Beyond the bark and timber... re-cap
Have a look at some of the photographs and presentations of our forestry convention that was held at Alnwick Castle on 30 April 2026Just over 80 delegates, landowners, commercial foresters / timber processors and agents attended the 'Beyond the bark and timber: the social and economic value of forests and trees' which was held on 30 April at the Guest Hall, Alnwick Castle. The conference was co-chaired by CLA President Gavin Lane and FWAC North East Chair Marie Fallon.
The event explored a range of case studies and initiatives that examine how trees and people can coexist. It highlighted the possibilities, successes, and challenges of combining woodland environments with human activity, focusing on forms of diversification beyond the traditional material value of trees and timber. Examples included mountain biking and walking trails, music performances, and the use of woodland as filming locations.
The aim of the event was to stimulate new ideas and inform existing woodland owners, as well as those interested in creating woodland with a strong social and recreational dimension. It also considered the management implications of such approaches, including how these uses influence woodland management practices and long-term management plans.
The event was organised by the CLA and Forestry Commission, this event is kindly supported by Green-Tech Ltd; Forest Research; Tees Community Forest; University of Cumbria and the North East Community Forest.
Presentations - in chronological order
Note: Dr Jonathan Wooley (Forest Research) slides are subject to Crown copyright, so not published here.
- Claire Gillingham - Walkmill Campsite
- Mark Cunliffe-Lister - Swinton Estate
- Lloyd Jones - North East Community Forest + Newcastle International Airport
- Mark Holroyd + Alex Maclennan, Forestry England
- Graham Clark - CLA - Woodland Management Plans
- Richard Hartley - Forestry Commission - Resilient Trees
- Cora Pfarre - Maydencroft- Woodland management and non-forestry activities
