CCFG National Conference 2014 – Conference Information

Background

Forestry is undergoing a period of profound change and reassessment. At the forefront of our thinking is recognition that many current practices need to be adapted in response to global climate change and the growing number of threats to forest health. We need new strategies for adding value and new market-led solutions for delivery of ecosystem services, while also diversifying the species and structure of our productive forest estate.

Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) is now recognised as an important approach that has the potential to create diverse, resilient and robust forest systems. However, the transformation from largely even-aged stands in Britain to more complex and irregular structures remains a challenging area of professional practice. There is continuing demand for a stronger evidence-base and practical demonstration of CCF systems.

The CCFG National Conference in 2014 will bring together leading practitioners, the forestry profession and the wider natural resources community to discuss experience and latest developments in CCF. We will visit champion woodlands and forests that demonstrate the potential of CCF systems to deliver viable futures in terms of timber, recreation, environmental quality and a wide range of other ecosystem services.

 

Conference Goals

  • Present latest developments in CCF management systems, especially focusing on the potential of CCF to promote sustainability and resilience
  • Demonstrate examples of CCF in practice, under a range of management objectives
  • Identify future research and policy priorities for wider adoption of CCF in Britain
  • Establish a forum for discussion of market-led approaches

 

Conference Themes

  1. Ecosystems services – using CCF to integrate multiple function and values of woodlands, including timber, recreation, conservation and environmental quality.
  2. Ecological resilience and climate adaptation – demonstrating the importance of diverse species and structures.
  3. Monitoring and management approaches – tools for informing decision-making and measuring progress towards management objectives.
  4. Learning and skills – identifying opportunities and challenges for future best practice.
  5. Timber quality and value – enhancing value and outputs through designed stand interventions.

 

Who Should Attend

  • The conference is open to anyone with a passion for sustainable forestry in Britain. The conference will be of value to forestry leaders, influencers, researchers, practitioners and woodland owners concerned with the changes necessary to enhance the resilience of woodlands and deliver ecosystem services in Britain.
  • Forestry and Natural Resources students are also very welcome to attend the conference. There will be a dedicated poster session for the presentation of projects and research. There are also provisions being made for sponsorship of several student places at the conference, thanks to generous support from the Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Edinburgh. For more information please contact Ted Wilson.

 

Conference Essentials

  • The Dates: The plenary and parallel conference sessions will take place on Tuesday 3rd June and Wednesday 4th June 2014. In addition, a full-day study tour will take place on Thursday 5th June 2014.
  • Speakers and Presenters: Speakers at the conference will include national and international leaders in the science, ecology and practice of CCF.
  • Location: The main conference will be held at the Victory Memorial Hall, Braithwaite Institute, Braithwaite, Cumbria CA12 5TH, which is located near Keswick, Cumbria (see Conference Map below).
  • The Field Trips: The following champion forests will be visited as part of the programme:
    1. Wythop Wood, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria. Impressive mature conifer and mixed-broadleaf woodlands managed by Forestry Commission England. Douglas fir stands dating from the early 1920s are being transformed through a range of techniques, and employing a range of conifer and broadleaf species. The site has an established set of permanent sample plots and is monitored on a regular cycle. Wythop Wood is part of the Forestry Commission’s National Network of CCF Demonstration Areas.
    2. Thirlmere Forest, Thirlmere Reservoir, Cumbria. Owned and managed by United Utilities plc, these woods surround Thirlmere Reservoir, which is the major source of drinking water for Greater Manchester. The primary objectives are water and environmental quality, timber production and wildlife conservation (including red squirrel).
    3. CCF Woodlands in West Cumbria. On Day 3 of the conference we are planning a study tour to Blengdale and Miterdale Forests, located in remote valleys in West Cumbria. Large stands of mature Douglas fir and other conifers are being transformed to CCF through a programme of thinning and stand interventions. A variety of approaches and issues will be addressed. This is a rare opportunity to visit some fascinating and unusual woodlands, each occupying a unique location within the Lake District National Park.

