Annual Congress 2026: Wild Isles
24 August from 08:00 to 29 August from 17:00 Europe/London
AC 2026 is organized by: EGEA Berlin, EGEA Bochum, EGEA Brussels, EGEA Guildford, EGEA Hannover, EGEA Mainz, EGEA Turku and supported by candidate entities: EGEA Milano and EGEA York.
Our congress will be about exploring the dynamic interplay across the landscapes of, societies within and legacies created on the Isles of Britain.
Key facts
- Where: Sayers Croft Field Centre, Ewhurst, United Kingdom
- When: 24th–29th August 2026
- Cost: estimated 216 € (Group A)
- Scientific theme: Landscapes, Lives and Legacies
Description
The British Isles today are the result of a rich tapestry of events spanning from the dawn of continents to modern day geopolitics. These isles have sunbathed in Mediterranean seas during Pangea’s reign, to later be moved and carved into the mosaic of morphologies you see today by fluvial and glacial processes. The fertile soils, temperate conditions and abundant resources made the British Isles an attractive place to settle, and generations of settlers and invaders have made their marks too.
From tribal druidic Celts, expansionist Romans, opportunistic Pagan Anglo-Saxons and then the conquering Christian Normans, all these cultures and societies mixed together with the unique landscapes to create some of the most famous myths and legends the UK has to offer; from Arthurian legend with Camelot and Merlin, to Robin Hood and his band of Merry men, to everyone’s favourite Loch Ness Monster, Nessie.
So become part of the history, explore these Wild Isles like those who have come before, and let AC 2026 become part of this rich tapestry.
Program
Location
Sayers Croft Outdoor Learning Centre is located at the foot of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Accommodation
Workshop ideas
The scientific focus of the congress is built around three interconnected thematic pillars: Landscapes, Lives and Legacies.
Through workshops and excursions, the programme explores how physical landscapes have been shaped by geological and geomorphological processes, and how human activity continues to transform them through land use, conservation, infrastructure and resource management. At the same time, the congress addresses social and cultural dimensions of geography, including education, mobility, agricultural practices and everyday life. A strong emphasis is placed on historical and long-term perspectives, such as the evolution of settlements, language, and the lasting impacts of political and economic decisions.
Landscapes
- Geomorphology: How the Landscape Formed – North to South Downs Creation
- Anthropomorphic impact: How Human Use Impacts the Landscape (Conservation, National Parks, Management)
- Geology – Clay / Sandstone / Ironstone Bedrocks
Lives
- Education – The rise of outdoor education in UK education
- Infrastructure Railroaded – UK ‘public’ transport problem
Legacies
- English in Contact: A History of Influence and Exchange
- Reading the Soil: Biomarker Approaches to Ancient Settlements
- The Legacy of Austerity: Space, Inequality, and Institutional Memory
Excursion ideas
Easy hike “Pitch Hill Walk”
A gentle climb up Pitch Hill, then a scenic return through Cranleigh. Perfect for a refreshing day out!
Medium hike “Trip to Shere”
Challenge yourself with a climb via Winterfold, then reward yourself with a beautiful tour of the quaint historic village of Shere.
Hard hike “Three Peaks Walk”
Conquer Winterfold, Holmbury, and Leith hill before returning via the Parrot Pub, is a true test of endurance.
Trip to Brighton
Enjoy a seaside escape, perfect for a day of sun, sand, and city vibes.
Trip to Knepp Wildlife Reserve
Discover wild nature up close with beautiful walks and a lovely cafe to while away the day.
Leisure
Our evenings will be pure magic: a British Night full of wonder, a fantasy night with a magical pub quiz, and karaoke so epic it could wake the dragons from their slumber.
Facilities we offer
- Three big fields – good space for movement (first aid etc.)
- Three campfire circles – good space for discussions
- Six dorm classrooms with projectors – good space for presentations/table work
- Craft room with supplies – good space for more craft-based training
- Willing local experts e.g. archaeology group etc. – useful local experts
- 56 acre woodland – good for meditation/botany/orienteering skills
- Shelter building area – good for survival/bushcraft skill
Our Orga Team
Jared Young – Main Coordinator
Micol Alessandri – Main Coordinator
Alexander Basten – Main Coordinator
Jonas Martens – Financial Coordinator
Matthew Becker – Fundraising Coordinator
Daniel Mclaughlin – Fundraising Coordinator
Lars Kohlmeyer – Scientific Coordinator
Josefa Loreth – Programme Coordinator
Carina Farcas – Leisure Coordinator
Karla Fuentes – Leisure Coordinator
Zoe La France – Participant Coordinator
Maria Prundis – Participant Coordinator
Arielle Montigny – Media Coordinator
Veera Niemi – Media Coordinator
Verity Addler – Green Coordinator
Green initiative
Our proposal to host the Annual congress 2026 ‘Wild Isles’ not only facilitates many EGEAs to visit the UK who haven’t yet been able to, but also allows them to do so via some truly spectacular methods of transport. As such, we are promoting our Green initiative to help create awareness to the variety of options available and we want to encourage EGEAns to travel in groups to make memorable travel experiences.
During the congress we also will be including a sustainability bingo for our participants to play throughout the week. This involves fun tasks revealed each day and the opportunity to win prizes while making a positive sustainable impact.
How to get here?
Ferry: Being surrounded by water has its perks, and for participants coming by boat that means watching the beautiful White Cliffs of Dover home into view!
Eurostar/Train: Ever wanted to ride a train under the sea? Well now you can! The Eurostar from Amsterdam/Brussels/Paris will bring you straight to central London! Book 2-3 months in advance for best prices.
Bus: If you can get to Paris or Brussels Flixbus does very cheap (albeit very long) journeys to central London!
Aeroplane: For those in a time crunch, flying to Gatwick or Heathrow makes a good option with many flights to all major European airports and easy connections to Guildford, the nearest city. Avoid Luton and Stansted airports to avoid the steep train fares to get to Guildford.
Potential Sponsors and Partners
Social media
We hope to see you at our Annual Congress 2026 in the UK – come explore the Wild Isles with us!
