Making Woodlands Pay - Major Autumn Conference - 1st November

The event - on 1st November at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire - will see a range of expert speakers in forestry and finance address the economics of woodland ownership and management.

Key topics at Making Woodlands Pay will include:

* What does the market want?

* How the economics of woodland ownership have changed

* The pros and cons of different systems of silviculture 

* Adding value to woodlands – using timber and non-timber products 

The event is sponsored by Tilhill Forestry and supported by the NDG James Memorial Fund. Click here for the full programme and here to book.

Speakers include: Sir Harry Studholme, Chairman of the Forestry Commission; Oliver Combe (Timber Auctions); Dr Steve Lee and Dr Gary Kerr (both Forest Research); Dr Jenny Wong (University of Bangor);  Justin Mumford (Lockhart Garratt); and Jason Sinden (Tilhill Forestry). Three case studies, covering both wood and non-wood products, will also feature in the conference.

The event will be co-chaired by the RFS President Sophie Churchill and Confor's event and communications specialist David Lee.

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, said: “Active woodland management is key to the future health of our rural economy – and active management depends upon woodland owners making well-informed decisions. This event is all about delivering the information and intelligence needed to make those decisions. Confor is delighted to be partnering with the RFS and I look forward to a very relevant and useful event.” 

Royal Forestry Society Chief Executive Simon Lloyd said: "It is vital that landowners and managers have a good understanding of the economics of woodland management. A profitable woodland is more likely to be managed. That is good not only for the owner and the local economy, but also for the health and vigour of trees and wildlife.

Confor members can book Early Bird places at £70 (full price at £80). Early booking is advised.