The Maitland lecture is an opportunity to hear a fascinating presentation on a cutting-edge topic that provides a different viewpoint and perspective on issues that are high on a structural engineer’s agenda.
We are delighted to announce that our guest speaker was Dr Alastair Leake, Head of the Allerton Project, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust. Dr Leake spoke about his work in agriculture developing holistic approaches to production that maximise yields and biodiversity whilst minimising environmental impacts.
Dr Alastair Leake is head of GWCT’s 300 ha Allerton Research and Demonstration farm in Leicestershire, where intensive farming and exceptional levels of biodiversity co-exist. The LEAF Innovation farm is involved in several high profile & innovative research projects focusing on Conservation Agriculture and sustainable soil management.
Alastair is actively involved in shaping Defra’s Environmental Land Management scheme. He also runs a popular All-Party Parliamentary discussion Group in Westminster. He is a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society and the Institute of Agricultural Management.
Alastair has served as a Board Member of a range of organisations and oversaw the construction of an ecologically built visitor and training centre, winning Sustainable Building of the Year Award.