The CLA and the Forestry Commission are delighted to invite both CLA Members and Non-members to this year’s Northern Forestry Conference taking place at Alnwick Castle.

The conference will explore examples and opportunities to create additional value - both social and economic – beyond the purely commercial aspects related to timber. Designed for those wanting to diversify their woodland and forests for income and activities by introducing a ‘people’ element. This event seeks to identify  a variety of case studies, and explore their successes and challenges in doing this.

It will be of value to farmers, landowners, land managers as well as forestry and woodland and park management professionals interested in the amenity value of trees and woodland. It will zoom in on different types of diversification that is peripheral to the material value of trees and woodland.

The event is intended to stimulate ideas and inform existing woodland owners, and those wanting to create woodland with a social amenity aspect incorporated in it. It will also look at the implications of how such plantings are managed and the impact on woodland management plans.

The Agenda for the day will be as follows: 

0930am Registration with coffee and tea in The Guest Hall

1000am Three case studies focused on commercial/ recreational activity followed by a Q&A session 

1115am Refreshment break with tea, coffee and biscuits 

1140am Three case studies focused on the social value on woodlands and forests followed by a Q&A session 

1245pm Two course lunch 

1330pm Expert views on woodland and forestry management implications and considerations 

1500pm Event concludes 

Speakers for the day include: 

Gavin Lane (Chair) – President, CLA
Marie Fallon (Vice-Chair) - Chair of Forestry & Woodland Advisory Committee, North East, Forestry Commission
Graham Clarke – Senior Land Use Policy Adviser, CLA
Mark Holroyd - Head of Recreation and Communications, Forestry England (Whinlatter)
Alex Maclennan - Recreation, Public Affairs Manager, Forestry England (Kielder)
Lloyd Jones -  Forest Manager, North East Community Forest (Abbot’s Wood) 
Cora Pfarre - Head Forester, Maydencroft 
Mark Cunliffe-Lister – Proprietor, Swinton Park Estate
Claire Gillingham -  Proprietor, Walkmill Campsite

We thank Northumberland Estates for kindly hosting the event and Green-Tech for their generous sponsorship.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your place early. If you have any queries or need assistance with your booking, please contact the North office on 01748 90 7070 or email north@cla.org.uk