Woodknowledge Wales

Woodknowledge Wales

Inspiring innovation through collaboration

Upcoming Events

Forestry Knowledge Exchange webinar

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Join Edinburgh Napier University, Forest Research, Natural Resources Wales, Confor, Woodknowledge Wales, Bangor University, and Welsh Government
Topic: Future Productive Species Selection and Timber Properties

11 December 2024, 13:30 – 16:30, FREE, Online

Join the Forestry Knowledge Exchange online for an engaging and insightful webinar featuring leading experts in forestry and timber, including our very own Gary Newman, CEO of Woodknowledge Wales.

This event will explore critical topics such as future productive species, timber properties, and biodiversity in commercial forests. Hosted by Forest Research, the webinar will include presentations from distinguished speakers like Dr David Edwards, Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis, and Nadia Barsoum, alongside contributions from Ben Goh, Andrew Wright, and Dr Morwenna Spear. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from and connect with key voices shaping the future of forestry and timber innovation.

Programme

Forest Research (FR) presentations:

  • Dr David Edwards, Chief Scientist’s Office, giving an update on the Scottish-led work Forest Research has done regarding creation of a future productive species short list for Scotland.
  • Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis (Edinburgh Napier University) on timber properties, with a focus on alternative conifers.
  • Nadia Barsoum (FR) on the recently published rapid review of Evidence on Biodiversity in Great Britain’s Commercial Forests

Other presenters include:

  • Ben Goh, Confor Nursery Producers’ Group on “Production of planting stock: considerations for future productive species”
  • Andrew Wright, Natural Resources Wales
  • Gary Newman, Woodknowledge Wales
  • Dr Morwenna Spear – Bangor University 

Sawmillers CoP Timber grading course

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A complimentary Sawmillers Community of Practice (CoP) practical hands-on visual strength grading course with Phil O’Leary

Date:
Time:
Allocation:
Location:
Subject expert:
Hosts:

Saturday 19 October
10 – 4
15 Community of Practice members
Glynllifon College. Clynnog Rd, Caernarfon LL54 5DU
Phil O’Leary, Director, Filros Timber Consultancy
John Sweeny, Specialist Advisor Small Scale Sawmilling
Ceri Loxton, University Liaison and Skills

Whether you are a complete beginner or already qualified in timber grading this is your chance to learn from an expert with over 30 years’ experience working in the sector in the UK. Following on from the very successful “Timber 101” sessions held at WoodBUILD 2024 this one-day course will be an opportunity for you/your staff to learn more about ‘features’ used to visually strength grade softwoods.

There is no charge for this course for members of our Sawmillers Community of Practice (CoP). In you are not a member, please contact Ceri via the ‘Apply for CoP membership’ button or consider our open course on Friday 18 October.

What to expect: During the day you will do a little bit of theory backed up with lots of opportunity to handle both small and large sections of timber. You will be shown how to measure features such as knots, compression wood, fissures, grain angle in order to visually strength grade softwood timber. You will practice using these skills on specifically selected softwood timber samples to help embed the learning. In addition, there will be lots of opportunities to exchange knowledge and get valuable industry insights from Phil O’Leary who has worked in the sector for years.

Who should attend: This course is for people working in the timber supply chain in Wales. It is particularly targeted at small sawmillers who are, or could be, part of the Woodknowledge Wales Sawmillers CoP (Community of Practice). If you wish to enquire about becoming a member of our Sawmillers CoP please contact Ceri Loxton via the ‘Apply for CoP membership’ button or consider our open course on Friday 18 October.

The course will give you a thorough understanding of features (knots, compression wood, fissures, grain angle etc) used to visually strength grade softwood. You will find it equally valuable if you are selling products to customers, thinking about becoming certified as a grader or if your certification is coming up for renewal.

The day will be a fantastic opportunity to learn from Phil O’Leary, who has taught hundreds of people how to visually strength grade timber, and exchange industry knowledge and experience with other participants.

Learners completing the course will receive a certificate of completion from Woodknowledge Wales. This course is useful for those working in the timber and allied industries.

