Networks November: Green and Blue Water Networks
10:00-10:15 | Welcome and introduction
· Explain why natural infrastructure matters now for water resilience and climate adaptation.
· Frame nature-based solutions as core infrastructure rather than optional enhancements.
· Set out the day’s focus on planning, development, delivery and cross-sector collaboration.
10:15-10:45 | Scene-setter keynote
· Establish the national policy and infrastructure context for blue-green networks.
· Explore the case for treating flood protection, water management and cooling as core assets.
· Connect nature-based solutions to wider economic, environmental and resilience goals.
Speaker:
Rukhsana Mann, Tetra-Tech
10:45-11:30 | Session 1: Development and biodiversity
· Examine how housing and development can support biodiversity net gain.
· Consider how blue-green infrastructure can be designed in from the start.
· Use development case studies to test what works in former agricultural and growth areas.
11:30-11:45 | Break
· Refreshments and networking.
· Informal discussion of development and biodiversity themes.
· Transition into planning and networks content.
11:45-12:30 | Session 2: Planning greener networks
· Explore how new infrastructure, reservoirs and major projects can embed greener approaches.
· Discuss how to reduce reliance on grey infrastructure where blue-green alternatives are viable.
· Clarify the role of developers, water companies and planners in delivery.
12:30-13:15 | Lunch
· Networking and informal discussion.
· Opportunity to connect planning, development and infrastructure perspectives.
· Reset ahead of the public realm and delivery sessions.
13:15-14:00 | Session 3: Transport, councils and public realm
· Identify opportunities in rail, streets, town infrastructure and public spaces.
· Discuss the role of local councils in resilience and green infrastructure delivery.
· Explore practical examples such as rooftop rainwater capture and greener streets.
14:00-14:45 | Session 4: Practical delivery and collaboration
· Examine coordination between utilities, councils and infrastructure works.
· Consider how nature-based solutions can be embedded when roads and surfaces are reinstated.
· Discuss pre-engagement with development to design water in rather than move it away.
14:45-15:15 | Panel discussion
· Explore how the water sector, developers, councils and infrastructure owners can work together.
· Identify barriers in planning, funding, ownership and long-term maintenance.
· Agree practical changes that would improve implementation at scale.
15:15-15:30 | Closing remarks
· Summarise key takeaways from the day.
· Capture immediate follow-up actions and areas for further work.
· Set out next steps for sector engagement on green and blue water networks.