Minister first keynote speaker confirmed for 2025 National Forestry Conference

Minister Mary Creagh is the first keynote speaker confirmed for the 2025 National Forestry Conference, run by the CLA, Grown in Britain and the Forestry Commission.

‘Prosperity through resilience and innovation' is the theme for this year’s event, which will be held at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire, from 8.30am to 4pm on 8 October.

Bookings are now open for the eighth 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.

Forestry Minister Mary Creagh is confirmed to speak, with more keynote speakers to be announced soon. CLA Director General Bella Murfin will open the conference, while other speakers and case studies will include Nature Metrics, Innovate UK, Forestry Commission, Hooke Park, Agile Homes and Carbon Plantations Ltd.

Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East which represents farmers and rural businesses, said: “This conference is always a highlight of the year, bringing together an exceptional array of speakers, experts and those involved across the forestry sector.

“Our aim is for every attendee to go home with plenty of food for thought and practical ideas that they can implement in their own roles and businesses, and the CLA is delighted to be part of this exciting day once again.”

Dougal Driver, CEO of Grown in Britain, said: “With the circular economy ever more important and timber being the ultimate circular material, this event brings all aspects of forestry, processing and policy together under one roof. Always an inspirational day, we look forward to welcoming delegates to this annual event of ideas, networking and knowledge sharing.”

Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said: “The National Forestry Conference is a key opportunity to come together, share innovation, and drive forward practical solutions to ensure forestry delivers for Government missions.

“Collaborating and sharing experience from across the sector, and more broadly, is key to ensuring forestry is relevant to the public. At a time when too many people think it is wrong to ever cut down a tree we need to think about how we shape public perceptions of what trees, woods and forests do for economic growth, economic resilience through flood prevention and water quality and the contribution to environmental outcomes.

“We need to work with a range of stakeholders inside and outside the sector and an excellent opportunity to do so will be at the National Forestry Conference.”

The conference is kindly backed by headline sponsors Euroforest Silviculture, and supporting sponsors Forsters, Vigilis Tree Shelters, and BSW Group.

Tickets include a full day's programme, lunch, and tea and coffee. They are priced at £115+ 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.

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