The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) is inviting members from across the UK to attend an exclusive visit to Maelor Forest Nurseries on Friday 7 August, while encouraging employers to invest in the development of emerging talent by supporting attendance.
As the first of two YPHA member events taking place in 2026, the visit has been designed to give horticultural professionals aged 35 and under the opportunity to broaden their industry knowledge, build new connections and gain insight into an area of horticulture that many may not encounter in their day-to-day roles.
Hosted at one of the UK's leading forest tree nurseries, the event will provide members with exclusive access to the Maelor Forest Nurseries team and a behind-the-scenes look at the vital role tree production plays in supporting forestry, timber supply, biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Producing around 30 million trees each year—equivalent to approximately 10,853 hectares of forest—Maelor Forest Nurseries is recognised as a key supplier to the UK forestry sector. Through a guided tour and expert-led discussions, attendees will gain first-hand insight into the innovation, scale and planning required to produce millions of trees annually.
Jeremy Costello, YPHA Committee Member, said: "One of the things that makes horticulture so special is the people in it. Our visit to Maelor Forest Nurseries is a fantastic opportunity for members to explore a different side of the industry, meet new people and learn from experts. We hope to see lots of familiar faces, as well as members joining us for the first time."
The programme includes a guided tour of the nursery, lunch and a discussion with Ben Goh entitled "Trees of the Future", exploring the opportunities and challenges facing forestry and tree production in the years ahead.
Event Details
Venue: Maelor Forest Nurseries, Fields Farm, Bronington, Whitchurch, SY13 3HZ
Date: Friday 7 August 2026
Time: 10:30am–3:30pm
Cost: £15 per member
Open to: All YPHA members, regardless of role, discipline or sector
Places are limited and early booking is encouraged.
Book now: https://www.ypha.org.uk/ypha-2026-events/p/exclusive-ypha-member-event-at-maelor-forest-nurseries
Following the visit, members are invited to continue the conversation over an informal dinner with fellow attendees, providing another opportunity to build friendships and professional connections across the industry. Dinner costs are not included in the event fee.
The Maelor Forest Nurseries visit is the first of two YPHA member events planned for 2026. A second event later in the year will focus on Christmas retail, offering insight into an important trading period and another opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with peers.
The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) is a UK-wide organisation dedicated to connecting, educating and empowering horticultural professionals aged 35 and under. With over 1,300 members, YPHA provides networking opportunities, industry insights, mentoring, events and a strong peer-support community aimed at strengthening the future of the horticultural sector.
www.ypha.org.uk