Cost:

What to bring: Bring warm clothing. This event will be taking place primarily in a large unheated barn. Toilets are available on site but there is a walk between buildings. Bring a flask and lunch. There is a café on site where hot drinks and food can be purchased.

About your subject expert: Phil O’Leary

Phil is Director of Filros Timber Consultancy and has over 25 years of experience in the design, specification, structural grading, supply, installation, and performance in service of timber, including 20 years of experience as an expert witness. 

Previously Phil was head of Timber Consultancy at BM TRADA, the technical authority behind TRADA. With over 30 years of post-qualifying experience, Phil has published in local and international journals about wood science.

Phil is one of the UK’s leading authorities for visual strength grading and specialises in:

  • Timber quality, performance characteristics, deterioration, and preservation.
  • Condition surveys of historic buildings, performance assessments and determining the structural strength of timber in many situations.
  • Serving as an expert witness in establishing the causes of timber failures.
  • Developing and presenting highly regarded topical and bespoke training courses on a range of timber subjects.

Phil is chairman of BSI’s Wood Preservation Committee and a member of the Wood Protection Association’s Technical Committee.

Timber grading course: properties and value of softwood timber

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Enjoy 25% off our practical hands-on visual strength grading course with Phil O’Leary for forest owners, forest managers, architects, timber frame manufacturers and merchants

Date:
Time:
Allocation:
Location:
Subject expert:
Hosts:

Friday 18 October
10 – 4
20
Glynllifon College. Clynnog Rd, Caernarfon LL54 5DU
Phil O’Leary, Director, Filros Timber Consultancy
John Sweeny, Specialist Advisor Small Scale Sawmilling
Ceri Loxton, University Liaison and Skills

Following on from the very successful “Timber 101” sessions held at WoodBUILD 2024 this one-day course will be an opportunity to learn more about the features used to visually strength grade softwood timber. The course will cover knots, compression wood, resin pockets, grain angle, density, growth rates, rot, fissures, and cracks.

As a pilot offering, all participants will benefit from a 25% discount on this exciting new course. Additional subsidies are also available. Please contact Ceri Loxton through the ‘Apply for a subsidy’ button.

Members of our Sawmillers Community of Practice (CoP) are advised to apply for complimentary CoP course on Saturday 18 October.

What to expect: During the day you will do a little bit of theory backed up with lots of opportunity to handle both small and large sections of timber. You will be shown how to use features such as, knots, compression wood, grain angle etc. to visually strength grade softwood timber. There will then be opportunity to practice your skills on specifically selected samples to help embed the learning. In addition, there will be lots of opportunities to exchange knowledge and get invaluable industry insights from Phil O’Leary who has worked in the sector for over 30 years.

Who should attend: This information will be useful to you/your staff/your organisation if you are involved in any part of the timber supply chain including:

  • Forest owners and managers – understand the potential value in your crop and why/how you need to manage it.
  • Primary processors – how to get the most out of the logs you process. This course will also be useful if you are considering doing a full visual stress grading course or want a refresher before regrading.
  • Builders’ merchants – this will be a perfect course if you/your staff deal with customers to help you explain solid timber products to them.
  • Timber frame manufacturers – to help you/your staff identify and understand features in timber so that it can be used to its best advantage and therefore avoid possible problems down the line.
  • Architects – learn about this valuable resource, the grading process, and how it relates to strength classes.  And importantly, why you should not over specify on a job.

Learners completing the course will receive a certificate of completion from Woodknowledge Wales. These courses are especially useful for those working in the timber and allied industries or for other professionals working in the construction industry.

Cost:

  • Members:  £125.00 £93.75 inc. VAT
  • Non-members:  £250.00 £187.50 inc. VAT
  • Subsidies: Financial support is available upon request via the ‘Apply for a subsidy’ button.
  • Sawmillers CoP Members are advised to apply for our complimentary CoP course on Saturday 18 October.

While some events will first be advertised to our members or Communities of Practice, Woodknowledge Wales (WkW) endeavours to ensure all its events and training is as inclusive and accessible to all. Please note that students may claim membership level fees if their university is a WkW’s member. Additionally, both students and low income professionals may apply for subsidised participation.

