Annual North West dinner

Join the North West regional committee for the welcome return of our annual regional dinner and social at Kelsick Grammar above Ambleside, with spectacular views over Windermere and the Central Fells.

Join us for drinks and a two-course buffet meal, followed by a talk and discussion with celebrated author and broadcaster Mary-Ann Ochota, who will be asking: What do National Parks need from us, and what do we need from them?

This year the Lake District National Park celebrates its 75th birthday. It’s something to celebrate, but we do so in the midst of a climate and biodiversity crisis, in the face of perilous farming futures, fraying social cohesion and Nature on the brink.

So, what does the promise of an outstanding landscape, protected for the nation, actually mean? What do we need our National Parks, National Landscapes and National Trails to do – for people, nature, and climate – in the next 75 years?

About the speaker

This year our guest speaker will be Mary-Ann Ochota, RGS Fellow, well-known author, broadcaster and anthropologist. Mary-Ann serves as the Chair of the Protected Landscapes Partnership, helping England's National Parks, National Landscapes and National Trails work with greater collaboration and innovation.

She's also President of CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, and a Patron of the British Mountaineering Council, particularly representing hill walkers and the BMC's work on access reform. Mary-Ann's award-winning books include Hidden Histories: A Spotter's Guide to the British Landscape

Booking information

• Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
• Students can book a discounted ticket (£30) using the promo code studentdinner at checkout. 
• Please book by Friday 8 May.
• Ticket price includes welcome drink and two-course buffet meal.
• We do not issue tickets (electronic or physical) for this event. Instead your name will be on a list at the door.

If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org

This event has been organised by the North West regional committee.