‘Commerciality through connectivity’ the theme for 2026 National Forestry Conference

It’s an exciting time for the woodland sector – and the National Forestry Conference returns this autumn to digest and dissect all the latest changes.

Run by the CLA, Grown in Britain and the Forestry Commission, this year’s theme is ‘commerciality through connectivity’.

It will be held at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire, from 8.30am to 4pm on 7 October.

Bookings are now open for the ninth annual conference, with up to 200 foresters, land managers and landowners expected to come together to hear from a range of experts and case studies, share experiences, network and collaborate.

CLA President Gavin Lane will open the conference, while other speakers and case studies will include Forestry Commissioner Paul Brennan, Chair of the Forestry Commission Baroness Barbara Young, Andy Poore of Stourhead Western and Savills’ Head of Trees Mark Townsend.

Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East which represents farmers and rural businesses, said: “Forestry is central to the government’s ambition to boost nature recovery and reach net zero, so this is an exciting time for the industry.

“The CLA is pleased once again to be part of this conference, and we look forward to the sector coming together to make the most of the opportunities.”

Dougal Driver, CEO of Grown in Britain, said: “New leaders in the nations, new sector policies being written and a National Forestry Conference perfectly timed to digest and dissect announcements with an array of talented speakers and decision makers. We cannot wait to co-host this highlight event of the year.”

Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said: “The impacts of climate change are a matter of national security, and our trees, woods and forests are on the front line of this impact. Acting now is vital to secure resilient forests that store carbon, support biodiversity and grow the homes of our future.

“The National Forestry Conference brings people together from a wide range of sectors where we can discuss how to tackle the challenges of the future. I look forward to some thought-provoking and lively discussions.”

The conference is kindly backed by headline sponsor Savills.

Tickets include a full day's programme, lunch, and tea and coffee. They are priced at £120+ VAT for CLA members and Grown in Britain certificate holders, and £140+ VAT for non-members. There is a student rate of £70+ 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.

Media are welcome to attend the conference. Please email mike.sims@cla.org.uk for a ticket.