Future UK and Global Markets to be Examined at Major Forestry Conference

A major forestry conference, hosted by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), is to highlight a range of national and international market opportunities for the timber processing sector. The Timber Supply Chain: Dynamics and Opportunities, taking place 27-28 April in Newcastle, will look at potential future markets for both wood and fibre, including biorefinery, biomass and construction sectors, both home and abroad.

Conference Chair, Roger Coppock FICFor, Head of Corporate and Forestry Support at the Forestry Commission, said:

“The ICF National Conference 2016 will examine and showcase the UK’s position as a globally competitive player in the forest products markets and will explore new opportunities to ensure it continues to stay at the top.”

Practical Insights

Speakers at this major forestry event will include Matthew Rivers FICFor, Director Biomass Business at Drax Power, Dr Peter Bonfield OBE, of the BRE Group and Formerly Grown in Britain, and Alfred W Kammerhofer, Head of the Timber Industry and Forest Management Section, Swiss Federal Office for the Environment.

Covering issues affecting the entire supply chain, the conference will also offer practical insights for tree improvement, species choice and inventory techniques, as well as discussion on recent policy updates affecting the sector.

A New ‘Wood-Age’

Jason Sinden MICFor, Investment and Property Director at Tilhill Forestry, a headline sponsor of the conference, described a new ‘Wood-Age’ that was emerging in the UK, and the importance of developing existing timber supply chains:

“Ever since our ancestors learnt to climb, we have relied on trees and wood. This relationship has shaped our bodies, brains and culture and made civilisation possible.

“Developing our relationship with forests and wood is key to our continued existence. The adoption of new clusters of technology mean that the 21st Century could be described as the ‘Wood Age’.

“I will be developing this theme in more detail in my blog in the lead-up to the ICF conference in April. This conference will be addressed by a range of leading experts on the subject.”

UK Timber Prices 

Colin Mann FICFor, Managing Director of Scottish Woodlands Ltd, another headline sponsor, described the significance of the conference in light of the impact of global trade on UK timber prices. He said:

“Scottish Woodlands Ltd is pleased to support the ICF National Conference once again. The dynamics and opportunities have evolved in the supply chain over the last few years, and the effect of global markets has an impact on UK timber prices. As forestry has gained prominence in public understanding and moved up the political agenda, this conference gives forestry professionals opportunities to consider the many influences which can help to make the supply chain more effective, whether in forestry operations or roundwood processing.”

One and two day tickets for the The Timber Supply Chain: Dynamics and Opportunities are now on sale. This is an annual sell-out event and bookers are encouraged to secure their tickets as soon as possible. Visit www.charteredforesters.org/conference2016