Small Woods are back on the road!

This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held at the Dartmoor National Park Authority office, a fitting venue that reflects our shared commitment to sustainable woodland management and natural resilience.

We’re excited to welcome all our new and longstanding members to join us for a day of connection, insight, and inspiration. This year’s theme, Timber and Resilience, brings together leading voices from across the sector to explore how we can strengthen our woodlands and communities for the future. 

The following day, we’re inviting members and guests to join us for a hands-on 'Woods in Conversation' Day at Old Leys Wood in Liverton, Devon. This special event offers a chance to step into the woods and see first-hand how principles of resilience and sustainable timber management are being put into practice. 
 
For small woodland owners, resilience is not just about withstanding the challenges—it’s about adapting and thriving.

Climate change, pests, diseases, and changing land use patterns continue to put pressure on woodlands, demanding more agile and sustainable approaches to management. At the same time, growing public interest in home-grown timber, nature-based solutions, and local supply chains offers new opportunities. Resilient woodlands are diverse, well-managed, and economically viable supporting both biodiversity and livelihoods.

Embracing practices such as selective thinning, mixed-species planting, and sustainable timber harvesting not only builds ecological strength but also creates new markets and community value. We will be exploring how small woodland owners can be at the heart of a resilient future. 
 
We will also be arranging a kit, tool and book swap, a popular feature of previous AGM events. If you have any tools or books that you think will be of interest to other attendees, please bring them along,  and you might find something that fits your needs and interests in return.  
 
Attendance by ticket only, places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

 
Friday 26th September 2025   10:00 to 16:30 

09:30 – 10:00 | Arrival and Registration, coffee and light refreshments on arrival 

10:00 – 10:30 | Welcome and Opening Remarks. A few words from our CEO, Simon James 

10:30 – 11:15 | Small Woods Association 25th Annual General Meeting 

11:15 – 11:30 | Break 

11:30 – 12:30 | Keynote Address by Dougal Driver, Grown in Britain on Timber and Resilience 

12:30 – 13:00 | Hester Robertson, Cloud Forest on Timber Marketing 

13:00 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch – Tool Swap and Raffle 

14:00 – 14:45 | Jon Burgess, Forestry Commission on Resilience in Forestry 

14:45 – 15:00 | Esmond Harris Award Presentation 

15:00 – 15:15 | Break 

15:15 – 16:00 | Jim Waterson on Timber to Market and Resilience 

16:00 – 16:30 | Q&A Panel Discussion, interactive session with speakers and guests 

16:30 – 16:45 | Close of Conference 

Saturday 27th September 2025   10:00 to 15:00

Woods in Conversation Day - book here