June 8, 2022, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Essential guide to caring for your wood

Professor Julian Evans OBE FICFor returns with his invaluable introduction to the art and science of woodland management for beginners. We are delighted to be hosting this event in the beautiful surroundings of Goodwood Estate. This course is being delivered by the RFS in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority and the Forestry Commission.

Supershell Building, Goodwood Estate, Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX

This short course for beginners provides an overview of the key considerations and issues when caring for a woodland. It serves as an excellent introduction for those who are new to woodland ownership or interested in the practical aspects of caring for a woodland. In the morning session at the Supershell Building (which rather excitingly is adjacent to the Goodwood motor circuit) we will cover some of the key concepts of forestry and conservation.  In the afternoon we will drive a very short distance for a guided tour of woodlands at Goodwood Estate in the afternoon, to view stands of different species, various silvicultural treatments, and to consider forestry and conservation objectives.

This course is limited to a maximum of 16 delegates to ensure that everyone can contribute and have their individual questions answered.   E-certificates of attendance are available after the course on request.

Some feedback on the course from previous delegates:

“Very informative course – a good mix of introductory information and practical field visits. Very knowledgeable presenter and a good balance of questions and answers.”

“Fantastic day – really interesting content.  Enjoyed it thoroughly.”

Tea, coffee and water will be provided but please bring a packed lunch as lunch is not provided.  Bring outdoor clothing and suitable footwear for the outdoor sessions.  Copies of Julian’s book “Getting started in your own wood” will be available to buy on the day at a 25% discount from the RRP.

Price: £70.00 RFS members / £80.00 non RFS member

This course is being delivered in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority and the Forestry Commission.

The South Downs National Park is the third largest National Park in England and has the largest National Park population, with 117,000 residents. From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover 1,627km2 of breathtaking views, including 18 distinctive landscapes, 13 European wildlife sites and more woodland than any other National Park in England or Wales. The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a special place, including conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area. It is also the planning authority for the National Park. The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.

The Forestry Commission increases the value of woodlands to society and the environment.  It is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands. It works with two agencies – Forestry England, who manage the manage the Public Forest Estate, and Forest Research, the UK’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research.

Professor Julian Evans OBE FICFor

Professor Julian Evans, Forestry Commissioner, formerly Professor of Forestry at Imperial College and previously the Forestry Commission’s Chief Research Officer (S), is also a past president of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, vice-president of the Commonwealth Forestry Association and chaired (2013-19) the Forestry Commission’s Expert Committee on Forest Science. Memberships include Confor, the Royal Forestry Society, and Woodland Heritage. He is an honorary fellow of Bangor University and author of over 100 research papers and many books on tree and forestry-related matters. For more than 30 years he has owned a 30-acre woodland in Hampshire. He was appointed OBE in 1997. He is also a member of RFS Council and of the Editorial Board of QJF