November 3-4 2021
As a key part of actions to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the UK Government set a target of up to 19% woodland cover. Key decisions therefore are required concerning how and where we expand tree cover. Modern forestry is generally based on monocultures largely because of timber production. However, future forests will play a key role in climate change mitigation. It is therefore crucial that appropriate informed decisions are made with regard to the structure, composition and planning of future forests, in order to provide sustainable solutions that are of benefit to society. Mixed forests with their higher biodiversity, are likely to be better than monocultures in regulating the water cycle and sequestering carbon.
This conference is a collaboration between AAB and the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) and a main objective is to explore state-of-the-art scientific evidence showing that higher tree species diversity enables higher productivity and stability, with a lower susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stress, together with a portfolio of ecosystem services, as well as economic and management benefits. Invited speakers will address these broad issues from the perspective of science/industry/economics/politics interfaces.
A key aim is to produce a policy document that will inform UK government strategy. In addition, we will produce other outputs such as a Special Issue of the Food and Energy Security journal. Submissions for this special issue remains open until March 1st 2022.
Download Provisional Program: October 4th
Register for the meeting here.
Enormous thanks to The JABBS Foundation for allowing us to keep registration fees extremely low for such a high profile event!
In-person event: £75-175
One-site: On site registration includes day catering, wine reception and conference dinner held on November 3rd in the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham. This will include the live presentation of the ‘All England Woodland Resilience Award. Register as an in-person delegate by September 3rd 2021.
Virtual event: £5-£85
This hybrid event provides opportunities for virtual delegates to register for the meeting. This will include access to all plenary sessions (filmed by the professional UoB event staff) and the opportunity to participant in session Q+A. This will not provide access to the poster session. Register as a online delegate by October 29th 2021.