Northern Forestry Conference

The Northern Forestry Conference will bring together leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the forestry and timber sectors. Set in the heart of Newcastle, this year’s event will explore how the North of England — already the powerhouse of English forestry — can lead the way in delivering economic growth, environmental resilience, and social value.

Forests and woodlands in the North are more than just landscapes — they are engines of opportunity

• Supporting thousands of jobs and generate hundreds of millions in GVA
• Providing recreation and cultural value through iconic sites like Kielder, Grizedale, and Dalby
• Absorbing pollution, mitigate flooding, and support biodiversity
• Locking up carbon for generations through sustainable timber products
• Enabling innovation in low-carbon materials, including packaging, clothing fibres, and even aviation fuel

The sector faces a complex mix of challenges — from land use competition and labour shortages to climate change, disease, and the need to decarbonise operations. The conference will explore how we can reinvigorate the social licence for productive forestry, build resilience through collaboration and innovation, and create the right regional environment for forestry to thrive.

As a result, we are bringing an exceptional line-up of high profile speakers to identify how northern forests can overcome challenges and meet regional goals across Net Zero, the environment, health, jobs, skills, recreation, tourism, investment and infrastructure.

Speakers

• Dougal Driver, CEO, Grown in Britain
• Paul Brannen, Director Of Public Affairs, CEI-Bois and EOS, Confederation of Timber Industries
• Rebecca Smith, Journalist and Author of Rural: The Lives of the Working Class Countryside
• Ross Lowrie, Principal Manager (Low Carbon Growth & Net Zero), North East Combined Authority
• Ian Tubby (tbc), Head of Policy and Advice, Forestry Commission
• Andrew Weatherall, Woodlands Principal Policy Officer, RSPB
• Dr Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Advisor Renewable Energy and Climate Change, National Farmers Union
• Neil Harrison, Northwoods Director, Reheat
• Alex MacLennan, Recreation and Public Affairs Manager, Forestry England
• Stuart Dainton, Head of Land Management & Estates, National Forest Company
• Rosanna Curtis, Northwoods Project Manager, Reheat

Who is the Conference for?

Not just foresters is the short answer! The conference is intended to help bridge the gap between those already working in or with the products of our forests, and public and private sector organisations and decision-makers who would like to understand the opportunities that growing increasingly critical sector can play. MPs and their researchers, county and local councillors, economic development, sustainability, energy, and carbon professionals, alongside business owners, innovators and investors are all expected to attend the event to learn, network and plan for the green, low carbon future that forests and trees can deliver for the north.

Register today using the link below and we look forward to welcoming you!