Bookings are open for the annual event, which will be held at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire, from 9am to 4pm on October 9.

Up to 200 foresters, land managers and landowners will come together to hear from a range of experts and case studies, share experiences, network and collaborate.

This year’s conference will feature speakers including:

  • John Deakin, head of trees and woodlands at the National Trust
  • Neil Macdonald, woodland ambassador, apple farmer and woodland owner
  • Rob Penn, journalist, broadcaster and trustee of Woodland Heritage
  • Guy Nevill, Birling Estate
  • Linda Farrow, director, Agile Property
  • Dan Geerah, director of growth, Land App
  • Richard Stanford, Forestry Commission CEO
  • Anna Brown, director forest services, Forestry Commission
  • Graham Taylor, director of Pryor & Rickett Silviculture
  • Graham Clark, CLA senior land use policy adviser
  • And an introduction from CLA president Victoria Vyvyan.

Further speakers and case studies will be announced shortly.

“We are delighted to be running the forestry conference once again this year, at such an exciting time for the woodland sector,” said Tim Bamford, regional director of CLA South East, which represents farmers and rural businesses.

“The CLA is pleased to once again be working with our partners to hold an event with such a varied line-up of speakers, focusing on a topical and important theme.

“We look forward to seeing you on October 9 to explore how we can all work together to support the future of British forestry.”

“Grown in Britain are looking forward immensely to this year’s National Forestry Conference,” said Dougal Driver, CEO of Grown in Britain. “The theme – People, Products and Possibilities – could not be more apt for an organisation which certifies the provenance of UK forest products and connects businesses across the supply chain.

“This year more than ever we’re leading by example – providing, supporting, and creating concrete examples of what is being done to show how and what is possible. For those who want to make sustainable choices but don’t know how to approach them the conference, as part of Grown in Britain week, will be educational, insightful and, hopefully, inspiring.”

“Every year the National Forestry Conference brings a host of inspiring speakers showcasing creativity within the forestry industry and their businesses,” added Anna Brown, director forest services, Forestry Commission. “This year is no exception, and I’m looking forward to hearing more about the various ideas and innovations that we can all put into practice to support the future of forestry.”

The conference is backed by headline sponsors Pryor & Rickett Silviculture, and supporting sponsors Nicholsons and Michelmores LLP.

Tickets include a full day’s programme, lunch, and tea and coffee. They are priced at £110+ VAT for CLA members and Grown in Britain certificate holders, and £135+ VAT for non-members. There is a student rate of £62.50+ VAT (please call 01264 358 195 to access this rate, proof of ongoing studying required).

Book online here, call the CLA on 01264 358 195 or email southeast@cla.org.uk and the team will be happy to assist.