We aim to organise a conference or seminar each year, focusing on a topical theme. Our conference is located in a different part of the UK (excluding Scotland).
2026 CMA Conference – Celebrating 60 years
Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 September 2026
Sustainability Centre & Eco Lodge, East Meon, Hampshire
The CMA is delighted that its 60th anniversary annual conference will take place at the Sustainability Centre set in the Meon Valley in East Hampshire, in the stunning South Downs National Park.
Taking a glance back over the years, this Conference will celebrate the wide-ranging work of the ranger and wider countryside profession over the decades, along with a keen focus on the future and the younger generation coming into the sector.
We will be joined by some dynamic and inspirational speakers as we reflect back, and look ahead to what the future holds for countryside and green space management.
With a wide range of intriguing and varied field trip options to choose from, you’ll certainly leave feeling inspired, enthused and motivated after hearing about the amazing work being undertaken in Hampshire. The field trips will embrace a range of habitants, environments and issues:
Coastal Change – Hayling Island/Bird Aware Solent – exploring multi use recreational issues, behavioural change and mitigation work.
Nature Recovery on the Coast – Looking at Titchfield Haven NNR, a site in transition balancing human and wildlife activity.
Chalk Downland – looking at three large NNRs on chalk download, visitor management, archaeology and removing power lines.
Ancient Settlements & Downland – Old Winchester Hill, Butser Hill and Beacon Hill NNRs – how these are protected, potential conflicts with large land owners and development pressures.
A Tale of Two Country Parks – Queen Elizabeth and Staunton Country Parks – joint management, visitor impacts and facilities, social issues, funding and self-sufficiency.
Urban Greenspace Management – with Hart District ouch along the Blackwater Valley, looking at their green grid concept, urban fringe management, 106 funding and development pressure.
Further information on all of the field trips will be sent to delegates ahead of conference for them to select their preferred visit(s).
Join this 60th Anniversary of the countryside and urban greenspace management sector and celebrate the past, present and the future of our very unique profession.
Cost to members:
Full conference (all three days, including meals and accommodation):
- B&B Ensuite Rooms (shared/twin) – £240
- Hostel Bed (dorm rooms with shared facilities) – £190
Camping (bring your own tent, sorry no campervans/motorhomes)
- Tent with single occupancy – £180
- Tent with shared (2+) people – £150 per person
Day Rates
- Full conference (no accommodation, but including lunch and evening meals) – £140
- Thursday session (field trips, to include a packed lunch) – £70
- Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning session – £55 per session
Conference places are now available to book on Eventbrite, please look out for further information.
Non-members are welcome to attend, separate rates apply. Please see Eventbrite link above for full ticket prices and information.
2024 CMA Conference – The Wild West
Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 November 2024
YHA Okehampton Bracken Tor, Okehampton, Devon
Thank you to all those who came to speak, listen and participate in this year’s conference, it was a great few days with new friendships forged and much learnt. Thank you to all those who have sent in their images, here are but a few…
Our previous conferences:
2023
Delivering Nature Recovery
2022
Reconnect, Reflect, Respond
2019
Landscapes, the Big Picture
2018
Engaging Communities, Enhancing Lives
2017
New Opportunities in the Outdoors – creative approaches to funding, partnerships and publicity
2016
