We are delighted to be working alongside the Institute of Chartered Foresters to bring members in Wales this workshop on communication and engagement.
This in-person workshop is designed for rural land managers and landowners who are willing to explore different approaches to consultation and engagement, specifically in relation to new planting and woodland creation projects. There will be a focus on farm woodland and engagement in the afternoon. Through presentations and group discussions, this forum-style workshop will give participants the confidence to start sharing their plans for woodland creation with key stakeholders. The workshop will also explore what we can do to improve our engagement and communication to help deliver planting targets.
Event Objectives
Be able to recognise what engagement is needed and when
Gain an understanding of a variety of communication and engagement methods
Discuss how effective communication and engagement with stakeholders is in forestry and what we can do to improve.
Speakers:
Mike Cresswell MICFor – Forest Operations Team Leader, Natural Resources Wales
Starting his journey in the sector, Michael studied Forestry at Bangor University, which culminated in a Master’s degree. Following a year in the Highlands and Islands with Scottish Forestry, he returned to Wales and initially worked in land management for Natural Resources Wales and more recently in forest operations. This is where he leads a team undertaking planning, harvesting and establishment on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate in Mid Wales. Mike is an Institute Council member and has been a Professional member since 2017. He is also on the Inaugural Executive Board for the Global Network for Forestry Young Professionals.
Andrew Sowerby FICFor – Director, Pryor & Rickett Silviculture
Andrew graduated from Aberdeen in 2001 and began work in South Wales with the Forestry Commission. He served fifteen years in the public sector which included leading roles in Forest Planning, Harvesting & Marketing and Operational Support. Andrew joined Pryor & Rickett Silviculture in 2016 as a Forest Manager based in Brecon. He readily adjusted to serving woodland owners and winning competitive contracts which led to his appointment as the Regional Manager for Wales and West England in early 2020. Andrew is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, the current chair of the Confor committee for Wales and coordinates www.mbalecoed.org.uk a charity that supports tree planting in the Mbale region of eastern Uganda.
Miriam Jones-Walters MICFor – Special Advisor, Land Stewardship, Natural Resources Wales
Miriam’s has worked in a range of roles, from forestry in the New Forest to grants and policy advice, joining NRW in 2020 to lead on Woodland Creation on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. This is the programme through which NRW acquires land to create new public woodlands, to ensure that we maintain the woodland area and productive potential of the estate, and to tackle the nature and climate emergency. Through this role, she deals with all stages of the woodland creation process, from scoping land for suitability, design and public consultation through to planting and maintenance.John Tucker MICFor – Ambassador, Woodland Trust
A Chartered forester since 1992, John has worked in forestry/arboricultural roles for local authorities in Scotland and Sussex and undertook an urban forestry study tour in USA in 1990, and arid land afforestation tour in Israel in 1993. He worked for the Woodland Trust in a variety of forestry roles since 1994, more recently as Director of Woodland Creation from 2010 to 2021, and now acting in an ambassadorial role for the Trust. John is a member of the Farm Woodland Forum and is particularly interested in agroforestry and integration of trees and farming.
Owen Hoddy MICFor – Senior Officer, Forest Operations, Natural Resources Wales
Geraint Jones – Technical Woodland Officer, Farming Connect
John Mercer – Director, NFU Cymru
Agenda
09:00 Arrival
09:30 Welcome and introduction
09:45 What is stakeholder engagement and what does good engagement look like?
10:30 Case Study: How to identify and engage with communities for consultation
11:30 Refreshments
11:50 Case Study: What can we learn from consultation and what could we do differently
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Discussion: Creating and promoting multifunctional woodlands – farmers perspective
14:30 Discussion: Methods of public engagement/farm engagement
15:30 What does stakeholder engagement mean to you?
14:00 Close
Who should attend?
This event is specifically for foresters and arboriculturists living/working in Wales.
Point of contact
If you have any issues booking this event please contact - info@focusonforestryfirst.co.uk
Booking Fee
£20
Focus on Forestry First Ltd fully funds these events, all we ask for is a small booking fee to secure your place on the course.
Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.