This presentation provides an introduction and overview of the CCFG National Conference 3-5 June 2014. The conference theme is "Continuous Cover Forestry: delivering sustainable and resilient woodlands in Britain". The conference is based at Braithwaite Institute, near Keswick, Cumbria, in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The conference brings together leading experts and practitioners of CCF approaches to sustainable forest management. The conference also includes field presentations and a study tour to four of the finest CCF woodlands in the region at Thirlmere Forest, Wythop Wood, Blengdale Forest and Miterdale Forest. We are grateful for support with planning this conference from Forestry Commission England and United Utilities plc, and our many sponsors and partners. Full details are available on www.ccfg.org.uk

1. Continuous Cover Forestry: Delivering
sustainable and resilient woodlands in Britain
www.ccfg.org.uk
Continuous Cover Forestry Group
National Conference, 3 to 5 June 2014
Keswick and the Lake District

2. CONTINUOUS COVER FORESTRY
Science-Policy-Practice
“[Continuous Cover Forestry is]...the use of silvicultural systems whereby the
forest canopy is maintained at one or more levels without clear felling.”
Mason et al. 1999
“Whereas clearfell systems have predominated in the past, in future continuous
cover forestry approaches may become more advantageous ...”
Read et al. 2009
“We will adopt the principle of anticipatory adaptation. This offers the highest
potential gains for forest resilience, and the benefits they provide.”
Weir 2011
“Consider alternatives to clearfell systems, such as continuous cover forestry,
where suitable sites and species combinations allow and management
objectives are compatible.”
UK Forestry Standard 2011

3. Successional stages in a natural forest
initial stage intermediate stage
open
ground
Late stage
STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING RESILIENCE
Modify thinning regimes Extend “rotations”
Diversify Stand Structure
(Continuous Cover Forestry)
Species choice
- genetics/provenance
Mixed species
Assisted migration of native species
New species introduced
Wider use of “minor” species
Graphic: Jens Haufe

4. CONFERENCE FEATURES
• A landmark silviculture conference for the UK forestry sector
• 3-day event based in “crucible of sustainable forestry”
• Programme integrates Science-Policy-Practice
• Distinguished National/International Speakers and Presenters
• Unique indoor and outdoor format, based in the spectacular Lake District
National Park
• Unparalleled learning, development and networking opportunities
• Cross-sector support and partnerships
• Far reaching conclusions and recommendations for “best practice” and
forest adaptation
• CPD accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters

5. CONFERENCE VENUES
Braithwaite Institute
Wythop Wood
Thirlmere Forest
Blengdale Forest
Miterdale Forest

6. Single tree selection in Douglas fir
Mixed-species regeneration
Wythop Wood, Cumbria
Photo: E. R. Wilson 2008

7. Thirlmere Forest, Cumbria
Photo: © United Utilities plc

8. 8
Thirlmere Forest, Cumbria
Photo: E.R. Wilson 2010

9. CCFG National Conference 2014
CONTINUOUS COVER FORESTRY
Delivering sustainable and resilient woodlands in Britain
Our Partners and Sponsors
Partners and sponsors confirmed at 30 April 2014

10. CCFG National Conference 2014
CONTINUOUS COVER FORESTRY
Delivering sustainable and resilient woodlands in Britain
Our Supporters
Supporters confirmed at 30 April 2014

11. Dodd Wood, Cumbria
Photo: E.R. Wilson 2009
CCFG National Conference 2014
CONTINUOUS COVER FORESTRY
Delivering sustainable and resilient woodlands in Britain
3-5 June 2014
Braithwaite Institute and Woodlands in the Lake District National Park
www.ccfg.org.uk
Online Booking closes 30 May 2014!