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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.

Our congress will be about exploring the dynamic interplay across the landscapes of, societies within and legacies created on the Isles of Britain.

Contact us

Or email our participant team at participants-ac2026@egea.eu

Participant fee

€216 (Group A)
See all participant fees per country or entity

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.

Our Program

Our Location

Sayers Croft Outdoor Learning Centre is located at the foot of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.

Our Accommodation

Our accommodation is a beautifully preserved piece of World War 2 evacuee history…
…with it now being used as a modern day children’s residential camp.
With six spacious dormitories with common rooms, 3 spacious fields with campfires…
…GA/dance hall combo, a refreshing swimming pool…
…and with wonderful outdoor areas to relax and unwind.
It is an ideal location for Annual Congress 2026!
Hand drawn style medieval activities such as archery
Not to mention the various adventurous activities which can be facilitated right on site such as archery, axe throwing, high ropes, climbing and catapult building!

Our Workshops

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.

By Henrik Stein (EGEA Osnabrück) and Ricarda Arens-Fischer (EGEA Bonn).

Britain’s railways are often at the centre of debates about cost, access, and public service. But who benefits from the way transit systems are designed and who is left behind? This workshop invites participants to explore these questions through the lens of gender equity and to imagine new possibilities for the future of rail transport and transit planning as a whole.

By Krisztina Glück (EGEA Budapest) and Karolina Dyka (EGEA Krakow).

How do we make sense of the ecological crisis without becoming overwhelmed by it? And how can education help transform anxiety into hope and action? This workshop invites participants to explore the intersections of environmental hope, eco-anxiety, sustainability education, and the arts. Drawing on current research and an ongoing study with young people, we will examine how environmental challenges shape our perceptions of the future and our sense of agency within it. Particular attention will be given to the role of artistic and creative approaches in understanding complex environmental issues, fostering emotional engagement, and imagining alternative futures. Through a combination of reflection, discussion, and experiential learning, participants will explore their own relationships with nature, place, and environmental change. Together, we will consider how education can cultivate hope, resilience, and meaningful engagement in times of ecological uncertainty.

By Dariusz Ostrowski (EGEA Krakow) and Emilia “Leon” Stachucy (EGEA Krakow).

The United Kingdom and Ireland have a rich and diverse culture that dates back thousands of years. Today, however, our understanding of the history of the British Isles is largely shaped by the English perspective. This workshop will change that by introducing you to the Celts, their language, traditions, stories, and myths. You will discover each of the Celtic nations: Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. We’ll work in groups to create posters, and there will be a quiz and a brainstorming session. You will be able to create small plates from salt dough with different Celtic knots on them as a souvenir and part of the final project. This workshop focuses on cultural anthropology, history and socioeconomic problems that those groups face. If this is something you would be interested in, we highly recommend that you join us 🙂

By Lotta Knorr (EGEA Hannover) and Paul Fürll (EGEA Mainz).

Britpop, a music movement that emerged in the 1990s in the UK and gained prominence through bands such as Blur, Oasis, and Suede, offered musicians a space to articulate their realities without conforming to the dominant US-American pop culture. Singing in their own accents and about their own lived experiences in the UK became a key marker of identity and differentiation.
In our workshop, we’d like to use this as a basis to explore together the extent to which music, culture, and society influence one another and thereby (re)produce identity and class belonging.
Together, we will map brit pop, dissect song texts and gather the results in different creative ways (with scissors & glue & schnipsels) – and, of course, listen to music.

By Adam Šimkovič (EGEA Prague) and Martin Zmelty (EGEA Ostrava).

The main goal of our workshops is to connect theoretical knowledge about the climate crisis and its impact on the economies of both developed and developing countries with practical approaches to addressing these challenges, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom. 
Participants will also have the opportunity to tackle real-world problems that the country has been facing for many years and that, despite significant efforts by the British government, remain unresolved.

By Martyna Kazlauskaitė (EGEA Vilnius) and Lilija Bałulis (EGEA Vilnius).

