25 June 2026
The Spine building, Liverpool
Join us for the Coast-R Network Annual Forum 2026: Investment for rejuvenating coastal communities
This year, our “red thread” explores the three pillars of sustainability: Economic, Social, and Environmental.
Morning Session | Economic & Social Pillars
The morning session comprises five talks drawn from across the private and public sectors and academia. We explore flows of value and resources (energy, financial) in connecting the coast to marine realm, and more broadly to addressing challenges of climate change, sustainable resource use and economic development. The positioning of social value in connecting offshore development with coastal communities through Contracts for Difference is explored by Simon Thurley from the Crown Estate, whilst managing and protecting our marine ecosystems for the benefit of society, again through mechanisms such as social value, is considered by Mel Nicholls from the Marine Management Organisation. Pamela Buchan from the University of Exeter further develops connections between marine resource stewardship and coastal communities, examining the partnership needed to deliver fair, place-based decision-making so coastal communities can be resilient in the face of marine development. Richard Dunning from the University of Liverpool examines the framing of ‘value’ across marine and coastal contexts, as well as instruments for extracting value for investment in coastal community resilience. James Starkey from Balaena Birkenhead (previously named Cammell Laird shipyard) explores relationships between industrial investment, procurement strategy, social value and net zero energy opportunities in delivering long-term regional economic sustainability.
Speakers
Bid Manager at Balaena Birkenhead (previously named Cammell Laird)
Interdisciplinary Marine Scientist
Professor of Land Economy and Housing at the University of Liverpool
Manager within the Marine Sustainability team at The Crown Estate
Senior Marine Planner at the Marine Management Organisation
Chair
Professor in Physical Geography at the University of Liverpool
Afternoon Session | Environmental & Social Pillars
The focus shifts toward the environmental and social pillars. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate and discuss strategies to plan for coastal change during a workshop.
This workshop will consider methods to plan for the future on the coast under changing conditions with a view to supporting coastal resilience. Through pre-workshop survey and interactive elements during the workshop we will aim to understand how participants are currently planning for the future – their time horizons, what coastal changes they are anticipating and their planning methods.
We will then look at the specific approach of adaptive pathways using Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) as a case study – SMPs set out how we will manage coastal defence against erosion and tidal flooding. We will focus on what decisions need to be taken, who owns them and what triggers the requirement for a decision and some of the lessons that have been learnt.
At the end of the workshop participants will have an understanding of how their future planning compares to other sectors as well as the different coastal changes that they are planning for. They will understand what adaptive pathways are and if this tool is relevant to them.
Session 1 Leads
Lecturer in Coastal Dynamics
Professor in Physical Geography at the University of Liverpool
Session 2 Leads
Our Future Coast
North West Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) Coordinator and Coastal Group Partnership Coordinator
What to Expect
The Coast-R Annual Forum is an active, collaborative space to explore how we work across interfaces to build coastal resilience.
During the day, you’ll engage in reflective discussions drawing on diverse sectors and lived experiences from across the UK. You will also take part in a practical workshop of your choice: Planning for Change or Different Ways of Engaging Communities.
Why Attend?
- Inclusive Dialogue: Engage in meaningful conversations with participants from diverse sectors, backgrounds and perspectives.
- Networking Opportunities: Build stronger connections with peers and collaborators.
- Innovative Ideas: Gain fresh insights to enhance your research and projects.
Event Schedule (a more detailed agenda will be published here closer to the event)
Thursday 25th June
- 9:00– 9:30 – Registration & Coffee
- 9:30 – 9:45 – Welcome
- 9:45 – 11:15 – Panel session – Perspectives on investment for coastal change
- 11:15 – 11:45 – Coffee break
- 11:45 – 12:30 – Q&A session
- 12:30 – 13:20 – Lunch break
- 13:20 – 14:35 – Tools for Coastal Adaptation & Transition: Workshop 1
- 14:35 – 15:00 – Coffee Break
- 15:00 – 16:15 – Tools for Coastal Adaptation & Transition: Workshop 2
- 16:20 – 16:50 – Event closure
- 18:00 – 19:00 – Networking city walk (optional)
Practical Info
The Coast-R Annual Forum 2026 will take place at the Spine building, Liverpool on 25th June 2026.
Registration for this event is now closed.
We look forward to welcoming you in Liverpool!
If you are travelling by car:
Car park Paddington Village Multi-Storey
Address: Elm Grove, Grove St, Smithdown Lane, Liverpool L7 3FA
If you are travelling by train:
The Spine is 21 minutes walking from Liverpool Lime Street Station, between 12 and 20 minutes by bus and about 10 minutes by taxi
