2. Introduction Hello ! Glad to be here and thank you for the invitation Mike Bentley - Chief Executive with Small Woods Association Career background in upland forest management in Scotland, and timber marketing with Internet Timber Auctions throughout UK Current role includes lowland woodland management and engaging with owners of small woodlands in the UK

3. The Small Woods Association UK wide Membership Organisation for hands on woodland owners and practitioners Over 2000 individual members owning c. 20,000 ha of mostly small broadleaf woodland Most members do not have a background or training in woodland management We support members with advice, information, courses, events, magazine, newsletter and website Most owners are motivated by a mixture of nature conservation, outdoors leisure, family involvement, physical exercise & self supply of wood fuel

4. Project Delivery & Representation To help fund activities and to meet our educational aims we are also involved in international, national and regional projects We also represent the interests of small woodlands at national level by stakeholder engagement with FC and Government Departments Current delivery projects include: Fuel wood mobilisation from unmanaged woodlands; Coppice restoration; apprenticeship training; Health referral schemes and training courses

5. Our involvement in this project Very happy to share our experience with you Very keen to hear what works in other parts of the EU and to share this with colleagues and members in the UK I am looking forward to taking part and learning