Holker Estate recently welcomed members of the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) for a specialist woodland visit hosted by our Forestry and Deer Manager, Sam Thompson. It marked the Society’s first visit to Holker in almost two decades, bringing together around 40 forestry professionals, woodland owners, land managers and RFS members for a day of discussion and knowledge sharing.

Founded in 1882, the Royal Forestry Society is one of the UK’s leading woodland education charities. Its mission is to promote the wise management of woods and trees through education, training and the exchange of best practice, helping ensure Britain’s woodlands remain resilient, productive and environmentally valuable for future generations.

The visit showcased Holker Estate’s approach to modern woodland management through a guided tour of several woodland compartments, including Lane Park, Long Scar, Yaw Yeat and Barns Bank. Along the route, guests explored a range of current forestry challenges and opportunities, using Holker’s own woodlands as a practical case study.

Key discussion topics included:

• Continuous Cover Forestry and creating resilient, diverse woodland structures.

• Natural regeneration and woodland renewal.

• Restocking following harvesting operations.

• Public engagement and balancing recreation with active woodland management.

• Landscape-scale deer management and its role in supporting woodland health.

• Climate change adaptation and improving woodland resilience.

• Infrastructure improvements to accommodate modern forestry equipment.

• The benefits of integrating forestry and deer management within a single role to achieve better long-term outcomes.

The day encouraged open discussion between forestry professionals from across the region, with attendees sharing experiences, practical solutions and different approaches to sustainable woodland management. These visits are an important part of the Royal Forestry Society’s work, providing opportunities for practitioners to learn directly from working estates and to exchange ideas that can be applied across the wider forestry sector.

The event was organised in partnership with local Royal Forestry Society branch representative Eddie Cruickshank and contractor Kieran Anders, whose support helped ensure the day ran smoothly. Comprehensive planning, including health and safety measures, route management and logistical support, enabled attendees to focus on the discussions and woodland tour.

At the conclusion of the visit, Sam Thompson was presented with a Royal Forestry Society certificate in recognition of Holker Estate hosting the event.

Holker Estate is proud to have welcomed the Royal Forestry Society back after such a long interval. Sharing knowledge and practical experience with fellow woodland managers reflects the Estate’s ongoing commitment to responsible land stewardship, sustainable forestry and the long-term resilience of our woodlands.