Woodknowledge Wales

Woodknowledge Wales

Inspiring innovation through collaboration

Past Events

CoPs come together in Swansea

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Collaboration for ‘buildability’, building standards and building performance at Constructing Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) at the University of Trinity St David (UWTSD)

Swansea | 25 April | On site and online

Constructing Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) at the University of Trinity St David (UWTSD) in Swansea

On 25 April, members of three of our Communities of Practice (CoPs) are heading to Constructing Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) at the University of Trinity St David (UWTSD) in Swansea.

Designing and manufacturing timber frames

In the morning the Timber Frame Manufacturers CoP will be getting hands on with Steve Cranston of Welsh Government and Rob Wheaton of Stride Treglown to see the proposed layouts for the Developing Net Zero (DNZ) Pattern Book of house types. The session will allow for the manufacturers to share their knowledge and experience of designing and manufacturing timber frames to refine the approach and ensure the ‘buildability’ of the DNZ homes.

Social Housing Developers meet Architects & Designers

On the same afternoon, members of our Social Housing Developers CoP and Architects and Designers CoP will get their first chance to meet in person for some time and will focus on building performance and building standards.

The Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) learning pods at CWIC

Members will see the Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) learning pods, to understand how and why they’ve been created (with the help of Rob Thomas of hiraeth architecture) and have a presentation on the AECB (Association for Environment Conscious Building) standard from Jaime Moya of Spring Design and Alun Watkins of Kalm Consultancy. The presentation will cover how the standard is being seen as an alternative to EPC A by social housing developers.

Steve Cranston and Rob Wheaton will provide the Social Housing Developers CoP with an update on the DNZ Project and update them on key points from the morning session with the Timber Frame Manufacturers CoP.

This will be a hybrid meeting, so members unable to be there in person can still enjoy the presentations and take part in the Q&A.

For more information on getting involved contact Diana Waldron or Rachel Cook

FREE Webinar: Phytophthora ramorum & the future for larch in Wales – an update

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Online via Zoom on 29 February at 18:30 – 19:30

Dr Joan Webber, Principal Pathologist and project leader at Forest Research will present her recent research on Phytophthora ramorum and offer an informed perspective on the future for larch in Wales.

This webinar should appeal to sawmillers, tree growers, forest contractors and anyone interested in tree disease and the future for larch in Wales.

Agenda

Date: 29th February 2024
Time: 18.30 to 19.30
Location: Zoom

  • 18.30 to 18.40 Welcome & introduction from the chair: Christiane Lellig – Woodknowledge Wales
  • 18.40 to 19.00 Phytophthora ramorum – the science and implications – Dr Joan Webber (Forest Research)
  • 19.00 to 19.30 Q and A

What is Phytophthora ramorum?

Phytophthora ramorum is a fungus like organism that affects a wide range of species and the effects of the pathogen vary greatly depending on the host. Phytophthora ramorum is regulated as a Schedule 1 organism under EU emergency measures (2002/757/EC), and implemented in Wales by the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 and the Plant Health (Wales) Order 2018. This was updated by The Official Controls (Plant Health and Genetically Modified Organisms) (Wales) Regulations 2020.

Phytophthora ramorum Action Plan for Wales

In 2018, Welsh Government set out its commitment to tackle the growing issues around the increasing prevalence of Phytophthora ramorum in larch across Welsh woodlands. The Phytophthora Operational Response Team (PORT) was set up to provide clearstrategic advice and recommendations to the Wales Tree and Plant Health Steering Group for the management of notifiable Phytophthora species in Welsh woodlands within the context of the scientific understanding, risks and overall management of these pathogens in woodlands.

To gain a better understanding of this disease and its spread, the Wales Tree and Plant Health Steering Group launched the Phytophthora ramorum Action Plan for Wales in 2019

Sustainable Construction Careers Fair

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6 March 2024, 11:30am – 14:30pm, Swansea Campus, IQ Building, IQ001-IQ002, Free to attend

To celebrate Women in Construction Week 3-9 March the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Construction Wales Innovation Centre, the School of Architecture, Construction and the Environment (SoACE) and Career Service invite you to join us at our Sustainable Construction and the Environment Careers Fair on 6 March.

As exhibitors at this event you will be able to meet students from the SoACE as well as construction students from further education who could possibly be your next generation of staff.

In order to make this event sustainable in another sense of the word exhibitors are asked to think about things they can offer students such as work placements, apprenticeships, job offers or any other activity that starts to build a relationship with prospective employees.

