As a key part of actions to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the UK Government set a target of up to 19% woodland cover. Key decisions therefore are required concerning how and where we expand tree cover. Modern forestry is generally based on monocultures largely because of timber production. However, future forests will play a key role in climate change mitigation. It is therefore crucial that appropriate informed decisions are made with regard to the structure, composition and planning of future forests, in order to provide sustainable solutions that are of benefit to society. Mixed forests with their higher biodiversity, are likely to be better than monocultures in regulating the water cycle and sequestering carbon. A main objective of this conference is to explore state-of-the-art scientific evidence showing that higher tree species diversity enables higher productivity and stability, with a lower susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stress, together with a portfolio of ecosystem services, as well as economic and management benefits. Invited speakers will address these issues from the perspective of science/industry/economics/politics interfaces. A key aim is to produce a policy document that will inform UK government strategy. In addition, we will produce other outputs such as a Special Issue of Food and Energy Security.