Celebrating Landscape Leadership in Bradford: A New Presidency and the Road to 2029

Bradford provided a spectacular backdrop for an evening celebrating the landscape profession, the beginning of Dr Saira Ali FLI FRSA’s presidency of the Landscape Institute and the road towards our centenary in 2029.

Guests arriving at the magnificent Bradford Live venue were greeted by an enormous digital display featuring Saira’s portrait and the Landscape Institute President’s Dinner. It was a wonderful welcome and a fitting celebration of the city and its new President.

Inside, the entrance, bar lounge and stage had been beautifully dressed by Palmer Landscapes, a Yorkshire-based BALI Accredited Contractor. Their trees, ornamental grasses and seasonal planting brought a wonderful sense of nature into the venue, complementing its impressive architecture. The evening brought together landscape architects, planners, industry leaders and friends of the Institute to celebrate professional achievement, strengthen relationships and look ahead to the future.

Celebrating People, Place and Nature

Rob Hughes, Chief Executive of the Landscape Institute, opened proceedings with a warm welcome, reflecting on the Institute’s role in championing the profession and connecting people, place and nature. David Shepherd, Strategic Director of Place at Bradford Council, spoke passionately about Bradford’s regeneration journey, from public realm improvements and pedestrianisation to its year as UK City of Culture in 2025.

He reminded us that successful regeneration is about more than transforming streets and buildings. It’s about restoring confidence, celebrating local identity and creating places where communities can flourish. David also paid a heartfelt tribute to Saira and her team, recognising their longstanding contribution to Bradford.

Professor Samer Bagaeen FRTPI, Vice President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), highlighted the importance of breaking down professional silos and recognising landscape and nature as essential infrastructure. I particularly enjoyed discussing with Samer how Fellows of the Landscape Institute, RTPI, RICS and RIBA might work more closely together, sharing knowledge, experience and best practice. As Chair of the LI College of Fellows, it’s a conversation I’m keen to continue.

Chris Blandford, founder of Chris Blandford Associates, reflected on the evolution of our profession and shared some wonderful memories of Saira joining his practice early in her career during the 1990s. Even then, he recalled her enthusiasm, ambition and determination. How fitting to see her now become President.

Welcoming Our New President

I was delighted when Rob Hughes invited me onto the stage to share a few reflections on my own presidency before formally introducing Saira. Having served as the Landscape Institute’s 43rd President between 2018 and 2020, I reflected on what an enormous honour and privilege it is to lead an organisation representing a profession that does so much for people, places and nature. It also brings considerable responsibility, but what a wonderful opportunity to champion our profession and inspire others.

I shared something my Dad taught me about leadership:

“It’s not what you say. It’s not what you do. It’s how you make people feel.  Make people feel valued, and they’ll go to the moon and back for you.”

Those words have stayed with me throughout my life. They represent the qualities I’ve always strived to demonstrate as a leader, and they’re qualities I recognise in Saira.

What I particularly admire about her is her determination. When she’s determined to achieve something, she finds a way to make it happen and, importantly, she takes people on that journey with her. I also shared a rather entertaining story about Saira being chased by wild horses while surveying a site early in her career. Even an injured knee didn’t stop her returning to work before eventually seeking medical attention! Perhaps an early indication of that determination.

Looking ahead to the Institute’s centenary in 2029, I shared an idea for an RHS Chelsea Flower Show pocket park garden. It seems particularly fitting to return to Chelsea, where the Institute’s story began in 1929. What I’d love to see is our membership collaborating on its design and creation, showcasing the extraordinary talent within our profession. And rather than the garden’s story ending when the show closes, imagine it being reimagined in a community space, creating a permanent green legacy for generations to enjoy.

It was a real pleasure to conclude my remarks by inviting everyone to welcome our new President:

“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in giving a very warm welcome to the President of the Landscape Institute .... Dr Saira Ali!”

Saira’s Vision for the Future

Saira’s presidential address was both personal and ambitious, reflecting on her journey from growing up in Bradford to leading the Landscape Institute. She spoke warmly about the people who had supported her throughout her career and the importance of collaboration, shared responsibility and collective ambition. Her vision places landscape at the heart of creating healthier, greener and more resilient communities. She emphasised the importance of working across professions, involving landscape expertise from the outset and ensuring that children and young people have opportunities to connect with nature, regardless of where they live.

As we approach 2029, Saira encouraged us to think beyond celebrating the achievements of the past century and consider the legacy we want to leave for the next. Her ambition for a stronger, more influential profession, one that is recognised as essential to shaping our towns, cities and landscapes, is something I wholeheartedly support.

Bradford’s Cultural Spirit

Bringing a wonderful burst of colour, rhythm and energy to the evening were Bradford’s own Punjabi Roots, a South Asian arts and cultural group known for their infectious Bhangra performances and traditional dhol drumming. Their lively musical interludes were a huge hit, with guests clapping along, waving their arms in the air and even getting to their feet! It was a wonderful reflection of Bradford’s rich cultural diversity and a reminder that bringing people together is as much about shared experiences as professional conversations. Judging by the reaction around the room, I think we’d all welcome a little more of this energy at future Landscape Institute events!

Reconnecting with Friends and Colleagues

One of the great pleasures of evenings like this is reconnecting with friends and colleagues, some of whom I’ve known for decades. It was particularly lovely to see Clare Matterson, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). During my presidency, I worked closely with her predecessor, Sue Biggs, sharing knowledge, experience and best practice between our organisations. I’m encouraged to see the Landscape Institute forging stronger links with the RHS once again.

It was also wonderful to catch up with Mark Knight CMLI from Groundwork. We first met more than 25 years ago, and it was a real pleasure to sit together, chat and reminisce about our time working for the environmental charity Groundwork. These relationships remind me that beyond the projects and professional achievements, it’s the people we meet along the way who make our profession so rewarding.

A Special Thank You

A special thank you must go to Yvonne Matthews, Neelam Sheemar, Ruhella Begum and the wider Landscape Institute team, who worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to turn Saira’s vision for the evening into reality. Their dedication, enthusiasm and attention to detail helped make the President’s Dinner such a memorable celebration. Thanks also to Palmer Landscapes for the beautiful planting and Punjabi Roots for bringing such wonderful energy to the evening. What struck me most was the shared belief that collaboration is essential to the future of our profession.

We achieve more when we work together.

Congratulations to Dr Saira Ali on the beginning of her presidency. As we look towards the Landscape Institute’s centenary in 2029, we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our heritage, inspire the next generation and demonstrate the extraordinary contribution landscape professionals make to society.

The next chapter of the Landscape Institute’s story is already being written. Let’s make it one worth celebrating. Share your ideas for LI100 and we will pass them onto the President and Landscape Institute Team.