This event is free to attend and lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Trees, People and the Built Environment 5

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23 – 24 April 2024, Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham. In person & Online

An Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) partner conference chaired by Kevin McCloud MBE FICFor (Hon) and Gary Newman, CEO of Woodknowledge Wales.

Trees are increasingly put forward as part of the solution to the most urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Existing evidence-based research supports the role of trees for urban cooling, carbon sequestration and flood management, but also in the public realm, improving health and well-being.  

Working together for a resilient urban future

For 2024, this fifth Trees, People and the Built Environment (TPBE5) hybrid conference plans to examine two very different roles for trees – how they can improve the quality of place for both people and nature and how they can contribute to the net zero carbon ambition for buildings and the built environment.  

To deliver the change needed, it is crucial that all professions and decision makers are on the same page when it comes to integrating trees in the built environment. TPBE5 has been developed by leading professional institutes and groups from across these sectors, bringing together professionals working in the built and natural environment to strengthen future collaboration. 

This two-day hybrid conference aims to answer the critical questions being asked across these sectors, exploring how practice can benefit from evidence-based research and, how practice can call for the research that it needs for evidence-based decision making. 

NRW awareness sessions : Changes to felling licences under the Forestry Act

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NRW provides information on the new powers that will come into force on 1 April 2024 relating to felling licences for Wales

During February and early March 2024, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is hosting three online awareness sessions for farmers and landowners seeking an overview of changes and revisions to felling licences in Wales.

Farmers and landowners that are considering felling trees on their land, may need to apply for a felling licence. So, before the changes come in to effect, NRW is inviting foresters and landowners to attend one of their free awareness sessions to find out more. Anyone not applying for a felling licence in Wales, but still interested in learning more you will be able to find more information on the NRW website when the powers go live on 1 April 2024. The new powers are only applicable if you are applying for a felling licence in Wales.

According to the NRW invitation, “From 1 April 2024, new powers will be coming in to effect that will allow us to add environmental conditions to felling licences, and to amend, suspend or revoke a felling licence once granted. They also allow licence holders to apply to amend their licence. These new powers will allow us to provide better protection for wildlife and the environment during felling operations.”

Discussion points will include:

  • The new powers to condition licences
  • Changes to the application form to improve the process for applicants
  • The revised web pages on the NRW website around felling licenses
  • Powers to amend (licence holder and NRW), suspend and revoke felling licences

The sessions will be hosted by representatives from NRW and there will be an opportunity to ask questions about the discussion points at the end of each session.

The awareness sessions will take place via Microsoft Teams on:

Date for awareness session Please register your interest by
20 February 10:00am5:00pm 6 February
22 February 2:00pm 5:00pm 8 February
1 March 10:00am5:00pm 16 February

Please note you will only need to attend one. 

To book a place, please email deddfcoedwigaeth@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

You will be emailed the link to join the session one week in advance – please keep an eye on your emails.

ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference & Expo 2024 with ASBP awards 2024

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Date: Thursday 29 February 2024

Location: The Building Centre, London

Woodknowledge Wales is a partner for the ASBP’s annual Healthy Buildings Conference. This means that all WKW members can register at the reduced partner rate of £100.00 +VAT and enjoy an additional 25% early bird discount until 19 January 2024!

The ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference and Expo returns as an in-person event for the first time since 2020. This year, Woodknowledge Wales will be represented by Specialist Advisor Wood Science, Dainis Dauksta. He will be speaking at 14.40 with a panel session to follow at 15.10.

Our keynote event of the year will take place on Thursday 29 February 2024, 10:00-17:00 at the Building Centre in London.

  • Featuring keynote talks on biophilic schools; the latest research findings on healthy indoor environments, and the issue of toxic chemicals in our environment.
  • Discussions on how the construction industry is responding to the biodiversity crisis, and if we need to embed biodiversity into the construction and procurement process to regenerate our environment.
  • The ASBP Awards 2024 final ceremony and the chance to cast your vote for your favourite entry in the Project, Product and Initiative categories.
  • Networking opportunities with 150+ attendees and 10+ exhibitors throughout the day, plus drinks and ASBP Awards winners announcements in the evening.
  • Confirmed speakers from Department for Education, Architype, Environment Agency, Wienerberger, Morgan Sindall, Built by Nature, PEFC, Evolving Forests, and more.

Find out more information at: www.asbp.org.uk/healthybuildings2024.

