Event

National Collection Holders' Conference 2026

We are delighted to be hosted by Newby Hall and Gardens for our popular biennial conference that brings National Collection holders together to share knowledge, ideas and inspiration. The theme for the conference is 'Growing for a Resilient Future'. Booking info below.

Event Start Date Thursday, 12 November 2026 9.30am
Event End Date Thursday, 12 November 2026 5.00pm
Cost £30 early bird tickets before 5pm Friday 4 Sept (National Collection holders and those working with Collections only). General booking for Collection holders and Plant Heritage members from 5 Sept £40.
Event Location Newby Hall
Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 5AE
Event Contact Conservation Team
Telephone 01484 447540
Contact collections@plantheritage.org.uk
Newby Hall and Gardens Image 263 Provided By Newby (check for usage)

Newby Hall and Gardens

© Credit: Newby Hall

Newby Hall has an extensive National Collection of more than 100 Cornusspecimens and is a stunning setting for this important event. 

Please note that bookings are open from 22 July to 4 September for National Collection holders and those who work with Collections (e.g. Collections Coordinators, volunteers and gardeners who care for National Collections including dispersed Collections). These early bird tickets are £30. General booking will open on 5 September for Collection holders and Plant Heritage members with tickets priced at £40. Bookings will close on 9 October, but may close earlier if we are fully booked (there are 120 spaces). 

Book now

The draft conference programme is below. More details will be added soon. For details about getting to Newby Hall, please visit their website here

Plant Heritage National Collection Holders' Conference 2026 - draft programme

 

 

From 9.00 am 

Arrival at Newby Hall – walk to The Orangery for registration

10.00 – 12.30 

Morning session

Welcome to Newby Hall and the 2026 Conference

Keynote speakers including a presentation on the new Climate Assessment Tool developed by the Future of National Gardens Group (with Alison Foster, Dave Kendal and Peter Symes).

Short talks by National Collection holders including Margaret & David MacLennan who have been awarded scientific status for their National Collection of Galanthus (snowdrops) 

12.45 - 13.45

Lunch in the Orangery

13.45 – 15.30

We will explore the beautiful Newby Hall gardens including the National Collection.

15.30-16.45

Return to The Orangery for refreshments, followed by a panel discussion with questions and answers and next steps

17.00

Close 

THE HOME OF THE NATIONAL PLANT COLLECTIONS®

eg: plant genus, common name, county, collection holder name.