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.

Agenda

09:00 - 09:30 Arrival and Networking

09:30 - 11:00 Session 1 -  Challenges and Opportunities

• Dougal Driver | Shared Roots, Shared Future: Introduction to the Northern Forestry Conference
• Ross Lowrie | Forestry, a North East Combined Authority Perspective
• Paul Brannen | Building our way out of a climate breakdown
• Andrew Weatherall | Right Place First: why native woodland creation and commercial afforestation are land use strategy decisions

Panel Discussion - Chaired by Dougal Driver

11:00 - 11:20 Break

11:20 - 13:00 Session 2 - The Bigger Picture

• Ian Tubby | UK Forestry Policy and it's objectives
• Rebecca Smith | The role of forestry and foresters in rural life
• Maura Adams | Building a New Forest Future in Northeastern US

Panel Discussion - Chaired by Dougal Driver

13:00 - 14:00 Lunch and Networking

14:00 - 15:20 Session 3 - Local and Regional Impacts

• Dr Jonathan Scurlock | Farmers, Forestry, and multi-beneficial landscapes
• Stuart Dainton | Planting Hope - Growing our tree and woodland economy
• Alex Maclennan | Kielder Forest: Multi-purpose forestry and its impact
• Rosanna Curtis | Northwoods: A North East woodland initiative an its impact
• Neil Harrison | Beyond Timber: How "Alternative" Forestry Products Support Growth Goals

15:20 - 15:30 Break

15:30 - 16:30 Defining a Vision for a North East Forest Economy

• World Café Discussion | An interactive session to explore the topics covered during the day and capture ideas and innovation

16:30 - 16:45 Closing remarks

16:45 Event close

• Instructions will follow for those staying for the evening dinner.

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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!