What to bring: Bring warm clothing. This event will be taking place primarily in a large unheated barn. Toilets are available on site but there is a walk between buildings. Bring a flask and lunch. There is a café on site where hot drinks and food can be purchased.

About your subject expert: Phil O’Leary

Phil is Director of Filros Timber Consultancy and has over 25 years of experience in the design, specification, structural grading, supply, installation, and performance in service of timber, including 20 years of experience as an expert witness. 

Previously Phil was head of Timber Consultancy at BM TRADA, the technical authority behind TRADA. With over 30 years of post-qualifying experience, Phil has published in local and international journals about wood science.

Phil is one of the UK’s leading authorities for visual strength grading and specialises in:

  • Timber quality, performance characteristics, deterioration, and preservation.
  • Condition surveys of historic buildings, performance assessments and determining the structural strength of timber in many situations.
  • Serving as an expert witness in establishing the causes of timber failures.
  • Developing and presenting highly regarded topical and bespoke training courses on a range of timber subjects.

Phil is chairman of BSI’s Wood Preservation Committee and a member of the Wood Protection Association’s Technical Committee.

Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2024

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Woodknowledge Wales talk on Regenerative Systems Change on 5 June 2024 at TH OWL Lemgo Campus in Germany

On 5 June 2024 in Lemgo, North Rhine-Westphalia, forest innovators and leaders from industry, government, research, and other key stakeholders in the forest bioeconomy will gather for Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2024. Convened by the European Forest Institute EFI’s Bioregions Facility, the day aims at bridging the knowledge-innovation divide, speeding up the uptake of new solutions, and strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration.

As part of the 15:30 panel discussion focused on initiatives supporting innovation in the forest and wood-based bioeconomy, Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change at Woodknowledge Wales will discuss how to enable innovation through collaboration across the wood value chain.

“We’re honoured to be invited to share Woodknowledge Wales’ approach to fostering innovation in Wales through the creation of communities of practice, applied research and facilitating interactions across the wood value chain, from trees to the built environment and we’re even more excited to meet and learn from a plethora of similar initiatives across Europe,” said Christiane. “Participating in the Bioeconomy Innovation Day is a unique opportunity for us to connect in person with an international network of change makers, each acting within their regions to further innovative use of locally growing natural materials, and to deepen our existing connections with the EFI Bioregions facility”.

The development and adoption of renewable, circular solutions are crucial for achieving the green transition, with bio-based products and materials playing a key role. Currently, the construction, food packaging, and industrial manufacturing sectors are highly material-intensive and must transition to circular and bio-based practices.

For more information on the agenda and to book your tickets for this free event, please visit the Bioregions, Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2024 event page.

Forestry and Timber Knowledge Transfer and Networking Event

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13 June 2024, 9:30 AM – 16:15 PM
Neuadd Reichel, Bangor University, LL57 2TR (and online)

Join Forest Research, NRW, Confor, Woodknowledge Wales and Welsh Government

This free, hybrid event is the first in a series to share research findings of relevance to Welsh forestry and the timber industry.

Forest Research will present findings from the Science and Innovation Strategy for Forestry in Great Britain.  Other speakers include Natural Resources Wales, Confor, Wood knowledge Wales and the Welsh Government.

Topics will include:

  • felling and restocking methods to maintain/increase productivity
  • climate change adaptation and resilience
  • future species diversification
  • the climate change mitigation and carbon benefits of forestry

This Knowledge Transfer event offers presentations, exhibition stands and networking opportunities.

Whet your appetite for WoodBUILD at the UK Timber Design Conference

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Wednesday 26th June, 10am – 5pm
Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London, WC1H 9BD

To get in the conference mood for WoodBUILD 2024, Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales will be attending Timber Development UK’s new Timber Design Conference which will bring together disruptors and market leaders to focus on accelerating a low carbon transformation of our built environment using timber. This event will neatly complement our own WoodBUILD 2024 on 2/3 July in Swansea where we bring the supply chain to the table!

Find out more about the event and book tickets online.

Join disruptors and market leaders to discuss how we can create systemic change, usher in a net zero future and break down barriers to timber in construction.