Title: ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference & Expo 2024

Date: Thursday 29th February 2024

Time: 10:00-17:00 (Registration, refreshments and exhibition from 9:00. ASBP Awards 2024 winners announcement and drinks from 17:00 onwards)

Venue: The Building Centre, 26 Store Street, London WC1E 7BT

Tickets: Reduced rate for WKW members – £100.00 +VAT. Save an extra 25% with early bird discount until 19 January 2024

Making Wood Work for Wales

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Wales Climate Week zoom session, 11:15-12:15, 6 December

REGISTER NOW

A thriving timber industry offers economic, environmental and social benefits to Wales. Opportunities exist all along the supply chain, from nurseries through forest management, harvesting, restocking, sawmilling, right through to the end-use of timber, for example in construction or furniture.

Join session chair, Huwel Manley, operations manager for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as he hosts a remote panel discussion focused around how to make wood work for Wales. Panel members will include Woodknowledge Wales’ CEO, Gary Newman, Elaine Harrison, National Manager Wales at Confor: Confederation of Forest Industries (UK) and Steve Cranston, Project Lead for Welsh Government’s Delivering Net Zero.

This Wales Climate Week session will open by showcasing companies in Wales who use timber and who have chosen to put fairness at the heart of their operating models. The panel members will then discuss the actions needed to promote a healthy, growing timber industry in Wales.

  • How can the use of timber accelerate decarbonisation of the natural and built environments?
  • How can we deliver low-carbon housing in Wales through the use of Welsh grown timber? 
  • How can we encourage inclusive recruitment and retention in an industry with a huge range of jobs, skills and careers on offer?

Want to know more about the Welsh timber industry, carbon sequestration within timber products, timber training and careers?

This session will be of interest to anyone who:

  • would like to know more about the environmental, economic and social benefits offered by the Welsh timber industry.
  • are interested in reducing embodied carbon in construction, in taking a whole life-cycle approach which recognises carbon sequestration within timber products. 
  • are keen to learn about the breadth of different training, jobs and career paths across Wales and to explore inclusive approaches to employment.

Speakers

  • Elaine Harrison. National Manager for Wales. Confor (Confederation of Forest Industries).
  • Gary Newman. Chief Executive. Woodknowledge Wales.
  • Steve Cranston. Project Lead – Delivering Net Zero.
  • Huwel Manley. Head of Operations South West Wales. Natural Resources Wales.

Full speakers bios can be found at the Wales Climate Week Virtual Conference Programme

Format of the session

11:15-11:20Introduction
11:20-11:30Watch newly filmed case study videos from:
– timber contractors: Williams Homes,
– timber frame manufacturers: SO Modular, and
– award winning social enterprise: Down to Earth
11:30 – 11:55Q&A open panel discussion
12:10-12:15Sum up and close

Register now at Wales Climate Week (gov.wales) where you can also view the rest of the virtual conference agenda and other available resources.

REGISTER NOW

Confor UK Policy Conference

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7 December 2023, QEII Centre, Westminster

Dr Eilidh Forster, a former Woodknowledge Wales funded researcher Bangor University, and Gail Merriman, Head of Timber Industrial Strategy, Welsh Government, will speak at Confor’s UK Policy Conference – ‘Green Growth: Why Wood is the Missing Low-Carbon Link’. Forster will cover the carbon story of UK wood and the benefits of circularity while Merriman will present lessons from Wales in prioritising domestic wood use.

“This exciting conference will provide further evidence that there is unstoppable momentum behind the forestry and timber construction agenda throughout the UK. Woodknowledge Wales will work to ensure there is synergy between the National Wood Strategy for England and the Welsh Government’s Timber Industrial Strategy, without compromising the unique opportunities that exist in Wales.” Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales.

Part of a coordinated programme to push forestry and wood as a crucial element of the UK’s economic and environmental future, Confor’s Chief Executive, Stuart Goodall, will will start the day by calling for a move From Evidence to Action across a range of important industry issues. He will then discuss those issues in conversation with Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison MP. Confor has also invited the Labour Party to share its forestry and wood vision.

Incorporating the official launch of The National Wood Strategy for England, the 2023 UK policy conference will examine the potential for wood to provide huge benefits for the UK’s economy and environment. Held at the QEII Centre, Westminster, on Thursday 7 December 2023.

Confor members can book now 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.

Shaping policy to overcome forestry and wood industry barriers

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 new Forestry Minister Robbie Moore MP – his first major engagement as a Defra 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.

Early booking is advised as places are limited and Confor anticipates a high demand to attend. For any enquiries about booking, or the event itself, please contact eliza@confor.org.uk.

