The IENE 2026 International Conference took place at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), United Kingdom, from 21 to 25 September 2026, marking the 30th anniversary of IENE.
The Value of Nature in Resilient Infrastructure
The conference was organised by IENE in partnership with Rebuilding Nature, together with Natural England, the University of the West of England, National Highways, Network Rail, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and South Gloucestershire Council.
IENE 2026: Key speakers sessions
Steve Elderkin OBE, Director of Environmental Sustainability, National Highways, Co-Founder Rebuilding Nature
Chair: Oliver Harmer (Natural England)
Panellists: Kunle Barker, Jerry Tate, Lisa Palframan, Selina Mason, Louise Clarke
Nichols, J.; Seville, O.
Manuela Panzacchi, Senior Research Scientist, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)
Elderkin, S.
IENE Personal Award 2026: Niki Voumvoulaki (Egnatia Odos S.A., Greece)
IENE Project Awards 2026: LIFE AMPHICON and LIFE DANUBE FREE SKY
Welcome by Johan Rydlöv, awards presented by Elke Hahn, Radu Mot and Vincent O’Malley
Opening reflection by Johan Rydlöv, President of IENE
IENE Awards 2026
The winners of the IENE Awards 2026 were celebrated at the IENE Awards Gala Dinner, held at Aerospace Bristol underneath Concorde Alpha Foxtrot. Three outstanding contributions to ecological connectivity were recognised. Read the full article
IENE 2026 Photo Competition
To mark 30 years of harmonising transportation and nature, IENE invited conference participants to share their view of the relationship between infrastructure and the natural world through photography. The winners were revealed during the gala dinner. Read the full article
Infrastructure systems must evolve. As climate pressures intensify, infrastructure must not only minimise harm but actively contribute to ecological recovery, connectivity and resilience. Marking the 30th anniversary of IENE, the Bristol conference in September 2026 brought together leading practitioners, researchers, policymakers and industry partners to explore new approaches, share evidence and strengthen the cross-sector partnerships essential for delivery.
📌 The four conference themes:
The Value of Nature: placing ecological and social value at the heart of infrastructure decision-making, and critically assessing investment, valuation and nature-based approaches.
Resilience Through Nature: strengthening climate resilience by working with ecosystem processes, while recognising ecological limits and the risks of maladaptation.
Pace Over Perfection: scaling proven solutions to reduce fragmentation and severance at landscape and network scales, balancing urgency with ecological integrity.
Creating Actionable Knowledge: turning foundational knowledge into action on ecological severance, supporting connected habitats and informed restoration planning.
🌿 Field trips (Wednesday 23 September):
Engineering with Nature: Oxford & Cotswolds (A417 Missing Link, Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme)
Restoring Nature: Wetlands & Energy-Legacy Landscapes (Avonmouth & Severnside, Hallen Marshes, Oldbury Nuclear Power Station)
Bristol Harbour: Engineering Icons & Eco-Innovation (boat trip through Bristol Harbour)
Rewilding & Peatlands: Nature Recovery and BNG in Action (Belmont Estate, Avalon Marshes Nature Reserve)
From Prehistory to Peat Scrapes: Stonehenge & Chalk Grassland Restoration (Stonehenge World Heritage Site, RSPB Winterbourne Downs)
Bristol to Bath Cycle Ride (Bristol and Bath Railway Path)
UWE Campus Walk: Pollinators & Mobility Innovation
Visit the IENE conference website: https://www.iene2026.info/