From when the doors of Hamilton House open in London at 9.30am, until the networking drinks from 5pm, the Timber Design Conference will host 200 delegates from right across the timber supply chain – including leading developers, local authorities, insurers, engineers, architects, contractors and more.

Supported by Swedish Wood and Built by Nature, this event is for anyone interested in designing or building with wood.

Book your double bubble now!

This well-timed UK timber conference will set you in great stead, whetting your appetite and setting the stage our own WoodBUILD 2024 on 2/3 July in Swansea.

Carry on the conversation with the supply chain and fully celebrate the timber industry’s equivalent to ‘Barbenheimer’.

Book your double timber conference bubble now!

Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS) study tour

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Discover how cooperation benefits small timber processing
Limited spaces available. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Date of visit: 22 – 25 May 2024
Cost: This subsidised visit requires a deposit contribution of £200
Organised and lead by: John Sweeny, Sawmills coordinator, Woodknowledge Wales

The purpose of the tour is to look at various ASHS member businesses in Southern and Central Scotland to see how the cooperative aspects of the organisation can benefit small timber processing businesses in Wales.

Travel, main meals and accommodation in single rooms will be subsidised by Woodknowledge Wales. Transport will be by minibus and will depart from northeast Wales on the morning on 22nd of May.

We will return to the same overnight accommodation each night where an evening meal will be provided.

Return travel to Wales on the 25th May after a morning visit to the final business venue. It is expected we will reach north Wales early evening.

Itinerary for visit to Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers – May 2024
Day 1Travel from Wales to Scottish Borders to accommodation at hotel (TBC) near Peebles. Dinner, bed and breakfast will be provided for all participants. Lunches not provided.
Day 2Visit Abbey timber (Sawmill) and Caledonia Log Homes (Builders)  
Day 3Visit Tiny Temple (timber processing business) and Scottish Wood (Sawmill)
Day 4Visit Real Wood Studios (Furniture makers with sawmill) and return to Wales.
 
ParticipantsUp to 9 persons, ideally from smaller scale sawmills, timber framers, community woodland groups, foresters etc.
CostsAlthough the visit would be subsidised by WKW, a deposit contribution of £200 is requested to ensure those booking a place attend.
Dates22 -25 May
BookingPlease confirm your booking with a deposit by 10 April 2024
An example of a handcrafted traditional log home by Caledonia Log Homes

More information on businesses to be visited.

Abbey Timber

A smaller scale sawmill producing both hardwood and softwood air dried and kiln dried timber for exterior and internal uses. Biomass fired kiln and district heating scheme using slabwood.  The main saw is a Mebor 1200.

Caledonia Log Homes

Specialised builder of full scribe and post and beam log homes using Scottish timber.

Tiny Temple

Specialist producer of charred timber and treated (SIOO:X, fire retardants etc) and stockist of modified timber for exterior uses.

Scottish Wood

Scottish Wood is a social enterprise hardwood sawmill  that specialises in the supply of quality Scottish hardwoods and hard wood products, plus premium softwoods from local, sustainable sources in Scotland to trade and the general public through-out the UK. The main saws are Woodmizer LT70’s

Real Wood Studios

Real Wood Studios is a social enterprise for furniture design, production and supply. In 2020 it became a Community Interest Company (CIC). It is home to some of Scotland’s finest designer-makers producing bespoke furniture and interiors from locally sourced hardwoods. The main saw is a trak-met.

Free Technical Timber Webinars 2024 from BM TRADA

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BM TRADA has announced its 2024 Timber Webinar programme,  with updated content and deep dives into strength grading, modified woods and CLT. Register now to enhance your skills and knowledge, and gain valuable insights from timber experts.

Timber Frame series

  • Right on site: Key timber frame details with Robin Lancashire, Senior Timber Frame Consultant, BM TRADA, 25 January 2024 · 11:00AM – 12:00PM GMT Registration link
  • Moisture management in timber frame design and construction with Robin Lancashire, Senior Timber Frame Consultant, BM TRADA, 8 February 2024 · 11:00AM – 12:00PM GMT Registration link

This series will be repeated in the latter half of the year.