 

Conference Partners and Sponsors

  • We have secured generous support and sponsorship from across the forestry and natural resources sector to deliver the CCFG National Conference 2014.
  • Confirmed Partners and Sponsors of the CCFG National Conference 2014 include: The Scottish Forestry Trust; Forest Ecology Group, British Ecological Society; Forestry Commission Corporate Services; Forestry Commission Scotland; Forestry Commission England; Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Woodland Heritage; A.W. Jenkinson Forest Products; United Utilities plc; Woodland Trust; National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria; Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru/Natural Resources Wales; Natural England; Lake District National Park; Tubex; Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), University of Birmingham.
  • Confirmed Supporters of the CCFG National Conference 2014 include: Forest Research; Institute of Chartered Foresters; Country Land and Business Association (CLA); School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography (SENRGY), Bangor University; Cumbria Community Transport.





Accommodation and Transport

The main conference venue is located in the village of Braithwaite, approximately 2.4 miles from Keswick, Cumbria. Keswick and the surrounding area is a major visitor destination within the Lake District National Park and has accommodation to suit a wide range of preferences and budgets. Please note: delegates are asked to make their own accommodation arrangements while attending the conference.

    • Hotel and B&B accommodation: You can access hotel and B&B information for both Braithwaite and Keswick through most online booking services, and through the local Keswick.org website: www.keswick.org
    • Youth Hostel: There is an excellent youth hostel (YHA) in Keswick that is close to shops and public services, and with excellent transport links to Braithwaite. 
    • Camping: There are campsites in Keswick and near the conference venue in Braithwaite. We will also be able to provide a limited number of camping spaces at the conference site, which includes kitchen and washing facilities. Please note we are only able to accommodate tents. Further details will be provided shortly.

Driving to the Conference:

      • There are excellent transport links to the conference venue. The most direct route is via the M6 Motorway to Junction 40 (Penrith and the North Lakes). Exit and head west on the A66 for approximately 20 miles direct to Keswick and then on to Braithwaite. The conference venue is located adjacent to the A66, approximately 2.4 miles west of Keswick, Cumbria. There are excellent on-site parking facilities, with space for approximately 40 vehicles.

Green Transport Options:

    • Rail travel. The closest mainline station is Penrith North Lakes. This is located on the West Coast Main Line and served by direct services to/from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Full booking information is available from National Rail Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk
    • Bus travel. There is a regular and efficient bus service direct from Penrith North Lakes rail station to both Keswick and the conference venue in Braithwaite. Services X4 and X5 run between Penrith and Keswick. Service X5 continues on to Braithwaite. Further ticket and timetable information is available from Traveline Northeast and Cumbria: http://jplanner.travelinenortheast.info/
    • Minivan Pickup. We are exploring the possibility of providing a minivan service from Penrith North Lakes rail station to Keswick and Braithwaite on Monday evening, 2nd June. Further details will be posted closer to the time of the conference.

 

Online Booking and Conference Registration

Non Member Delegate Prices:

  • Full Conference Fee – £195
  • Conference Study Tour Fee – £15 (includes packed lunch)

 

Member Delegate Prices:

  • CCFG members, please check your email for the discount code to obtain our great 21% reduction on the conference fee.
  • CCFG Member Conference Fee – £154.05
  • Conference Study Tour Fee – £11.85 (includes packed lunch)

Please note CCFG members will receive discount code email from CCFG administration (administrator@ccfg.org.uk)

Other Fees:

  • Conference Dinner (3rd June) – £30
  • Camping 2nd to 4th June (Flat rate fee per tent) – £20

Wow we are really sorry but our National Conference is sold out.

 

Pricing, Booking, and Contact Information

  • Full pricing for the conference can be downloaded here.
  • Get great member discounts by joining CCFG. To join now click here.
  • Regular updates and news about the conference will be posted on the CCFG Website, and via social media.
  • Please direct specific questions and requests to Gill Pemberton (CCFG Administrator), administrator@ccfg.org.uk

 

Downloads

  • Conference Programme Download here (PDF, 450 KB).Please note that the current version (23/02/14) contains the full list of speakers and talks, but is still subject to minor amendments.
  • Conference Poster Download here (PDF, 1.2 MB).
  • Conference Briefing Paper Download here (PDF, 750 KB). The briefing paper provides further information about the background, aims and objectives of the conference.
  • Conference Map Download here (PDF, 440 KB). The map shows the location of the conference hall and the forests included in the programme and study tour.

 

Conference Presentation



CCFG National Conference, 3-5 June 2014, Lake District National Park, England

Map of Conference Locations