21–25 September 2026 | Bristol, United Kingdom
We are pleased to announce that the IENE 2026 International Conference will take place from 21–25 September 2026 in Bristol, UK.
Marking the 30th anniversary of IENE, this flagship event will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, infrastructure planners, and innovators working at the intersection of transport, ecology, and sustainable development.
Early-bird registration is now open.
👉 Register now: www.iene2026.info
A Special Partnership
For this edition, IENE is partnering with Rebuilding Nature, whose cross-sector mission focuses on restoring UK ecosystems and building a joined-up Strategic Nature Network. This collaboration will enrich discussions and strengthen the conference’s practical and strategic impact.
What to Expect
Participants can look forward to:
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Inspiring keynote presentations from leading international experts
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Hands-on workshops and technical training sessions
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Practical case study discussions
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Field excursions showcasing real-world applications in landscape connectivity
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Poster sessions and cross-sector networking opportunities
The full conference programme is now available online, with keynote speaker announcements, sponsor and partner reveals, and further updates to follow in the coming weeks.
Conference Focus
IENE 2026 explores how nature and infrastructure can work together to deliver:
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Climate resilience
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Ecological connectivity
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Long-term economic value
Core themes
- The Value of Nature
Unlocking economic and social prosperity through investment in nature.
- Resilience Through Nature
Recognising nature as essential for climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Pace Over Perfection
Advancing cross-cutting methods and innovations towards a nature-neutral future.
- Creating Actionable Knowledge
Utilising foundational knowledge to tackle habitat fragmentation and landscape-scale severance.
Field trips
As part of IC26, delegates can choose from 7 field trips taking place on Wednesday 23 September, offering a first-hand look at how infrastructure and nature recovery come together across the Bristol region and beyond:
- Engineering with Nature: Oxford–Cotswolds — the £460m A417 Missing Link and Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme
- Restoring Nature: Wetlands & Energy-Legacy Landscapes — Severn Estuary flood defences and Oldbury Nuclear Power Station
- Bristol Harbour: Engineering Icons & Eco-Innovation — a boat trip through Bristol Harbour
- Rewilding & Peatlands — Belmont Estate and Avalon Marshes Nature Reserve
- Stonehenge & Chalk Grassland Restoration
- Bristol to Bath Cycle Ride — 14 miles on the historic Railway Path (limited places)
- UWE Campus Walk: Pollinators & Mobility Innovation (free)
Each delegate may book one trip when registering. Costs range from free to £100 depending on the trip.
👉 Full itineraries, timings, walking levels and accessibility details:
Join Us in Bristol
Located in the South West of England, Bristol is a vibrant and forward-thinking city known for its environmental leadership, creative energy, and strong commitment to sustainability — an ideal setting for IENE’s 30th anniversary conference.
Next steps
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– 📖 Explore the full programme: https://www.iene2026.info/programme-at-a-glance
– 🎟️ Secure your early-bird ticket before 24 July: https://www.iene2026.info/registration
– For enquiries: contact@iene2026.info
We look forward to welcoming you to Bristol in 2026 for an inspiring week of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and celebration.
The IENE 2026 Organising Committee