WE are thrilled to announce that two leading figures from the Woodland Trust will be speaking at our conference next month. We are hosting the one-day event in Hexham to mark our achievements in creating and managing woodland, and to thank the many volunteers who make our work possible.
We will be welcoming Dr Rachel Penn and Sian Atkinson from the Woodland Trust who will talk about the ancient woodlands of north east England – their biodiversity and cultural significance, and the importance of creating new native woodland.
Dr Rachel Penn, CIEEM CEnv, (Chartered Environmentalist) has been the Woodland Trust outreach Adviser for North East England since 2020. She advises land owners and managers on all aspects of native woodland creation, including agroforestry, and ancient woodland management. This covers regulation, design and management to ensure that planting schemes meet their objectives. Rachel delivers the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme locally as well as the agroforestry fund ‘Trees for Your Farm’ .
Rachel also works with a wide range of partners engaged with woodland creation planning and funding, including the Forestry Commission, Great Northumberland Forest, North East Community Forest, Groundwork and the three regional Rivers Trusts.
Rachel is a professional botanist, with 40 years experience in the field, and holds a doctorate in plant growth and soil science.
Sian Atkinson is Senior Outreach Manager for the Woodland Trust, covering Northern England, and leading a team of advisers who support landowners and partners with tree and woodland conservation, including sustainable management and restoration of ancient woodland, creation of new native woodland, and agroforestry.
She has worked in woodland conservation for more than 30 years, including practical woodland management and creation, UK-wide roles in forestry and conservation policy and evidence, and project management.
They will join one of Britain’s leading conservationists and nature writers, Lee Schofield, on the platform for the event which promises to be an exceptional opportunity to bring together leading figures in the field, and share expertise about how we can shape the future.
Living Woods Conference 2024 will be staged at the Hexham and Northern Mart on Thursday November 28, during National Tree Week. It is open to all who appreciate native woodlands, including the volunteer workers who spend their time on Living Woods’ projects, and the volunteer growers who take part in their Seeds2Trees initiative.
The cost is just £15 (inc VAT) including buffet lunch. Book your ticket here.