RSN Member Exclusive Seminar: Rural Net Zero

Wednesday 28 January | 11:00–13:00 | Online

We’re pleased to kick off our 2026 programme of RSN member-exclusive seminars with our first session of the year, taking place on Wednesday 28 January with a focus on Rural Net Zero.

Our RSN seminar programme for the year is now fully confirmed, with all sessions open for booking. These member-only events bring together practitioners, policymakers, researchers and local leaders to explore shared challenges and practical solutions across rural services and communities.

This first seminar of the year will explore how rural areas are engaging with the net zero agenda, highlighting delivery challenges, local leadership, and emerging opportunities, with expert speakers drawn from across housing, local government, research and the environmental sector.

Gareth Field

RISE Learning and Development Operational Lead, Supply Chain Lead and Sustainable Communities Team Senior Consultant, Turner & Townsend

Gareth is a Senior Consultant and experienced project professional with expertise across housing, sustainability, energy advice and development. His work spans programme management, community and stakeholder engagement, policy development and net zero delivery.

At Turner & Townsend, Gareth has worked on the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) delivery partner TAF contract, providing technical support and advice to housing associations. He currently leads the operational Learning and Development service within the Retrofit Information Support and Expertise (RISE) programme.

Garry Ford

Environmental Project Officer, Corsham Town Council

Garry began his career working for a helicopter manufacturer before moving to Amsterdam as International Campaigns Planning Officer for Greenpeace International.

After relocating to Scotland, Garry worked with Keep Scotland Beautiful delivering community climate projects and climate literacy training through the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund. He later supported the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority in its work around COP26, before taking up his current role in Wiltshire, leading environmental projects at Corsham Town Council.

Professor Matthew Reed

Director, Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI); Head of Research, University of Gloucestershire

Matthew is a sociologist specialising in the interfaces between technology and the environment. His research spans organic farming, agri-environment schemes, local food systems, commercial fishing and emerging food technologies.

Since joining CCRI in 2009, Matthew has led a wide range of research projects across rural economies, food, forestry and market towns. In 2021 he became Director of CCRI, in 2024 Head of Research for the University of Gloucestershire, and in 2025 was awarded a Professorship focusing on emerging climate citizenships.

Dr Natasha Stonebridge

Post-Doctoral Researcher, Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), University of Gloucestershire

Natasha is an interdisciplinary researcher working across psychology, environmental studies, public health and social science. Her work explores how people experience and make sense of their environments, and how this shapes wellbeing, resilience and equity.

Her research includes qualitative work on rural energy adoption, participatory approaches to integrating biomass crops into farming systems, and evaluations of arts- and nature-based social prescribing. Natasha’s work has been published in leading journals including Journal of Environmental Psychology and British Journal of Social Psychology.

Cllr Anne Stephenson

Petersfield Town Councillor

Cllr Anne Stephenson joined Petersfield Town Council in December 2023 and brings a strong background in science, education and environmental stewardship to her role. A retired science teacher, Anne is Vice-Chair of the Sports, Recreation and Environment Committee and chairs the Tree Planning Working Group.

She works closely with the Town Council’s Climate Projects Officer on local climate initiatives and also sits on the Hampshire County Council Expert Forum on Climate Change, contributing to the development of practical, place-based responses to environmental challenges.

Anne is a committed advocate for green spaces, community wellbeing and locally led climate action, and brings valuable frontline local government insight to discussions around rural net zero delivery.

Why attend RSN seminars?

RSN member exclusive seminars are interactive, discussion-led sessions designed to support shared learning across sectors. They are not recorded, meaning attendance offers a unique opportunity to take part in open discussion, ask questions, and network with peers working on similar issues across rural England.

If you have a colleague with a particular interest in net zero, rural sustainability, retrofit, energy, research or community action, please do share the details of this seminar with them.

The full RSN seminar programme for the year, including details of all upcoming sessions can be found here. All seminars are now open for booking. Secure your place and join the conversation.