Compassion in World Farming Trust is an educational charity working internationally to promote respect for farmed animals and the environment, cooperating with organisations and individuals in many countries. We carry out detailed research using academic literature and publish educational resources for use by schools, universities and the general public on farm animal welfare and associated environmental, social and ethical issues. Our publications include reports, books, videos, factsheets and teaching materials. In addition we organise debates, conferences and exhibitions and offer a speaker service to talk about farm animal welfare topics and related concerns.

A complete list of our available materials and downloadable versions can be found at www.ciwf.org

For more information on animal sentience, please visit www.animalsentience.com

Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre

The International conference 'From Darwin to Dawkins' is taking place at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre in the very heart of Westminster, Central London.

Directions

Nearest Tube Stations: Westminster or St James's Park

Main Line Stations: Victoria and Waterloo (Eurostar)

Contact Details:

Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London, SW1P 3EE
Tel: 0207 222 5000

Hotels

If you require hotel accommodation whilst attending the conference, we have negotiated special conference rates at selected hotels.

The hotels can be booked on-line when you are registering for the conference.

For further details on the hotels, please click here

Conference Dinner

The conference dinner will be held on Friday 18th March at One Great George Street (behind the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre).

Drinks Reception: 19:30
Dinner: 20:00

Places at the dinner must be reserved when registering for the conference. Please note that the dinner is included in the 2 day delegate Corporate and Academic/NGO rates, however a cost of £65 per person is payable for 1 day delegates and students.

One Great George Street, more properly 1-7 Great George Street, Westminster is the headquarters building of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the world's longest established engineering institution.

Built in 1913, the design of the building was the result of an architectural competition organised by the institution and was won by James Miller, RSA (1860 - 1947).

The Building has been described as a "monumental neo-classical design", a "modern rendering of the late Renaissance". The exterior, foyer and grand staircase are of Portland stone.

Excursions – Saturday 19th March 2005

Compassion in World Farming Trust has organised the following optional excursions for Saturday 19th March 2005:

Option 1 - Sheepdrove Organic Farm / The Kindersley Centre

Sheepdrove Organic Farm is a holistic model of environmentally responsible farming, driven by a passionate concern for animal welfare, wildlife preservation and a sustainable rural economy. An award winning traditional mixed farm, it produces beef, lamb, mutton, pork and free-range chicken and supports a way of farming which has the well being of animals at its heart.

The Kindersley Centre is housed within a beautiful, eco-friendly building, and is the natural place to meet. It is owned by publishers, environmental campaigners and organic farmers, Peter and Juliet Kindersley. Why did they build a conference centre on their farm? “Our vision is to get people on to the farm to experience natural farming systems at work, all the way from pasture to plate. We also wanted to create a truly inspiring meeting space where free-thinking and new ideas can flourish. The Kindersley Centre concept is based on principles we hold dear – sustainability, consideration for the environment and the best organic food".

The Sheepdrove farm tour gives an overview of organic farming and the wildlife and conservation projects on the farm. It includes the composting operation which processes organic waste from local stables and households, collected by the council. It also includes the farm’s reed bed system which drains all of the used water from the land and buildings, and cleanses it using a network of reed beds, ponds and miniature swirling pools – all driven by the force of gravity.

Further information on Sheepdrove Organic Farm can be found on www.sheepdrove.com

The visit to Sheepdrove costs £60.00 per person and includes return travel from London, tour of the farm, lunch and presentation.

This excursion can be booked when registering on-line.

Option 2 - Marwell Zoological Park

Marwell has been a backdrop to our history through many ages. Now an internationally respected and well-loved zoological park, Marwell is set in a hundred acres of delightful Hampshire countryside. Marwell is owned by a charity, the Marwell Preservation Trust, and is dedicated to saving rare species via international breeding programmes and “in situ” conservation.

The animals are Marwell’s big attraction. There are over 1000 animals of 200 different species including giraffe, rhino, cheetah, snow leopard, hippo, meerkat, antelope, tamarin, macaque, lemur, kangaroo, owl, ostrich, flamingo and penguin. From bees to buffalo, coati to capybara and on through the animal alphabet!

Education is central to Marwell’s mission. The Conservation Education Centre is the focus for Marwell’s aim to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues.

Involvement overseas, including the Marwell Zimbabwe Trust, and active links with conservation organisations around the world put Marwell at the leading edge of conservation commitment.

The visit to Marwell costs £50.00 per person and includes return travel from London, entrance fees, presentation by the head keeper, lunch and tour.

This excursion can be booked when registering online.

Further information on Marwell Zoological Park can be found on www.marwell.org.uk

Exhibitors

If you would like to exhibit at the Darwin to Dawkins conference, please contact the conference helpdesk at ciwfevents@eventbookings.com

Become a conference sponsor

CIWF Trust welcomes appropriate sponsorship in support of this important event. Sponsors are accredited on our website and conference materials.  Please contact ciwfevents@eventbookings.com for more details.

CIWF Trust is grateful to the World Society for the Protection of Animals, Tesco PLC, New Scientist Magazine and Sheepdrove Organic Farm for their generous support of this event.

Applying for financial assistance

CIWF is unable to offer financial assistance at the present time, but please check this site for updates.

Payment

Payment for the conference can be made on-line when registering for the conference. Payment can be made by credit or debit card: Mastercard, Visa, Maestro (Switch) or Delta.

If you wish to pay by invoice, cheque or bank transfer please contact the conference office via email ciwfevents@eventbookings.com .

Please note cheques must be in £GBP made payable to CIWF Trust and drawn on a UK bank.

Terms & Conditions

Completion of the on-line registration form constitutes a legally binding agreement. Joining instructions will be forwarded once you confirm your booking.

We cannot be held responsible for the non-arrival of registration information, so if you have not received your information by 7 days prior to the conference, please call us on +44 (0)1730 231809 or email ciwfevents@eventbookings.com

Cancellations confirmed in writing by 6 weeks before the conference will be refunded minus an administration fee of £50. We regret that no refund can be made after that date, for whatever reason, although substitutions will be accepted if we are told before the event.

Delegates unable to attend will receive a copy of the conference documentation. CIWF Trust is not able to offer refunds for cancellations for events arising beyond our control. CIWF Trust reserves the right to alter the programme or venue without notice due to unforeseen circumstances.