This workshop explores the relationship between geomorphological processes and the cultural narratives that emerge around them. Across time, communities have interpreted unfamiliar or hazardous landscapes through myths, legends, and storytelling. These narratives often reflect attempts to explain environmental phenomena before the development of scientific understanding.
Through an immersive, role-plav-based approach combined with scientific analysis and critical discussion, participants will investigate how landscapes shape human perception, memory, and cultural identity

By Heini Huovinen (EGEA Joensuu) and Melissa Klimenko (EGEA Joensuu).

Have you ever wondered what happens when communities take ownership of the landscapes they live in? Or how different people can have vastly different outcomes in the same negotiations?

Ownership creates a sense of investment in the area and community, which in turn improves the quality of life. People active in the community also care more deeply about their environment. During the week you get to learn about different models of community ownership and the history of shared resource governance. We explore inspiring real cases from around Europe.

We also go into the basics of negotiation. Going beyond theory, you’ll get to practice negotiation skills and participate in a community role-play where you step into the shoes of different stakeholders navigating a shared resource challenge.

Welcome to challenge traditional private ownership assumptions and try your hand in negotiation with us!

By Adrian Vodopija (EGEA Zagreb) and Peter Ule (EGEA Zagreb).

Description of the Workshop: For geographers, landscapes are more than visuals – they help us make better decisions about our surroundings. In our workshop, you’ll complete a simple four-step landscape character study. Working in groups, you’ll be assigned a landscape, analyse it using provided materials such as photos, maps or satellite images, map it in GIS, discuss its aspects, and combine your work into a landscape atlas. After attending our workshop, you will uncover the significance of landscapes in spatial and regional planning and discover the role of geographers in protecting endangered landscapes. You do not have to worry about the difficulty of the workshop or the use of GIS, we will guide you through each step of the landscape assessment. All the steps we’ll encounter are simple and fully guided.

By Tobias Kisslinger (EGEA Berlin) and Jakob Von Brook (EGEA Hannover).

Special fact about the area around the congress: Roman roads cross the ground beneath your feet, and a river crossing has just been uncovered. But where did the road lead, and why was it built? Can AI help us see what’s been lost?

To find out, you’ll combine archaeological evidence with modern AI.

The arc of the workshop:

  • Field excursion. Visit excavated Roman road sections and the river crossing on the Sayers Croft grounds with local archaeologists. Collect your own data: GPS points, photos, field notes.
  • Where and Why? Explore how archaeologists reason about lost landscapes. How do topography, settlements and finds combine into a hypothesis about a road no one has yet found?
  • AI Lab. Get hands-on with methods of using generative AI, led by Tobias (founder of an AI consultancy). Translate the archaeological evidence into prompts and create your own visual reconstruction of the Roman landscape, right where you’re standing.
  • You’ll take away: practical AI skills (especially prompt engineering, useful far beyond this workshop), a critical perspective on AI-supported reconstruction, and a new perspective on the Roman landscape that surrounds the congress.
  • What you need: No prior AI experience needed. You should ideally have some appreciation or interest in GIS tools and methods. Bring a laptop. 2–3 participants can share one device.

Our Trainings

Trainings in EGEA are ways for other EGEAn’s and external partners to provide our members with quick useful insight into a new skill across a range of topics which they themselves are proficient in/at. Please read the descriptions below to see what we are offering!

Lead by Johannes Czerniak (EGEA Marburg).

This training gives you practical and honest insights into where geographers work, how to apply successfully and what salary expectations are realistic. Together, we explore career paths in the public and private sector to help you better understand your opportunities. A strong focus lies on identifying your skills and translating your studies, internships and activities like EGEA into convincing arguments for your CV and cover letter. You are encouraged to bring your own applications to exchange ideas, improve them directly and leave with clear tools for your career start.

Lead by Eliška Pospěchová (EGEA Prague).

We all know we should stretch, but are we actually doing it right? We will focus on fixing common stretching mistakes and debunking outdated myths. By the end of this session, you will know how to stretch more effectively and work with your body’s mechanics instead of against them. Come ready to learn simple, practical habits you can incorporate into your stretching routine!