Build Net Zero Now 2024

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Tuesday 6 February 2024 | 13:00-19:00
The Building Centre, London

Woodknowledge Wales’ new board member, Julie Godefroy, is speaking at the Good Homes Aliance’s 2024 Build Net Zero Now annual conference on Tuesday 6 February at The Building Centre in London.

Ticket fees

  • £20 – GHA members
  • £40 – Members of partner organisations*
  • £60 – General admittance. All fees quoted exclusive of VAT.

Read the full programme and book before the end of 2023 for a 25% early bird discount (automatically applied).

About Build Net Zero Now

Since launching in 2020, the Good Homes Aliance’s Build Net Zero Now campaign has been calling for urgent action and the delivery of high-performing, net zero homes NOW.

Join Good Homes for its 2024 Build Net Zero Now conference for debates, expert insight, exhibition and networking as key industry experts discuss:

  • Keynote talk – “The state of the climate: Have we reached the tipping point?”
  • The progressive work of local authority ‘Vanguards’ to adopt net zero planning policies that go above and beyond national standards. How are these policies being implemented in practice?
  • The key steps required to unlock investment and incentivise the delivery of net zero homes.
  • How we must adapt and make our buildings more resilient to a changing climate, through appropriate shading design and specification, to mitigate overheating risk.
  • The vital role for housebuilders in enhancing biodiversity in new housing developments.
  • How to overcome ever-increasing water supply/demand issues and improve water quality.
  • How collective action can influence future policy and accelerate change – championing healthy homes, community led housing, building performance, embodied carbon and the circular economy. Can we develop ‘A new manifesto for housing’?

What’s happening at Wales Climate Week?

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4th-8th December 2023, 5-day virtual conference

How do we tackle climate change in a fair way?

Wales Climate Week encourages a national conversation on climate change and provides an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders to network and engage in important discussions on how Wales can play its part in tackling climate change.

The theme for this year’s Wales Climate Week is also one of the most important questions facing our society today: – How do we tackle climate change in a fair way?

Learn more about fairness in climate policy making and just transition

In Wales, the Welsh Government has committed to ensuring a just transition to a greener, more sustainable economy that isn’t reliant on fossil fuels. This means an approach driven by the guiding principle of leaving no-one behind. Wales Climate Week 2023 will feature a 5-day virtual conference examining the disproportionate impacts of climate change on different people, groups, organisations and places, and will explore how the benefits associated with new climate policies are distributed fairly across society. Sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the concept of fairness in climate policy making and just transition, and will help build understanding around the approach needed to ensure no-one is left behind through the transition to a more sustainable way of living.

Mobilise others to get involved in shaping future strategy, policies and solution

Contributors will also discuss how we can mobilise others to get involved in shaping future strategy, policies and solutions fairly through a new Just Transition Framework that will be the subject of a consultation beginning in December. The main audience for the virtual conference will be public sector organisations, businesses and industry bodies, trade unions, voluntary groups, environmental organisations, charities, academia, youth groups, equality networks amongst others. However, this is an open-invitation event and everyone is welcome to join in on the virtual climate conversation.

Participate in a series of virtual climate conversations

Alongside the conference, a series of Climate Conversations will be held across Wales to involve community groups and members of the public in exploring the links between solutions for tackling climate change and the cost-of-living crisis. The aim of these conversations will be to encourage national, regional and local conversations with community groups, individuals, employed and self-employed workers throughout Wales on how we can tackle climate change in a fair way.

Anyone who visits the Wales Climate Week website can register online to receive information and updates and to attend the virtual conference. The website also explains how to submit an expression of interest for hosting a session during the virtual conference or hosting a Climate Conversation event to engage outreach networks in conversations on climate change.

Organise a climate conversation

Organisations across Wales are being encouraged to host their own Climate Conversations, either virtually or in person, between 4th December and 31st January 2024.

Climate Conversations will be held across Wales to involve community groups and members of the public in exploring the links between solutions for tackling climate change and the cost-of-living crisis. The aim of these conversations will be to encourage national, regional and local conversations with community groups, individuals, employed and self-employed workers throughout Wales on how we can tackle climate change in a fair way.

The Climate Conversations will form part of a Welsh Government consultation on a new Just Transition Framework to ensure we are hearing views from as many people as possible, representing diverse viewpoints and involving those voices that might otherwise be unheard.

Find out more about the Climate Conversations or to apply to host one here.

Register for #WalesClimateWeek2023 now!

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to join the discussion and explore how Wales can tackle climate change in a fair way that leaves no-one behind. We’ll see you there!

Register here for the 5-day virtual conference (4-8 December 2023).