Technical Timber series

  • Strength grading with Nick Clifford, Senior Technical Consultant, BM TRADA and Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis, Edinburgh Napier University, 18 April 2024 · 11:00AM – 1:00PM BST Registration link
  • Modified woods and panel products with Dr Andy Pitman, Principal Technical Consultant, and Adam Moring, Timber Technical Consultant, BM TRADA, 2 May 2024 · 11:00AM – 1:00PM BST Registration link
  • Understanding wood degrading insects and microorganisms with Dr Andy Pitman, Principal Technical Consultant, BM TRADA, 16 May 2024 · 11:00AM – 12:00PM BST Registration link
  • Timber adhesives with Richard Nunn, Sales Director, Ureka, 6 June 2024 · 11:00AM – 12:00PM BST. Registration link


CLT series

  • Achieving durability with CLT: Mitigating Construction Phase moisture with Nick Clifford, Senior Timber Technical Consultant, BM TRADA, 4 July 2024 · 11:00AM – 12:00PM GMT Registration link
  • Achieving durability with CLT: Designing for durability with Nick Clifford, Senior Timber Technical Consultant, BM TRADA, 18 July 2024 · 11:00AM – 12:00PM GMT Registration link


Fundamentals of Timber series

  • From trees to timber with Ben Sharples, Technical Manager, Timber Services, and Dr Andy Pitman, Principal Technical Consultant, BM TRADA, 7 November 2024 · 11:00AM – 1:00PM GMT Registration link
  • Quality and properties of timber with Nick Clifford, Senior Technical Consultant, and Dr Andy Pitman, Principal Technical Consultant, BM TRADA, Part One: Wood and timber properties and Part 2: Quality of timber, 14 November 2024 · 11:00AM – 1:00PM GMT Registration link
  • Moisture in timber with Adam Moring, Timber Technical Consultant, with Nick Clifford, Senior Technical Consultant, 28 November 2024 · 11:00AM – 1:00PM GMT Registration link
  • Protecting timber with Adam Moring, Timber Technical Consultant, and Dr Andy Pitman, Principal Technical Consultant, BM TRADA, 5 December 2024 · 11:00AM – 1:00PM GMT Registration link

For further publications on timber, industry information, and regular updates on training opportunities from BM TRADA, please register with the bookshop and subscribe to the enewsletter.

Housing Industry Leaders Cymru 2024

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Discuss your vision for the future and how the sector will support the needs of its citizens

Date/Time

11 July 2024, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location

Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff

Gary Newman will join the heritage panel at HIL Cymru

Joining the panel between 09:45 and 10:15, Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales looks forward to discussing ‘Heritage, the move towards the use of timber/wool/crops’.

About Housing Industry Leaders Cymru 2024

Moving into its second year the event will bring together the Welsh Government, local authorities, housing associations, the wider stakeholder community and the supply chain to discuss their vision for the future and how the sector will support the needs of its citizens.

The day is packed full of main stage presentations and panel discussions, getting to the heart of current priorities, including:

  • Heritage – the move towards the use of timber/wool/crops etc
  • The use of innovative products to meet our net zero targets
  • Healthy Homes
  • A Welsh Government update on key policies
  • Wales’ four economic growth deals, what projects are forthcoming
  • Water in the Home

Fully Funded Tickets

Housing Industry Leaders announced that all public sector, charities and housing association employees can attend the event free of charge.  This includes all day refreshments, a 4-star buffet lunch and an invitation to our post event drinks reception.

Why Attend?

The purpose of this event is to provide a platform for current policies, plans, priorities and projects to be discussed in an open forum, discussing the challenges faced and the opportunities available in a thought provoking way.  Through our panel discussions we will get to the heart of key issues and are designed to be interactive, allowing you to have your voice heard.  The event will also bring together key decision makers across Wales with organisations from the private sector who have the capabilites and long term commitment to work closely together to improve Wales’ future.  It creates a room full of like minded people where knowledge and best practice can be shared and it’s only by working together that we can deliver a strategy which offers best value for the taxpayer and accelerate the transition to net zero.

Find out more

To register interest please email enquiry@peloton-events.co.uk, or call 0161 519 8950