This event will highlight to landowners, land managers and their representatives the financial and other benefits that trees and woodlands can provide; demonstrate some of the key considerations around creating, protecting and improving woodlands; and highlight the range of funding and support options available across the North West.  

Event Chair former CLA President Ross Murray, in his capacity as Forestry Commission Commissioner

The event is open to both CLA members and non-members.

9.30 – 10.00am Registration

10.00 – 10.10am  Welcome by Event Chair, Ross Murray, Forestry Commission Commissioner

10.10 – 10.40am Why Woodlands? 

Craig Dinwoodie, Director at Fountains Forest
Pete Leeson, Woodland Creation Adviser at The Woodland Trust

10.40 – 11.15am Overview of funding opportunities

Introducing England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG) – Colin Binnie, Partnership and Expertise Manager, Forestry Commission.
Community Forests and Trees for Climate funding - Gary Waters, Forester, Cumbria Community Forest – Mersey Forest, City of Trees, Cumbria Community Forest and Cumbria Woodlands

Northern Forest and Grow Back Greener - Hannah Marshall, Outreach Adviser at Woodland Trust 

11.15– 12.00pm Case study 1 How grant income works 

David Smith, Forest Manager, Fountains Forestry

12.00 – 12.45pm Lunch and Networking   

12:45 – 1.15pm Case study 2 - Life for a life

Philip Kersh Operations Director, Life for a Life               

1.15– 1.45pm   Agroforestry

James Ramskir-Gardiner, Agroforestry Advisor

1.45 - 2.30pm Protecting and managing woodlands

Woodland maintenance-David Smith, Forestry Manager, Fountains Forestry
Tree health-Bronte Thomas, Plant Health Officer, Forestry Commission
Deer and squirrel management- Alastair Boston, Deer Officer, The Forestry Commission

2.30- 3.00pm Case study 3 – Lowther Estates

David Bliss, CEO, Lowther Estates

3.00 – 3.30pm Panel discussion/ Q & A

Colin Binnie – Forestry Commission
Craig Dinwoodie & David Smith – Fountains Forest
Graham Clark – CLA
Gary Waters – Raise CCF

3.30pm                      Close