This event is open to CLA members and non members.

This is a joint webinar between CLA, Forestry Commission, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, NFU and Soil Association.

This event will highlight some of the ways that you can benefit from integrating trees onto your land. There are a number of funding streams available and we have advisors ready to talk to you about your land and how to access the most appropriate grants.

We will also be joined by the CLA Forestry Advisor Graham Clark and supported by NFU.

Agenda:

Chair: Roger Mortlock, CEO Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust 

Severn Treescapes Project - Will Masefield (Severn Treescapes Project Manager and ERDF Wild Towns Project Manager at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust)

Inspiring Woodland Creation - Emma Clitherow (Business Development Advisor at the Forestry Commission)

Making informed decisions - key issues to consider before planting trees - Graham Clark (Senior Land Use Policy Advisor at CLA)

Integrating trees to improve productivity - Ben Raskin (Head of Horticulture and Agroforestry at the Soil Association)

Q&A

Will Masefield will discuss the scope of the Severn Treescapes project including project area and woodland connectivity map. This will also include project targets to expand, connect and improve the woodland network, contributing to nature recovery and ecosystem services to help landowners access schemes as simply as possible.

Emma Clitherow will talk about woodland creation grants and the commercial benefits of woodland for the landowner, such as timber and wood fuel. She will also discuss indirect commercial benefits such as reducing pollution, improving air and water quality, improving soil drainage and maximising biodiversity.

Graham will cover some of the key issues landowners need to be aware of if they are to make informed decisions on tree planting and woodland creation on their land. He will cover the issue of woodland ‘permanence’ and the importance of such things as having clear objectives, taking advice and proper planning of a new woodland.

Ben Raskin will talk about integrating trees into farming systems to increase productivity, improve farm and business resilience as well as a range of wider benefits to soil, water and biodiversity.

If you have any queries, please email the Midlands Office, midlands@cla.org.uk or call 01785 337010.