Photo: Saya Rose Naruse / Nature Calling
Building leadership capacity for the long term
Our ambition is to create lasting change in how leadership is developed and practiced across the environmental sector.
What we're building
Over the next five years, we envision a thriving ecosystem of leadership development for the environmental sector. The Landscape Leadership Academy will be recognised as the leading initiative of its kind in the UK.
More than just a training programme, this will be a community of practice where leaders at all stages can find support, challenge, and inspiration. Alumni will be driving change in their organisations and across the network.
The programme will contribute to a measurable shift in how those working on vitality of place approach leadership, collaboration, and long-term thinking.
Photo: Karla Gowlett for EFN
What will be different
Our vision of success spans people, organisations, and the landscapes they steward.
For People
A growing community of confident, connected leaders who support each other and drive positive change across the network.
- -Alumni actively applying regenerative leadership principles
- -Peer networks and communities of practice across regions
- -Leaders equipped to navigate complexity and uncertainty
- -Greater diversity in leadership roles across the sector
For Organisations
Teams strengthened by better leadership, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
- -Improved retention of talented staff
- -Stronger cross-organisational collaboration
- -More effective delivery of landscape-scale projects
- -Enhanced capacity for innovation and adaptation
For Landscapes
Better outcomes for nature, climate, and communities through improved leadership and stewardship.
- -More ambitious nature recovery initiatives
- -Stronger community engagement and partnership
- -Climate adaptation embedded in landscape management
- -Inclusive access for diverse communities
Our journey
Building something meaningful takes time. Here's our roadmap from pilot to sector infrastructure.
Pilot Phase
DEFRA-supported pilot programme testing approaches and building evidence of impact.
First Full Cohort
Refined programme delivered to the first full cohort, with enhanced digital resources.
Scale & Deepen
Expanding reach to more participants while deepening alumni engagement and support.
Sector Infrastructure
Established as core leadership development infrastructure for the environmental sector.
Legacy and sustainability
We are building this programme to last. With support from DEFRA and our partnership model, we are creating something that will serve the sector for years to come.
Our approach emphasises sustainability through diverse funding sources, strong partnerships, and an alumni community that becomes self-sustaining over time. We are investing in digital resources and learning materials that can be accessed freely, extending our reach beyond programme participants.
The ultimate measure of success will be the positive change we see in our National Landscapes: thriving nature, stronger communities, and leaders equipped to navigate whatever challenges the future brings.