Managing ash dieback
With Kevin Penfold. A day aimed at woodland owners and tree professionals keen to develop their understanding of ash dieback and how to manage woodlands containing ash in light of the disease. This course is generously hosted by Didling Farm and is being delivered in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority and the Forestry Commission.
The course will provide delegates with:
- An ability to identify the symptoms of ash dieback.
- Information on its currently and likely future spread and severity
- An understanding of the safety and timber quality implications of the disease.
- An understanding of the silvicultural options (including species choice) to achieve different management objectives on different site types containing ash.
- Information and discussion on the operational issues in managing the disease including machinery, working with contractors, roadside working, European Protected Species, timber markets.
- Information on grant aid to assist restocking.
In the morning the course will cover theoretical aspects and in the afternoon there will be an outdoor practical session in the woodland at Didling Farm.
Note: Course attendees are advised to bring a packed lunch as lunch is not provided
Price: £70.00 for RFS members / £80.00 for non RFS members
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.
Kevin Penfold
Penfold’s Woodland Consultancy
Kevin Penfold MicFor has over 35 years’ experience working with and managing woodlands. He spent 25 years of his career with the Forestry Commission in roles such as Forest District Manager, Operations Manager (for 11 years), Planning Forester, Technical Trainer, and Forester. In 2012 Kevin established his own business and now manages a wide range of woodland types with differing objectives, undertaking the marketing and supply of timber, contract management, health and safety management, woodland establishment, and woodland regeneration for private woodland owners. A past approved forestry technical trainer, assessor, and examiner, he has a high level of technical competence having represented forest industry interests at a national level with the HSE.
