Stronger Shores Annual Conference 2025: Bridging the Gap from Data to Delivery

The Stronger Shores Annual Conference 2025 brought together a vibrant mix of coastal professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore how innovation and collaboration are shaping the future of coastal resilience. The second Stronger Shores Annual Conference was held at the Sea Hotel in South Shields on 29th April 2025.

Held under the theme “Coastal Innovation: Bridging the Gap from Data to Delivery,” the conference showcased how new research, collaboration and real-world action can come together to protect and enhance our coastal environments. From nature-based solutions to community-led initiatives, the event highlighted the power of partnership in tackling the challenges facing our shores.

Wildlife and environment champion, Trai Anfield returned to facilitate the day. Attendees heard from a range of incredible speakers including Stronger Shores Delivery Partners, and an expert Panel within the Flood and Coastal Management sector.

The afternoon covered interactive roundtables, and encouraged discussion on how to turn monitoring data, engagement work and research into meaningful, on-the-ground impacts. The atmosphere was one of energy, optimism, and shared purpose.

This year’s conference was about more than sharing knowledge — it was about building momentum, strengthening relationships, and inspiring action. We hope discussions held at the conference will help futureproof the work of the project and help lay foundations for the future of flood and coastal resilience.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback and a renewed sense of purpose, the Stronger Shores team will be continuing to lead the way in coastal innovation, with nature and communities at the heart of everything they do.

We are hoping to repeat the Conference on a yearly basis until the project ends in 2027, with next year’s focus hoping to shape the legacy of Stronger Shores.

We would like to thank everyone who attended, presented, facilitated and contributed to this year’s conference and made it a success – together we can provide learning to help secure a future for our coasts, communities and their management.

Find the full Stronger Shores Conference Report from the day below:

Stronger Shores is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme which is managed by the Environment Agency to develop and test new approaches to help communities become more resilient to the effects of flooding and climate change.