Neroche Forest, Taunton, Somerset
the woodland edge
Thurs 29 / Fri 30 September 2011
people and nature in our wooded landscapes, at a time of change Programme overview TREES, TRIBES AND TREATIES People and nature in our woods; forests and landscapes in public policy (plenary themes)
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Key speakers How do we reflect people’s passion for forests in public policy? Re-interpreting old knowledge for today’s challenges The future for conservation in a post-CAP reform world Heart, mind and enterprise for a sustainable future Weaving a tale to connect us to the woods Acknowledging our spirit in the woods
ALL TOGETHER NOW
• The gains to be had from empowering people in their own
Meaningful community participation and empowerment in our woods
environments • The science and art of effective community engagement • Developing and sustaining environmental volunteering
NEW ORDER
• The Big Society in a woodland context – developing shared
Partnerships and resources in the new climate of Localism
• Effective partnership working – common purpose without the
governance between communities, NGOs and Government
Jay Griffiths
Jonathan Spencer
Author of the profound book ‘Wild: An Elemental Journey
Senior Ecologist with the Forestry Commission
Howard Davies
Challenging author of ‘Beyond Conservation’
Chief Executive of the National Association of AONBs
Alison Millward
Tim ‘Mac’ MacCartney
Gavin Saunders
Inspirational founder of Embercombe
Project Manager of the Neroche Scheme
Nigel Lowthrop
Mark Robins
Founder of the respected woodland-based social enterprise, Hill Holt Wood
Senior Policy Officer for the RSPB in the South West
Rick Minter
Simon Shakespeare
Facilitator and editor of the journal ECOS
Experienced trainer and pioneer of the Forest School movement
Eric Maddern
Peter Taylor
Expert advisor in the urban wildlife movement
One the UK’s leading storytellers and founder of Cae Mabon
competitive edge
• Social enterprise in the woods – sustainable business models • Financing environmental action – time to get creative
Other activities at the event
Weekend activities
BIGGER, BETTER AND JOINED
• ‘Bigger, better, more joined-up’ –what does it mean? • Can Living Landscapes conserve more than just wildlife – soil,
Connecting wildlife habitats to ecosystem services, economies and communities
• Achieving habitat conservation post CAP-reform • Re-discovering the wild – common ground between Living
Alongside hearing leading practitioners share their experiences and contributing to debates on the issues in thematic sessions, the event will have an informal atmosphere allowing participants to gain a range of experiences and share in a number of activities. The programme will include:
WELL BEING IN THE WOODS
• Forest Schools – tracking an evolving movement • Well-being in the woods – recognising what works and
After the formal conference programme finishes, the weekend will be devoted to a range of activities open to the wider, local community at Neroche. Conference delegates are very welcome to stay for these activities on Saturday and Sunday, some of which will be free and some of which will be subject to a small charge at the time.
Building on our experience of outdoor learning to create more well-being in the woods
measuring it meaningfully • Practical techniques for engaging audiences in woodland and other natural settings • Forging effective links with the health and education sectors
CARBON BALANCE SHEETS
• Finding practical ways to make best use of existing woodlands
Making better use of our forests as sources of energy and materials and as carbon sinks
• Creating sustainable new woodlands in mixed landscapes • The market for wood – can the landscape meet the demand? • Carbon balance sheets – long term carbon storage versus
HERIT-EDGE
• Cutting-edge environmental interpretation– amplifying nature
New vitality for telling the story of the past and the present in the woods
without the jargon • Nature as metaphor – developing the use of story in connecting people to the land Best practice in sharing the historic environment with people
nutrients, local knowledge and wealth?
Landscapes and re-wilding initiatives?
• Viewing demonstrations, from wild foods
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for timber and woodfuel
short term harvesting
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to bushcraft to woodfuels to use of woodland for personal development Wildlife tracking and checking trail cameras in the local landscape Opportunities to explore the forest and enjoy the woods at twylight Contributing to a daily conference blog Open space discussions on topics raised by participants Sculpture trail and participatory art activity Evening discussions around the campfire, interspersed with music and story A very special celebratory event on Friday night
• Drop-in informal training sessions in
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green woodworking, bushcraft, wildlife tracking, letter carving and other woodrelated skills Family Bushcraft Club Family treasure hunt Sculpture trail Exploration of the lost hillfort of Orchard Hill Visit the Neroche Longhorn cattle in the forest Opportunity to walk the 13-mile Neroche Herepath Trail
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