Sand Dune and Shingle Network Conference
Tuesday 16th September – Thursday 18th September. Liverpool Hope Creative Campus, Shaw Street, Liverpool L6 1HP.
Join us for the biennial Sand Dune and Shingle Network conference to explore the latest conservation strategies, challenges and research in sand dune, shingle and machair environments. Hosted by the Sand Dune and Shingle Network, this event brings together, practitioners, site managers, researchers and policymakers to share insights, discuss pressing issues, and shape the future of coastal management.
The event will focus around 4 sessions over 3 days:
- Emerging threats to sand dune, shingle and machair systems
- Conservation in Practice: Case studies and Lessons from the field
- Research and Innovation
- Policy, Practice and Impact: Shaping the Future of Coastal Conservation
The conference includes a field trip to the Wirral foreshore on Day 2 (Wednesday 17th September). A preliminary programme of the event is available to view online.
Location
The location is Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus, home to its creative and performing arts degrees. Based in the city centre of Liverpool, it is a stunning collection of Grade-II listed buildings.
Liverpool is famous for its cultural and sporting attractions. It has more museums and galleries than any other UK city outside of the capital. It even has two cathedrals! The city itself has gone through huge regeneration in the past two decades. With an international perspective and exceptional economic strengths, Liverpool is recognised as one of the UK’s leading business, leisure and tourism destinations.
The Liverpool city region includes sites of international importance for the natural environment. These are between 10 minutes and 1 hour travel time of the conference venue. The coast of Liverpool offers an amazing combination of wildscapes that contrast starkly with an urban coastline and one of the busiest port complexes in Europe.
Additional information about the venue and city is available here.
Abstract Submission
The abstract submission deadline is Monday 7th July 2025 via the online form. Should your organisation require official correspondence regarding acceptance of your abstract prior to completing registration, please email your request to dunes@hope.ac.uk.
Registration
The registration fee for the event is £90. Once registration has opened it can be paid via. the Liverpool Hope University online store. Registration includes lunches and refreshments on Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th September. Additional detail and full terms and conditions of registration are available.
The deadline for registration is Friday 8th August.
Accommodation
Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodation. A range of options, from hotels to guesthouses, can be found on the Visit Liverpool website. Early booking is recommended to secure preferred choices.
Event Organisers
The Sand Dunes and Shingle conference is organised by the Sand Dune and Shingle Network, which operates with the support of a memorandum of understanding between Liverpool Hope University, National Trust, Natural England, Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru (Natural Resources Wales), NatureScot, The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Kenneth Pye Associates Limited and Oleo Ecology.
For any queries regarding the event, please contact dunes@hope.ac.uk.