We've put together a carefully curated programme of speakers, opportunities and workshops to ensure that our 2024 AGM will inspire woodland owners and enthusiasts alike!
Swap notes with fellow woodland enthusiasts, meet SWA staff and trustees, and find out exactly what goes on at The Green Wood Centre. We will also be holding a tool, kit, and book swap.
Tickets: £25 for members, £35 for non members, price includes lunch and refreshments
Friday 27th September: Study Tour, 'Timber, Valuation, and Products', 8am to 5pm, departing from and returning to Edge Wood, in Westhope, Shropshire.
9.30am - Tour of Whitney Sawmill followed by a discussion with Mill Manager, Dermot Doyle including workshop solutions e.g. extracting millable timber
from small woodlands.
12.30pm - A walk around Mortimer Forest, in Ludlow, to hear about how timber is measured, sorted, and valued
2.30pm - See our retort kiln in action at Edge Wood, in Westhope, and hear about coppice product sorting and valuation.
Places are limited to 16 so book early to avoid disappointment.
Saturday 28th September: Speakers, AGM and workshops at The Green Wood Centre, 9.30am to 5pm, followed by BBQ and social
Keynote speaker | Rob Penn, Patron – Woodland Resilience
Speaker | Dr Jo Clark, Future Trees Trust – Utilising Forest Genetic Resources
Speaker | Dr Gabriel Hemery, Sylva Foundation – Innovative Tools for Woodland Management
Speaker | Dr Joan Webber, Forest Research – Pests and Disease
Small Woods Annual General Meeting | John Blessington, Chair
Esmond Harris Award for Innovation in Small Woodland Management – winner for 2024 to be announced
The afternoon will be devoted to a range of workshops and demonstrations, including woodland management discussion and techniques. Each workshop will run two sessions during the afternoon.
Workshop 1 – Nearly Wild Camping | Steve Evison
Workshop 2 – Green woodworking | Tom Dillon
Workshop 3 – Hybrid Oaks | Louise Gathercole
Workshop 4 – Build a Bench demo | Chris Doody
Workshop 5 – Roundhouse demo | Volunteer group
Panel session and discussion (30 minutes).
Download the full programme here.
For those looking to make the most of their trip, there will be a volunteer day at Edge Wood on Sunday 29th September.
