Veterinary & Human Drugs, the Environment and Us

Drugs have an important role in human and animal health; however, through sharing knowledge and understanding, can we all contribute positively to reducing the risks to our ecosystems – soil, water, air and biodiversity – and to our health?

Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon has invited three expert speakers to open up some of the issues relating to the unintentional adverse impacts of drugs used in farming, and pharmaceuticals for human use.

Ruth Barden’s talk will also include  information on some of the contaminants entering water courses, for example from urban run-off.

We hope the topic will be of widespread interest bringing together members of the general public with those with more specific interest including farmers, vets, doctors, pharmacists, councillors, academics, students, and members of environmental organisations.

To register for the event visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/veterinary-and-human-drugs-the-environment-and-us-registration-141000543421

MORE ABOUT OUR CHAIR AND SPEAKERS:

Ruth Barden (speaker) has over 20 years experience in the water industry, particularly focussed on environmental and waste water aspects. Ruth leads Wessex Water’s catchment and environmental teams, covering environmental investigation programme, catchment management, partnerships and environmental planning and policy. This involves elements of research, innovation and a high degree of collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the right investment solutions are delivered.

Ceri Mann (speaker) grew up on a smallholding in Gloucestershire and has always been interested in the natural environment. She holds an undergraduate degree in Biology and Environmental Science and a Masters Degree in Entomology. Along with her husband Darren, she manages the National Recording Scheme for scarab beetles (dung beetles, stag beetles, chafer and their allies) in the UK and recently set up British Scarabs as an information resource for anyone interested in recording and conserving this vital but enigmatic group.

Suzi Shingler (speaker) is the Campaign Manager for the Alliance to Save our Antibiotics which campaigns for a world in which human and animal health and wellbeing are protected by food and farming systems that do not rely on routine antibiotic use.

Suzi has worked in the environmental charity sector for 15 years, specialising in campaigning and advocacy for sustainable food production. Other areas of focus and interest include animal welfare, regenerative farming, organic production and healthy and equitable diets. Suzi has previously worked at the Soil Association on the Food for Life Programme and at CPRE.

Helen Taylor (Chair)

Helen helps environmentally focussed organisations with their awareness-raising, fundraising, partnerships, campaigning and events. These include Ecotricity and its football club, Forest Green Rovers FC (she has been Ecotricity and FGR Ambassador for the past ten years, and was CEO of FGR for their first season in the English Football League); the Sustainable Food Trust (SFT); City to Sea and Sea Shepherd UK. She also directed Avon Wildlife’s Fundraising, Communications and Membership for an interim period in 2019.

Dedicated to the cause, she trained as a Food Technologist and worked for a number of big food companies before realising there was a ‘better way’, and so joined the Soil Association to oversee their organic certification, and latterly their marketing and fundraising.

Helen is most proud of leading a decade of organic market growth (1999 – 2010) along with Patrick Holden, then CEO of the Soil Association, now Founding Director of the SFT.