This is PART ONE of two online events which aim to stimulate reflection and discussion on Potential approaches to woodland creation. This highly topical webinar will focus on the strategic context and planning for woodland creation, though presentations delivered by a wide range of expert speakers. If ecological restoration and habitat creation inspires you, this is not one to miss!

The second session, to be held on 16 July, will look at woodland restoration case studies and practical implementation of methods mentioned in part one.

Tickets for each session are sold separately.

Woodland creation has risen up the political and economic agenda with governments setting out ambitious targets to increase woodland cover. It is seen as having an important role in climate change amelioration as well as providing recreational, biodiversity and other natural capital benefits. However, reconciling different objectives and deciding on priorities can be difficult.

This webinar has a range of prominent and experienced speakers who will stimulate discussion and learning about different approaches to woodland creation. Presentations and speakers for this session include:

• Simon Mageean (Programme Director of the Northern Forest at the Woodland Trust) on planning the Northern Forest and some of the strategic thinking underlining the project.
• Christine Reid (Principal Conservation Advisor at the Woodland Trust) – introducing the Woodland Trust’s guidance for woodland creation.
• Professor John Rodwell (formerly Lancaster University) – on how understanding the cultural heritage and ecology of trees can inform woodland creation.
• Dr Keith Kirby (University of Oxford and previously English Nature) – on what constitutes the right tree, right place and right reason for expanding woodland cover and reconciling different objectives.
• Dr Kieron Doick (Head of Urban Forestry Research Group at Forestry Commission) – on woodland creation on urban/brownfield land the importance of soils.

The second session on July 16 will explore contrasting approaches to woodland creation across a range of landscape types and scales. Speakers include Dr David Hetherington on woodland restoration in the Cairngorms, Hugh Chalmers on woodland creation in the Scottish Borders, Hugh Dorrington on creating native woodlands in the lowlands from the nursery to establishment, and Peter Leeson from the Woodland Trust on working with landowners. Tickets to the second session are sold separately.