Monday 31 October 2011

Woodland Contractors Workshop - Nov 17th, Lenham, Kent


Kent Downs Woodfuel Pathfinder: Woodland Contractors Workshop
Dog & Bear (Lenham, Kent) on November 17th at 7pm – Free Buffet
After many years the markets for Kent’s woodland products are improving, woodfuel is starting to provide opportunities for lower quality material (particularly at a local level) and people are increasingly recognising the value of wood as a sustainable product. 

If, as an industry, we are to take advantage of these developments we need a robust and evolving network of woodland contractors.  Appreciating that there is a huge range of business models we would like to better understand what would help existing contractors develop their businesses to respond to the improving conditions.

The workshop will also provide an update on support available to the sector including:

·         The evolving market opportunities
·         The FC’s new Woodfuel Woodland Improvement Grant
·         Grant support for machinery & business development
·         Funding for apprentices

The Kent Downs Woodfuel Pathfinder is a joint Forestry Commission and Kent County Council project (with funding from the EU ERDF Interreg IVa programme) exploring what temporary support would help the woodland industry evolve to become fully self-supporting delivering:

              Market driven sustainable management of Kent’s woodlands
              Maintenance of Kent’s landscape character & secure local jobs
              Carbon lean & sustainably sourced fuel for local heat

Over 70 contractors from Kent, Surrey and Sussex are being invited to this event.  It provides an opportunity to tell us what would help YOU, learn about new initiatives and network with other companies operating in the sector. 

Places are limited.  Please email matthew.morris@kentdowns.org.uk (or call 01303 815 171) to reserve a seat.


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