Bridging Borders Forestry Conference

Nearly 140 delegates, landowners, commercial foresters / timber processors and agents attended the Bridging Borders Forestry Conference which was held on 20 March 2025 at Hexham Auction Mart. The conference was chaired by Andy Leitch, Deputy Chief Executive of ConFor.

The conference brought together leading voices in English and Scottish forestry, and explored key themes shaping the sector and the future of commercial forestry in the borders and beyond. Expert presentations, case studies and a panel discussion, attendees provided valuable insights into policy developments, market trends and the latest innovations in forestry management and productive forestry.

The event was organised by the CLA and Forestry Commission, this event is kindly supported by Egger UK Ltd, Euroforest Silviculture and Savills UK.

On LinkedIn, Andy Leitch, conference chair commenting on this conference said: " It was a pleasure to be able to contribute to what I thought was a very productive event, and a catalyst for further collaboration between public and private sector across borders to address future timber security in the UK."

The event highlighted the challenges and opportunities, comparing these as they exist in England and Scotland.

A fuller report on the key points made at the conference will be published in due course.

Conference Agenda

1. Jo O'Hara - FutureArk
2. Tom Coates - James Jones & Sons
3. Dr Mike Perks - Forest Research
4. Neil Harrison - ReHeat
5. Chris Hamill - Euroforest Silviculture
6. Ian Robinson - Scottish Woodlands
7. Luke Hemmings - Savills
8. Patrick Colquhoun - Luss Estates + Scottish Land & Estates
9. David Bole - Forestry Commission
10. Cameron Maxwell - Scottish Forestry