Cornwall Community Flood Forum Annual Conference 2025

We are delighted to invite you to our 2025 Annual Conference on Friday 7th November! Registration on the day will start at 09:15, with the opening remarks beginning at 09:45. This year marks Cornwall Community Flood Forum's 14th Conference, and we hope it will be a day to remember!

Our conference will be held in the Pavilion Centre at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge. Alternatively, you are welcome to join us virtually for a morning of engaging talks from a variety of speakers on all things flooding. We encourage as many as people as possible to join us in person as you will be able to view the various stands and network throughout the day, as well as take part in interactive workshops. Free refreshments and lunch will be provided for all those attending in person.

The theme for this years' conference is 'Preparing for a changing environment, how what we do now shapes our tomorrow', of which we are delighted to offer speakers from a wide range of organisations. The morning will be split into two sessions.

The first session will focus on community response to flooding and other emergencies. Our keynote speaker, Niki Glew (Teignbridge District Council) will start the day. We will also be lucky enough to hear from Richard Teeuw (the University of Portsmouth) and Hayle Community Flood Group.

The second session will focus on resilience to coastal change. We will hear from Dafydd Thomas (Network Rail), Jolyon Sharpe (Making Space for Sand project) and a coastal community we have been working with on the project.

A full agenda can be found at the bottom of this text.

After the lunch break, those of you joining us in person will be able to participate in interactive workshops. There will be a choice of two workshops below, as well as a dedicated slot for networking. You can choose to attend both workshops, or one workshop and networking, or just networking. We will have an array of displays on hand at the Royal Cornwall Showground for you to engage with.

Workshop A: Resilience in Action: Preparing for a Changing Environment. Hosted by Judit Gancsa.

Through a hands-on flood resilience simulation, and a myth-busting quiz on flood warden responsibilities, participants will gain practical insights and contribute to shaping a more adaptive and informed community response. Whether you're a local volunteer, resident, or stakeholder, this workshop empowers you to take action and prepare for future challenges together.

Workshop B: Tabletop Exercise with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service. Hosted by Jonathan Castleden.

More information coming soon.

We have invited school children to our conference to participate in workshops again after success the past three years. With thanks to Making Space for Sand, the children will be able to interact with Coastal Change Time Machine. This an interactive exhibit which allows you to go back in time to view Cornwall’s coastal communities, before launching into the future of what the coastline could look like. The students will also be invited to a workshop run by the Environment Agency, where they will take part in a flood modelling activity based around the area of their school, using pre-made Lego houses and ‘flood water’ AKA cold tea!

Please note it is important to select the correct ticket type upon checkout, as we require different information from you depending on how you will be joining us on the day! Please only choose either an in-person or online ticket.

We look forward to welcoming you to our conference! For any questions, please email EmmaN@volunteercornwall.org.uk or phone 07355 598858.