Following the AGM in March, here is a letter from our Chair: 

Dear CCFG Members,

I’m writing to update you on some exciting developments at CCFG. Over thepast year we have been busy working on the organisation’s strategy, which has involved consultation with members, an appraisal of our partners andstakeholders, and the identification of three strategic objectives. The process has been rather long but extremely valuable for the committee as we are now working on the operational plan to deliver against these new objectives overthe next 10 years. A summary document presenting our strategy will be shared on our website very soon!

Two recommendations emerged from our strategy, firstly renaming and rebranding the organisation as Pro Silva Britain, this is to better align our mission, principles and communication with the 26 member countries in the Pro Silva family; and second to become a charitable incorporated organisation, which will enable us to apply for grant funding to run projects as we grow as an organisation. In forming the new charity, we would be very pleased to hear from any members who might be interested in becoming a trustee and helping to guide Pro Silva Britain in achieving its mission of promoting the benefits of Continuous Cover Forestry, for the environment, for society and the economy. We are particularly interested to hear from any members who would be willing to undertake the role of Treasurer, as our current Treasurer Solange Montero Terry will be standing down at our AGM in 2027. There are also opportunities to get involved in the work of our country branches in either England, Scotland or Wales, so please email me directly if you would be interested in getting involved in any of these roles, and to bepart of a very exciting time in the organisation’s evolution!

Please join us at the extraordinary general meeting on Thursday 11th June, and hoping to see you on a field visit very soon!

Best regards

Jonny Hulson

Date:	Thursday 19th March 2026
Location:	Online over Zoom
Description:	The 2026 AGM will be on Thursday 19th March 2026 at 4pm. All members are warmly invited to attend.
Booking:	You can book to attend the AGM HERE
Contact:	You may pass on your apologies to administrator@ccfg.org.uk.

 

Following a webinar on 20th November with David Jam, a recording has now been made available on YouTube which you can view using this link. 

 

Following a webinar on 16th October with Kate Holl and Tom Crowther, a recording has now been made available on  YouTube which you can view using this link. 

The Association of Applied Biologists held a conference this

week in Cumbria: Creating Canopies II: Resilience, Adaptation and Regenerative Approaches.  Several members of CCFG, including our England Coordinator, Ben Walker, were able to be there.

The event was highly successful, and was a superb showcase for the potential of CCF in our rapidly changing climate and society. The walk at Coombs Wood was a highlight. 

Era of being a treeless country with little forest culture now changing, with restoration of forests across a wide variety of landscapes

These are the headlines from an Irish Times article this week – to read the full article please click this link. 

The Forest Policy Group hosted a webinar on CCF at the end of May, with three great speakers: Ted Wilson, Dirk Sporleder and David Shepherd. The FPG have now made the webinar available online. Resources including the slides from the presentation are also available on the FPG’s website here.

Our latest newsletter has just been finalised and added to our website. You can read about last autumn’s field visits and study tour, a range of updates from the Chair and Committee, news about Chad Oliver and an interview with Arne Pommerening. 

Thanks to a recent decision at our AGM, our newsletter is now available for all to read, not only members, and you can find it on the website under Resources. 

 

Stourhead Estate, Wiltshire

By Kind permission of Nick C Hoare

THEME:

Moving the forest towards its full potential in the face of climate change, ensuring it is sustainable, both biologically and financially, and resilient in the long term.

The day will include an introduction to Stourhead forest, and discussion on forest resilience, sustainability, irregular silviculture, biodiversity in irregular conifer dominated forest and forest monitoring. For more details of the theme, the estate and the planned visit, please use this link. 

Rendezvous time – 9.30 hrs, Friday 9^th May 2025

Meeting point – Main National Trust Stourhead Carpark, Stourton, Warminster BA12 6QF

Please park vehicles in the overflow carpark at the back, indicated by following in-carpark CCFG signs. 

Carpark facilities – There are National Trust toilets and a café at the carpark.

Vehicle consolidation – After an introduction, attendees will need to please share vehicles from here, thereby minimising in-forest traffic. The tour will take place in the main Stourhead Forest (within 6km). Metalled tracks are suitable for cars driven slowly (avoid cars with low sumps).

What to bring – Suitable in-forest footwear and waterproofs. For biosecurity, please ensure footwear is clean before arrival.

Lunch and drink – As we will be picnicking in the forest, please bring your own lunch, drink and snack requirements. We will NOT be returning to the National Trust Stourhead Carpark at lunch time. There will be a portaloo located near to the lunch stop in the forest.

Finish time – Back to the National Trust Stourhead Carpark by 16.00 hrs.

Booking – is essential. To allow for good discussion and facilitate logistics, places at the meeting will be limited in number. Priority will be given to CCFG members, and there will be a waiting list if numbers exceed this so please let us know if you cannot make it. To book, please click this link. 

For any queries, please contact Polly Spencer-Vellacott, CCFG Administrator. 

Following a webinar on 23rd January with Alex Held, a recording has now been made available on  YouTube which you can view using this link. 

A chat file from the event can be viewed here.