Confor UK Policy Conference

7 December 2023

The National Wood Strategy for England will be officially launched as Confor's UK policy conference returns to the QEII Centre, Westminster, on Thursday 7 December 2023.

'Green Growth: Why Wood is the Missing Low-Carbon Link' examines the potential for wood to provide huge benefits for the UK’s economy and environment, and how we overcome barriers to deliver that potential.

The reports calling for far greater domestic wood production in the UK are piling up like a stack of timber by a forest road. The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) laid down the challenge clearly in its report in July; importing 80% of the timber we use in the UK can’t go on and it’s time to produce much more here.

The conference comes at a crucial time as political parties shape policy ahead of the 2024 General Election. It’s vital that the forestry and wood industry identifies those specific policy actions which we need the next UK Government to take, to help our industry thrive - and deliver those significant economic and environmental benefits.

The conference will hear from the new Forestry Minister and will also include the launch of the National Wood Strategy for England. Lead author Tom Barnes will discuss the key points of the strategy and next steps, while Naomi Matthiessen will respond on behalf of Defra.  

The event will look at how we take forward the EAC report in a meaningful way, while future skills, carbon, timber construction, and woodland management will also be on the agenda.

We’ll hear from politicians, the Climate Change Committee and representatives from across our industry and beyond - to join the dots and ensure that wood is at the heart of a future built on green growth.

Book your tickets now.


Confor members can book at the specially-discounted rate of £50+VAT, which includes access to all sessions, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Non-member tickets are £75+VAT.

We advise early booking, as places are limited and we anticipate a high demand to attend. For any enquiries about booking, or the event itself, please contact eliza@confor.org.uk.