You will hear from leaders, both in green space projects and in governance roles. The day will inspire you to dream big and make real, sustainable change. The morning is hosted by Hilary McGrady, Director General, National Trust with opening remarks from Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Maria Adebowale-Schwarte, NLHF Trustee and CEO of Foundation for Future London.
During the day, you will hear from those leading the FPA programme and UK councillors overseeing greenspace projects. We also have insights and showcases of ambitious projects from across the globe. Hear from Paris, Medellín and Melbourne on how these cities have become global leaders in green infrastructure.
Across the course of the day, and the conference more broadly, you will have the opportunity to engage with our speakers through Q&A at the end of sessions, engage with fellow participants through the Zoom chat, and delve into resources on our interactive Miro space, which you can access here.
Hilary McGrady has worked for the National Trust for 13 years and was appointed Director General in 2018. She grew up in Belfast at the height of the Troubles and married a Catholic at a time when so-called mixed marriages faced extreme prejudice.
She worked as a graphic designer, marketeer, and consultant for cultural tourism before joining the National Trust. She is passionate about beauty both in art and in nature and about sharing that with as many people as possible.
Join your host for the morning, Hilary McGrady, as she welcomes you to the morning session, introduces the theme - Inspiring Change - Art of the Possible, and our speakers.
09:45-10:10
Join Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Maria Adebowale-Schwarte, NLHF Trustee and CEO of Foundation for Future London to hear about the work of FPA and what to expect over the coming days.
🌳 Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Dr Simon Thurley CBE has extensive experience in the heritage sector, including 13 years as chief executive of English Heritage. Simon Thurley was appointed Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund on 1 April 2021.
Simon is a distinguished historian and heritage expert. He serves on the Sponsor Board and the Delivery Authority for the Restoration and Renewal of the Houses of Parliament, is a trustee of the British Library and chairman of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation. He has been a patron of the London Parks and Garden Trust since 2004 and played a role in setting up the Canal and River Trust, where he was a trustee until 2015.
Between 2002 and 2015 he was chief executive of English Heritage, responsible for the National Heritage Collection of 420 sites including Stonehenge and Dover Castle, as well as for the National Heritage Protection system, including the listing of buildings.
For five years from 1997, Simon was director of the Museum of London, the world’s largest city museum, and its archaeological unit MoLAS. For eight years in the 1990s, he was Curator and Surveyor of the Fabric at Historic Royal Palaces, leading various projects including the Restoration of the Privy Garden at Hampton Court.
As a historian, Simon has written thirteen books including a history of English Architecture, Building England and the story of heritage protection, Men from the Ministry.