Lead by Carola Hintz (EGEA Mainz).

Are you passionate about EGEA, but sometimes wondering how to stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed? This interactive workshop helps EGEAns explore burnout through their own experiences and those of their peers, creating a shared understanding of why burnout occurs in volunteer settings. Participants learn to recognize early warning signs and key risk factors, practice practical prevention and communication strategies, and leave with a personal action plan and a simple reset technique they can use in everyday volunteer life.

Lead by Alexandra Nagel (EGEA Vienna).

Did you know, that pomodoro is not just delicious with pasta, but can help you staying focused too? Together we will explore learning strategies and other techniques that can be used to design effective work sessions, no matter if you need to study for an exam, plan an event for EGEA or deal with your being-an-adult-responsibilities. We are going to learn about specific methods and concepts, for example the pomodoro technique, what is brain-friendly learning and how to apply it. Moreover, we will exchange our own experiences, tips, and tricks and collectively build a toolbox to help you stay focused during your next productivity session. The workshop will be highly interactive, combining energizing mini-games, theoretical input, and both individual and group activities to explore the topic together.

Our Excursions

Gentle Stroll (easy hike) – Pitch Hill & Cranleigh walk

A gentle climb up Pitch Hill, then a scenic return through Cranleigh. Get ready to follow in the footsteps of past generations as you embark on the classic Sayers Croft Pitch Hill walk with an additional pub visit!
– 12 km walk.

Leisurely Constitutional (medium hike) – Milk Churn and Firebird Brewery visit

A beautiful walk in the English countryside through woodlands and meadows, next to cow pastures. Stop by for famous cheese on toast and a brewery next door – what more can you ask for?
– 15 km walk.

Long Ramble (Hard hike) – Trip to Shere

Challenge yourself with a climb via Winterfold forest and then reward yourself with a beautiful tour of the quaint historic village of Shere – and maybe some tasty ice cream. This hike gives you local nature and a village all in one excursion.
– 20km walk

Jolly Romp (Hard hike) – Leith Hill House Cream Tea experience

Do you fancy climbing a hill to Surrey’s highest tower to see beautiful scenic views? Or a classic British cream tea with a gorgeous view from an old Victorian mansion? Well, this is for you! Not for the faint hearted though but a full on day out!
– 20km walk

Trip to Brighton

Bus trip to enjoy a seaside escape, perfect for a day of sun, sand, and city vibes. Explore the picturesque Lanes of the town. Visit the arcades on the pier or equally spend some quality time jumping in and out of the sea!

Trip to Knepp Wildlife Reserve

Bus trip to discover wild nature up close with beautiful walks (ranging from 5km to 13km). Step on the trails of a rewilding project and learn about the species and habitats. Meadows, wetland, tree houses and a cafe/restaurant to enjoy.

The Sayers Croft package

Led by two Sayers Crofts staff, Stephanie and Saskia, they will give you a quick taste of what our centre offers. You will have the opportunity to learn and experience ‘Forest Bathing’ with Stephanie and throw some axes and zip around on our high ropes course with Saskia.

person sliding on a zipline surrounded by forest.

Leisure

We will have several themed evenings (Medieval/Fantasy Night, Karaoke, Just Dance), so feel free to bring a costume or two. More info will follow soon!

We are also planning an auction. If you would like to participate, please bring an interesting item, regional delicacies, EGEA merch or offer an activity package to sell.

Hand drawn style photo of a castle, dragon, knights and wizards.

The 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

Our 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.

Our Sponsors

We hope to see you at our Annual Congress 2026 in the UK – come explore the Wild Isles with us!

3 Comments

  1. Hi!
    I have already registered one member of my entity. I’m trying to register another member but I can’t because when I click to register, it says:
    “You’ve already responded
    You can only fill in this form once.
    Try contacting the owner of the form if you think this is a mistake.”
    How can I register more than one person?

    Samuel Van Belle, CP1 Egea Liège (liege@egea.eu)

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