RSN Members Come Together for the First Seminar of 2026

Last week, we were pleased to host the first RSN Member Exclusive Seminar of 2026, bringing members together online for a wide-ranging and thoughtful discussion on Rural Net Zero.

Chaired by RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth, the session explored what Net Zero really means for rural places, from the practical realities facing rural homes and infrastructure, to the opportunities for councils and communities to lead locally-driven solutions.

A Programme Rooted In Evidence, Practice And Local Leadership

The seminar brought together national evidence, local case studies and practical delivery experience to explore how Net Zero is playing out in rural places.

Members heard from Gareth Field (RISE), who set out the realities of delivering rural retrofit at scale. His contribution highlighted the structural challenges facing rural areas, including workforce capacity, accreditation requirements, dispersed housing stock and higher delivery costs, alongside the opportunities created through collaboration, local skills development and smarter logistics.

Local authority experience was then grounded through a practical case study from Garry Ford (Corsham Town Council). Drawing on Corsham’s Eco Fair, Garry explained how councils can engage residents and local organisations around sustainability in ways that are accessible, place-based and community-led, helping to turn abstract policy goals into visible local action.

National research evidence was provided by Professor Matthew Reed and Dr Natasha Stonebridge (Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire). Their work on the challenges of rural electrification explored the complexity of rural housing stock, hidden retrofit costs, infrastructure constraints and the importance of trust, clear advice and consistent messaging for rural households.

The programme also highlighted how councils can take a strategic leadership role locally. Cllr Anne Stephenson (Petersfield Town Council) shared how Petersfield has embedded climate and environmental objectives across council operations, public buildings and community engagement, demonstrating how town and parish councils can help build local momentum while working in partnership with their communities.

Discussion And Shared Learning             

A key strength of the seminar session was the open forum discussion, where members shared experiences, challenges and examples of good practice from across rural England. The conversation reinforced a clear message: rural Net Zero cannot be delivered through urban assumptions or one-size-fits-all approaches, it requires place-based solutions, long-term investment and policies that recognise rural circumstances.

What’s Next?

Our next RSN Member Exclusive Seminar will focus on Rural Connectivity, continuing the theme of practical, policy-relevant discussion shaped by members’ priorities. Members can book their place here.

Our full seminar programme can be found here.

These sessions are just one of the ways RSN supports members, sharing evidence, amplifying rural voices and creating opportunities to learn from each other.