Estate to co-developing wildfire mitigation training funded by Defra. His perspective combines deep practical knowledge with national-level policy insight.

Rosie Snowden – Peatlands: Carbon, Climate, and Conservation

As Peat Programme Manager at Yorkshire Peat Partnership, Rosie Snowden leads on restoring and protecting peat bogs across northern Yorkshire. Over her nine years with the Partnership, Rosie has managed restoration projects, research, and advocacy — all driven by her passion for creating climate-resilient landscapes.

Her talk will explore the vital role of healthy, wet, sphagnum-rich peat bogs in carbon storage, biodiversity, and protecting landscapes from wildfire, floods, and drought.

Matt Colston – Ticks, Health Risks, and Upland Land Management

Veterinary expert Matt Colston will share his extensive knowledge on tick biology, the health risks they pose to livestock and people, and the growing challenges in controlling them in a changing climate.

A former president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and current technical consultant for Elanco Animal Health, Matt has over 30 years’ experience in flock health and parasite management — making his insights invaluable for anyone involved in upland farming.

Andreas Heinemeyer – Heather Burning and Wildfire: Challenges from Proposed Regulatory Change

Andreas brings over two decades of expertise in terrestrial carbon cycling, specialising in how management and climate change affect soils in forests, agriculture, and peatlands. He is the developer of the MILLENNIA peatland model and is highly experienced with other leading carbon models including RothC, Century, and DNDC. His work spans both modelling and direct measurement of carbon stocks, greenhouse gas emissions, and ecosystem services.

Joining SEI York in 2002, Andreas went on to become Research Group Leader in 2014 and has led a major, long-term peatland project examining vegetation management and ecosystem services in the UK. He has advised the UNFCCC on recognising peatlands as carbon stores, contributed to national working groups such as the Upland Hydrology and Upland Management groups, and works closely with land managers, government agencies, and DEFRA. His insights will explore the implications of proposed regulatory changes on heather burning and wildfire risk, drawing on his deep technical knowledge and practical engagement across the sector.

Edward March-Shawcross – Restoring Blanket Bogs and Peat Habitats

Edward March-Shawcross is an environmentalist, climber, and hillwalker with a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Drawing on experiences as a biology teacher, caver and naturalist, he now leads the ‘Moor to Restore’ project in the North York Moors National Park.

Ed will share how the Park aims to restore 4,500 hectares of degraded peatland by 2031, and why healthy bogs are vital for carbon storage, wildlife, water quality, and flood prevention. With hands-on experience in peatland surveying and restoration, he will bring to life both the science and personal drive behind this ambitious work.

Katrina Candy – Heather Futures: Research and the Road Ahead

Our very own Director, Katrina Candy, will present the Heather Trust’s latest research project: Heather Futures. With nearly two years at the helm, Katrina has brought a wealth of rural sector expertise from her previous roles at Bidwells and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

She will share findings from the research, what it means for the future of moorland management, and how the Heather Trust is working with partners to ensure our uplands are sustainable and resilient for generations to come.

Why you shouldn’t miss this

The ‘Big Day Out’ isn’t just any day out— it’s a rare opportunity to learn from and connect with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced voices in upland conservation and management. Alongside the talks, there will be a guided moorland walk, practical discussions, and plenty of time to network with fellow attendees.

Date: Wednesday, 18 September 2025

Location: Goathland Village Hall, North York Moors

Tickets are now live – book yours today and help us spread the word far and wide. Every booking supports our mission to create sustainable, resilient moorlands for the benefit of all.