Future Countryside 2026 takes place on Tuesday 2 June at Raby Castle.

Now in its fourth year, it has become the leading forum for shaping the future of rural Britain—bringing together the people, ideas and influence driving change at a critical moment for the countryside.

The event convenes senior decision-makers from across politics, business, land management, conservation and rural enterprise for focused, solutions-led discussion on how to secure a thriving and inclusive countryside.

This year’s speaker line-up includes:

• Sir Simon Jenkins
• Craig Bennett
• Chris Woodley-Stewart 
• Rupert Soames and René Olivieri from the National Trust

They are joined by leading political voices including Baroness Batters, Lord Smith, Baroness Rock and Daniel Zeichner—ensuring a broad, balanced and forward-looking conversation about the countryside’s future.

Why Future Countryside matters

The countryside is not a nostalgic backdrop, it is central to tackling some of the greatest challenges facing us. From food security and climate change to fair growth and thriving communities, rural Britain has a vital role to play.

Future Countryside 2026 will spotlight opportunities and innovations, showcasing the countryside as:

• A dynamic, inclusive space at the heart of national life
• A driver of economic growth and fair, sustainable development
• A source of community strength, cultural richness, and environmental stewardship
• A major contributor to education, health and wellbeing

What to expect in 2026

The day will include:

• Keynote speeches from leading figures in politics, business, rural communities, agriculture and conservation
• Dynamic roundtable discussions to drive collaboration
• Provocative short interventions designed to spark debate
• Live-streamed access for the wider rural community
• Networking to enable further discussion and joint initiatives

Each element of the day is designed to inspire bold thinking and build a modern vision for the countryside.

A proven platform for change

Since its inception Future Countryside has:

•  Hosted over 200 senior leaders, influencers and policymakers annually
•  Secured commitments from government, business and conservation figures
•  Amplified its impact through media, reaching 6 million+ people since 2023
•  Inspired over 85 organisations and individuals to sign the Future Countryside Declaration
•  Been praised as “outstanding … more than the sum of its parts” (René Olivieri, Chairman, National Trust)

As Michael Gove succinctly described it: “The challenge the countryside faces is that it doesn’t have a single voice. Future Countryside is all about positivity – bringing diverse voices together.”

We are grateful to Lord and Lady Barnard and the Raby Estate for kindly hosting Future Countryside 2026. Raby Estates operates over three major upland and lowland landholdings across Co. Durham and Shropshire. Its interests include a substantial portfolio of let property, sporting, in hand farming and forestry, as well as a growing leisure and tourism operation. Under Lord Barnard’s leadership over the past nine years, the Estate has undergone a period of transformative change and investment, guided by a strategy to build a vibrant, sustainable business that honours its heritage while embracing the future. It is a vision that perfectly reflects the spirit of Future Countryside - celebrating, championing, and shaping a thriving rural Britain for generations to come.

Join the wait list to attend Future Countryside by registering your details here.