We are excited to announce that our National Study Tour 2026 will include a two-day visit to Northern England, showcasing leading examples of modern forestry practice and timber processing at scale. The tour will explore how modern forestry can successfully integrate productive land use, nature recovery and public benefit, while supporting a resilient domestic timber supply chain. 

The first day will be spent in Kielder Forest, the largest man-made forest in the UK and a flagship landscape for modern, multifunctional forestry that is celebrating its centenary year. Members will examine how large-scale timber production is being balanced with long-term forest resilience, nature restoration and high-quality recreation. Site visits and talks from industry leaders will explore forest design, species choice, climate adaptation, landscape-scale habitat creation, and the management of one of the UK’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations. Kielder provides a compelling case study in how forestry can deliver economic, environmental and social outcomes simultaneously. 

On the second day, the tour will move to County Durham for a morning visit to James Jones & Sons’ new state-of-the-art sawmill. Representing the largest investment in UK sawmilling for over a decade, the facility offers a unique opportunity to understand how innovation, automation and efficiency are shaping the future of timber processing. Members will gain insight into the relationship between forest management and downstream manufacturing, and the critical role domestic processing capacity plays in supporting sustainable forestry and the UK’s low-carbon economy. 

Together, these visits will provide valuable learning for forestry professionals working across policy, practice and industry.

National Study Tour Dinner

There will be a three course dinner at the Beaumont Hexham at 19:00 on Tuesday 13 October. We are pleased to have Honorary Fellow of the Institute and Director of Public Affairs at the Confederation of Timber Industries, Paul Brannen FICFor (Hon), joining us as the After Dinner Speaker. Please note that dinner tickets must be purchased separately.

EST Ticket Ballot

The Institute's Educational & Scientific Trust (EST) is funding two places on the National Study Tour, one for a student and for an early career professional. These funded places cover the cost of the National Study Tour ticket and National Study Tour Dinner, as well as travel and accommodation.

A ticket ballot is now open and will close on Sunday 26 July. Winners will be contacted within one week after the closing date. Click here to enter the ballot.