Our urban commons are a precious resource with enormous significance for promoting biodiversity, and for health and wellbeing in an urban context. Chris will explore the different legal and cultural concepts of an urban common, illustrated by examples from research that includes Mousehold Heath in Norwich.
Chris argues we should instead identify the ecosystem services that urban commons provide – to better enable us to protect and promote them as multifaceted sites for nature conservation, recreation and landscape protection for the future.
About the speaker
Chris was a Lecturer, Reader and then Professor of law at the University of Wales Aberystwyth. He has also been a Solicitor in private practice. He is now an Emeritus Professor of Law at Newcastle University.
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).
- Tickets are £5, and free for RGS-IBG members. Students can book free tickets by entering the code Student at checkout. Please book by midday on 10 April.
- 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 East of England committee.
Venue information
This event will be held in Blake Studio, at Norwich School, the Close, Norwich, NR1 4DD.
Doors open at 7.00pm. There will be a drinks reception before lecture. The lecture will begin at 7.30pm.
Parking is available onsite in the school playground.
- Lecture
The rise and rise of the French Riviera
Jim Ring traces the story of the Riviera back to the British aristocrats who discovered it in the late 18th century, and identifies the qualities that have enabled the Cote d’Azur to stay ahead of the pack.
Norwich SchoolOpen to allThursday 1 May 2025 - Lecture
Using Rights of Nature to protect rainforest and paramo grassland ecosystems in Ecuador: a new paradigm for effective conservation
Dr Mika Peck will explain how how Rights of Nature principles are being used to empower local communities in defending valuable wildlife habitats from exploitation.
CambridgeOpen to allThursday 1 May 2025 - Lecture
A life in green: looking back, looking forward
Jonathon Porritt’s talk will explore what we have learnt from the last 50 years of activism on climate and biodiversity issues, and what the current priorities are.
Norwich SchoolOpen to allThursday 29 May 2025