Call for Proposed Content
Theme: Connections Through Time
The Beth Chatto Symposium is an internationally respected biennial gathering of leading voices in horticulture, landscape and ecology.
Our past symposiums have all been recognised for their groundbreaking approach to investigating the themes they have addressed, with in-depth presentations and discussions that embrace a diversity of perspectives.
All are available to view on YouTube, free of charge, to give an indication of the breadth of subjects addressed:
The 2026 theme, Connections Through Time (name may change), aims to explore how plants, people and landscapes are shaped by temporal relationships: seasonal, generational, historical and future facing.
We want to ensure that we encompass new and innovative best practice, science and research within gardening, horticulture, ecology, design and landscaping, especially those approaches with wider benefits to the environment, wildlife and humans, and that help confront the challenges of the climate and biodiversity emergencies and ensure social justice.
In order to do so, we are welcoming diverse interpretations of the theme across disciplines and geographies. We are looking for proposals that address the importance of plants, gardens and gardening, in the past, present and future, and the ways that these intersect in different spaces and places.
Some themes or issues (in no particular order), that might be of interest could include;
- Plants’ evolution through time and the directions this may take in the face of climate change
- Humans’ ongoing social and cultural co-evolution with plants across the planet
- Responses to the various challenges of a changing world in professional practices
- The development and/or encouragement of novel ecosystems in gardens and landscapes
- Breaking from the past with new visions for the future of gardening
- The conflict between horticulture and ecology in professional practices
- Changing perspectives on gardens as spaces for people and other species
- Shifting baselines and the establishment of ‘new normals’ in the public appreciation of progressive planting
- Communication and collaboration throughout the industry and with the public
The submission process is open to anyone, being well known or academically qualified is not a necessity, and all will be considered on the strength of the proposals submitted.
While the symposium is UK based, international applications are welcomed.
In addition to providing a platform for your subject in person to 500+ industry professionals and enthusiasts along with an online audience, the event is a unique opportunity to network with those at the top of their field.
We are offering to provide inclusive accommodation, travel expenses and fees (subject to negotiation).
Please submit a brief outline (max. 500 words) summarising your proposed content and its relevance to the theme. Submissions will be reviewed for originality, relevance and resonance with the symposium’s ethos of thoughtful, progressive, plant-led practice.
Applications to be sent by 31st August 2025 to symposium26@bethchatto.co.uk
Applications will be reviewed by a Beth Chatto Education Trust panel and selected contributors will be notified on or before 31st October 2025.
Submission of a proposal is not a guarantee of acceptance. The panel’s decisions will be final, based upon the criteria outlined above, and should not be taken as a reflection on your abilities if not chosen. After selection further correspondence will not be entered into unless exceptional circumstances prevail.
We look forward to hearing your ideas.