FREE Woods into Management Webinars

Introduction

Woodlands are increasingly being recognised as a significant factor in counteracting the climate and biodiversity emergencies.  They can produce a range of sustainable products, help improve air and water quality, provide a setting for recreation and tourism, support jobs and businesses in the rural economy – and just make us feel better about the world!

In most cases though, to do this, woodlands need to be managed.  A woodland that isn’t managed is likely to decline in value for both wildlife and timber.  As the light is excluded from the lower canopy, the ground flora suffers and new trees can’t get a hold. Regeneration is limited to a narrow range of species and the timber quality of the remaining trees declines.  Unmanaged woodlands are also likely to be less resilient to the increasing threats from pests and diseases.  Yet, according to the Forestry Commission, over 40% of woodlands in England aren’t managed in any way.

This series of free webinars has been designed to introduce people to woodland management and some of the key topics involved.  They will be presented by experts in the subject but in a way that is accessible to all. Each webinar will last about an hour and consist of a presentation plus an opportunity to ask questions.

The webinars are provided as part of the Woodland Management Focus Area Pilot project, which is looking to bring woodlands into management in the North East and Yorkshire & The Humber regions.  The project is funded through the Forestry Commission Woodlands into Management Forestry Innovation Fund.

Booking Instructions

All webinars will take place at 5pm on a Tuesday, dates as below.  You can sign up for as many as you like.  Once you have booked your place we will send you an invitation and instructions on how to join.  As an extra benefit of joining these webinars, participants may also be offered the opportunity to receive additional one to one expert support with managing their woodlands.

To book your place, click HERE.  Your contact details won’t be shared with anybody, including our funders, and we will only use your details to let you know about the project.

Webinar Programme

Webinar Summaries

1. Sustainable Woodland Management – how and why do woodlands benefit from management?

The webinar will look at why woodlands benefit from management, and how managing a woodland can benefit the owner and the wider environment. It will touch on some of the subjects in the later webinars and provide an introduction to what sustainable management means in practice.

2. Storm Arwen – the impact on trees, woodlands and forests

Storm Arwen has caused unprecedented damage to the forests of North East England and Yorkshire. This webinar will consider the impacts of what landowners, farmers and their agents can be doing now and in the longer term to address these. We will consider how to deal safely with windblown trees, the effect on timber quality and markets, potential plant health implications, felling licence requirements, insurance and replanting. Expert staff from RDI Associates, re:heat and the Forestry Commission will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

3. Management Operations – different ways to manage on the ground

Selecting and implementing the right management operations is vital to managing a woodland sustainably.  You’ll be introduced to a number of silvicultural systems and how to choose the best system for your wood.  Line or selective thinning?  Clearfelling or continuous cover?  Natural regeneration or restocking?  These and other operations will be demystified and explained. 

4. Regulations and Incentives – grants, licences, tax and planning permission

There are a number of grant schemes available for woodland management, and legal requirements before you can fell trees.  The options will be outlined and how you can claim grants and apply for felling licences explained.  In addition, there is special treatment for woodlands for Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax, as there are for planning permission, all of which will be explained.  

5. Selling Your Timber – making sure you get the best value for your timber

Standing or roadside?  Auction or direct sale?  The best way to sell your timber will depend on a number of factors but selecting the optimum method could make a significant difference to the return you might get.  How to decide on the appropriate way, and who to work with to market your timber, will be covered in this webinar.    

6. Using Your Own Timber – firewood and woodfuel production and use

With oil prices once again hitting record highs, using wood to heat your own property or business is becoming ever more popular.  The pros and cons of different ways of processing, seasoning and using your own wood for use as firewood or woodfuel will be described, and the potential cost savings outlined.   

7. Woodlands and Climate Change – getting your woodlands ready and how woodlands can help you cope with a changing climate

A changing climate will impact our woodlands through drought, fire, disease and pests.  But they can also help us to adapt to climate change by providing shelter and shade for crops and stock, and mitigate against the worst of flooding.  Woodland resilience will be the key to achieving these benefits and guarding against the worst effects.

8. An Introduction to Management Planning – setting objectives and planning operations

A Management Plan is an essential part of managing a woodland.  Depending on the size and complexity of the woodland it can be quite simple, or more involved, either way it helps you define your objectives and work out what operations you will need to do.  A management plan can also support grant applications and provide the felling licence for harvesting operations.  You’ll be introduced to a number of templates that can be used and further sources of support.

9. Woodlands into Management Assessment Tool for Targeting Unmanaged and Undermanaged Woodlands  

More detailed information will be provided about the Woodland into Management Forestry Innovation Fund and what the project is aiming to achieve.

10. The myForest Platform – writing your management plan

The myForest platform is an online software developed by the Sylva Foundation, an environmental charity based in South Oxfordshire, which enables woodland owners and agents to map, plan and manage their woodlands in accordance with the UKFS and statutory requirements. Capturing all the thoughts and ideas you’ve developed through the webinar series and combining them with the tools required to create maps, collect data and generate your 10 year woodland management plan and the corresponding felling licences. You’ll be introduced to the myForest software, how to use it, where to find additional help and guidance and the first steps you can take towards generating an approved management plan.