About the event

Explore the science of people, why we behave the way we do, and how an understanding of behavioural science can help us to create positive change for nature. 

Speakers:
 
Becky Fisher, Head of Engagement at Somerset Wildlife Trust

Becky has a Masters in Behaviour Change from the University of Derby. She was instrumental in the creation of the Team Wilder ethos- a method of engagement delivery that draws on the science of behaviour change, community organising and movement building. Becky will introduce why changing people's behaviour should be at the heart of nature recovery and give an overview of how Somerset Wildlife Trust applies the strategies and approaches throughout our work. 

Katie Harvard Smith, Marine Protected Area Officer for the Severn Estuary

Katie Havard-Smith is the Marine Protected Area Officer for the Severn Estuary, working jointly for the Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities (ASERA) and the Severn Estuary Partnership. She leads the management of Bird Aware Severn, a developing partnership initiative focused on reducing recreational disturbance to internationally important bird populations across the Severn Estuary. 

In this presentation, Katie will share how the project is taking a strategic, estuary-wide approach to behaviour change, using positive and engaging messaging across communications channels to encourage responsible visitor behaviour. She will also discuss how this is being supported through a combination of soft interventions, such as education and engagement, alongside targeted on-site management measures where needed. As the project is still in its early stages, the presentation will focus on the principles and approach underpinning delivery rather than established outcomes.

Joelene Hughes and Victoria Carr work in the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science.

As part of a small – but growing – social science team, they apply social science theories and methods in their research to address conservation issues in the UK. Both work on a number of projects that involve understanding audiences, developing and testing interventions to change behaviours and improve outcomes for species and habitats.

In this presentation they will provide examples from their recent research to illustrate how behaviour change approaches are being used to: alter garden bird feeding habits to help Greenfinches; increase lead use for dogs on beaches to help beach-nesting birds such as Little Terns; and start people gardening for wildlife in their new-build homes. The talk will also highlight evidence that developing people’s nature connection is a crucial pathway for fostering greater conservation behaviour and underpins future conservation success.