Wales Annual Conference: How Commercial Forestry Enhances our Environment

Join our Wales Member Network for their Annual Conference and AGM on 7 November at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells.

Commercial forestry is a key sector in Wales, significantly contributing to the economy, environment, and rural communities. With around 15% of Wales (306,000 hectares) covered by forest, nearly half of this is coniferous woodland, with species like Sitka spruce playing a vital role in timber production. These forests provide essential materials for industries, support jobs, and play a part in carbon sequestration.

However, commercial forestry often faces criticism, with some perceiving it as environmentally harmful. Common concerns include the dominance of non-native conifers like Sitka spruce, managed under clearfell regimes which can be seen as contributing to biodiversity loss, altering the historic environment, and impacting water systems. Balancing the demand for timber with the need to maintain ecological diversity is an ongoing challenge for the sector. This conference will address these perceptions, exploring how modern forestry practices are evolving to ensure sustainable management and environmental stewardship.

This is a great opportunity to meet (or catch-up with) like-minded professionals in Wales whilst building your continuing professional development.

The Wales Member Network AGM will take place from 10:00 – 10:30 before the conference begins and all members are invited to attend irrespective of their attendance at the conference.

There will also be an informal gathering the evening before the conference on 6 November at 19:30 at the Metropole Hotel and Spa – all are welcome. If you are able to attend this social gathering, please let Dewi Roebuck MICFor know by 28 October for numbers.

Programme

The Institute of Chartered Foresters reserves the right to alter timings, speakers and the programme in circumstances beyond its control.

Speakers

Professor Jo Bradwell FICFor (Hon) – Forestry Commissioner

Jo is owner and director of Norbury Park and a Forestry Commission commissioner. He has been instrumental in setting up the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), increasing woodland cover and transforming the farmland from crops to mob grazing with cattle. Jo won the 2018 RFS Sylva Trophy and the Peter Savill Award in 2018. He was awarded Fellowship of the Institute in 2024.

Dr Alice Broome – Senior Scientist, Forest Research
Alice is a Senior Scientist at Forest Research and leads on protected species. She is responsible for designing and delivering practical advice for practitioners across Great Britain working in proximity to protected species. Alice is the author of peer reviewed publications on protected species and woodland ecology. She leads and manages a broad range of research projects on behalf of Forest Research, drawing on a long experience of applied forest ecology.

Phil Harries – Independent Forester & South and West Wales Wildlife Trust

Phil has 47 years of experience in the forestry industry, encompassing roles from planting to harvesting, as well as the buying and marketing of standing sales. He developed a strong interest in squirrel management, becoming a certified trapper 24 years ago, and has been involved with the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Project since 2003/2004, where he earned his red squirrel handling license. Phil has worked with several prominent organisations, including Select Four, CCW, NRW, Tillhill, and Brecknock Wildlife Trust, and is currently employed part-time by the South and West Wales Wildlife Trust.

Chris Jones – Independent Specialist Forestry Advisor

Chris has nearly 40 years of experience in forestry and woodland management, with over 35 years spent in Wales. He has worked for the Forestry Commission, Forest Research, and Natural Resources Wales, specialising in silviculture and sustainable woodland management. As an independent specialist forestry advisor, Chris provides expertise in linking tree growth, environmental conditions, and woodland products to promote resilient and sustainable woodlands.

Tom Nisbet – Head of Physical Environment Research, Forest Research

Tom works for Forest Research and is Head of Physical Environment Research based at Alice Holt in Surrey. He is a forest hydrologist with 40 years of experience in studying the interactions between forests and water, with results directly informing forestry policy and practice. The work of his research team has been central to guiding the development of good forestry practice to ensure soil and water protection, leading to a shift in research focus to evaluating the water benefits of sustainably managed forests. Together with his colleagues, work is progressing on developing a novel Woodland Water Code, with the aim of promoting greater private investment in woodland creation to help tackle pressing water issues.

Amelia Pannett – Field Monument Warden, Cadw

Amelia has worked for Cadw since 2014, prior to which she was a Project Manager in the commercial archaeology sector. She covers the counties of Monmouthshire, Brecknockshire and Radnorshire. Amelia has a PhD in Archaeology and is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA).

Jeff Spencer – Field Monument Warden, Cadw

Jeff has worked for Cadw since 2017, prior to which he was the Historic Environment Record Officer for the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (now Heneb) and before that a Heritage Management Archaeologist at the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust. At Cadw, he covers the counties of Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey. Jeff has an MA in Cultural Landscape Management and is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA).

Rachel Chamberlain FICFor – Manager Land Stewardship, Natural Resources Wales

Jo Fox-Evans – Director of Membership Engagement, Institute of Chartered Foresters

Iwan Parry MICFor – Chair, Wales Member Network and Regional Manager for Wales & Marches, Tilhill