December 08 

Welcome to this month's E-news.

Season's greetings

We hope all our members have a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year 

And, as always, please do use the ICF Members' Area Discussion Forum to exchange views with fellow members or alternatively email ICF.

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Wild deer and bovine report
Defra has published two reports that build on the evidence base on bovine TB in deer. The first is the final report from the South West England and Cotswolds Survey of Tuberculosis in Deer, the second is a related quantitative risk assessment of the risk posed to cattle by wild deer. In all areas surveyed, fallow deer were the species most likely to have the highest level of infection with M. bovis.
While TB is not currently a significant risk in wild deer, deer stalkers and managers should take the disease risk into account when establishing any management programmes. More 

Travel funds from Royal Forestry Society  
Foresters young and old hoping to travel to enhance their knowledge in 2009 are being invited to apply for a bursary from the Royal Forestry Society's Randle Travel Fund. The bursary (normally between £300-£600) can be used to fund all or part of travel and subsistence, both in the UK and abroad, either for independent learning-based projects or to become involved in Royal Forestry Society (RFS) study tours and activities. Over the last 10 years, 17 people have benefited from these bursaries enabling individuals to, for example, attend conferences in Canada, take part in a study tour to Turkey and to travel to Geneva to take up an internship. There are no age restrictions. More

Forest Research biodiversity news 
Ecotype 44, the Biodiversity and Conservation Newsletter of the Ecology Division at Forest Research, is now available to download. It covers a selection of Forest Research work including: how molecular technology and conservation biology can work together to identify trees with adaptive traits most suited to climate change, an update on the CLIMADAPT model for ecological site classification in Ireland, a progress update on recent work on a habitat connectivity indicator, an international workshop on the management of ungulates, forests and forest landscapes, the web-based decision support tool for forest biodiversity management HaRPPS (Habitats and Rare Priority and Protected Species), and a Jifor Quest expedition to an old growth forest in Northern Russia to investigate forest community types.

Woodfuel boost for FC 
The Forestry Commission has appointed a new Biomass Development Officer to promote the woodfuel industry across Central Scotland. John Farrell will work with existing and potential users of woodfuel and create stronger links in the supply chain. He will also stimulate the growth of woodfuel amongst local authorities and public sector bodies. John (pictured left) will cover locations across the central belt with Glasgow and Edinburgh key areas for the development of woodfuel opportunities. Meanwhile, Ecologist Rudie Humphrey has been appointed as the first ever regional co-ordinator for woodfuel in Yorkshire and the Humber by the Forestry Commission and Yorkshire Forward.  The green role is seeking to exploit one of the region's greatest untapped energy resources - its 92,000-hectares (230,000-acres) of woods, over half of which are under managed, say forest chiefs, and capable of yielding a sustainable output of timber to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

UN to launch land use commission
A Commission on Land Use Change and Ecosystems is to be launched with support from Globe International, the United Nations, and senior legislators from around the world. The commission will address issues of the global economy as it relates to saving ecosystems and fostering biodiversity.  More 

Investors make a safe haven in trees in turbulent times
Forest owners in the UK have evidently made shrewd investments in land and trees. Findings in the 2008/09 Forest Market Report from UPM Tilhill and Savills reveal that plantation prices have on average more than doubled in the last five years. The Report provides an annual snapshot of the UK commercial forestry market on properties larger than 25 hectares.  This year's publication reveals:
. Investors owning woodland over the last five years will be enjoying capital growth of 125-150%
. Average plantation prices have risen more than 100% in the last five years with headline growth at 52% since 2006
. Like for like prices have increased 10-20% in 2008 compared to 2007.
Download the report

Congratulations to RFS on 125 years 
The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) celebrated its 125th anniversary with a tour of Windsor Forest and Great Park and a reception in the prize-winning Savill Building, attended by Her Majesty The Queen, as the Society's Patron, and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Queen and The Duke, who is The Ranger of Windsor Great Park, were shown the Cypress oak presented to Her Majesty to commemorate the anniversary and planted in the new avenue in front of the Savill Building.
Earlier in the day RFS members had been taken on a tour of Windsor Forest by ICF members Derrick Stickler FICFor and the Crown Estate Head Forester and Steve Searle MICFor.

New boost for switch to woodfuel
Individuals and businesses in the West Midlands are being given more help to think green and switch to using woodfuel to heat their homes.  Heartwoods, the region's key woodland business support initiative and woodfuel champion, has launched a new woodland business directory. Lots of new businesses have been added and it is now also available on the website, with a search facility so people can quickly identify areas of interest - for example, they can easily find a list of woodfuel suppliers.
The directory is available at www.heartwoods.co.uk and hard copies can be obtained from Andy Grundy by telephoning 01952 432769.

CAS introduces new areas of professional competency
The Consulting Arborist Society has recently almost doubled the number of Areas of Professional Competency (APC) to stand beside the existing Mortgage, Tree Valuation, TPO & QTRA. They include a new Expert Witness APC (backed by a series of two-day seminars) and a CAD for Arborists APC and seminar preparing Tree Consultants to modify CAD drawings from Architects with information to satisfy the requirements of BS5837:2005.
They are also establishing a new Lightning Protection APC and seminar delivered by the inventor of the Arborbolt, Ben Feust. Ben will deliver his insights so that consultants and contractors become able to specify and install his advanced Tree Lightning Protection systems. More   

Get to the bottom of the West Midlands' first forest eco-toilet
Outdoor enthusiasts in the West Midlands are being offered a new eco-friendly way to answer the call of nature at the Forestry Commission's Wigmore Rolls woodland, near Ludlow.  Experts unveiled the new 'treebog' to the public earlier this month as part of the Wye Wood Project. A treebog is a form of compost toilet with a low environmental impact.  It uses no water and never needs emptying but offers a simple and effective solution to the lack of public conveniences at this location whilst being environmentally-friendly at the same time. More 

RFS launches new competition to celebrate trees 
A new competition from the Royal Forestry Society offers five categories to enter including - The Duke of Cornwall's Award recognising multipurpose forestry,  The Farm Woodland Award where agricultural land produces the majority of income but where woodlands are nevertheless an important element of the overall business plan and The RFS Silviculture Award recognising excellence in woodlands where the main aim is growing quality timber (broadleaved, mixed coniferous plantations). For details contact RFS Competition Co-ordinator Trefor Thompson tel: 01824 704230 or e-mail: woodlandcompetition@boyns.net stating the category of interest. Deadline: noon, Monday, 9th March 2009. Judging in May and the awards presented at the Great Yorkshire Show in July 2009.

Liverpool gets new community woodland
Tens of thousands of new trees are to be planted in Liverpool to create a new community woodland that will form the legacy of the City's status as European cultural capital in 2008. More than £700,000 of regeneration funding is to be invested by a partnership of Liverpool and Northwest organisations to transform 25ha of brownfield land in the West Derby area. The project is striving to create 'the world's most colourful woodland', which will also be a showpiece for the city's forthcoming 'Year of the Environment' (2009). More

Flora Locale's moving 
From 1st January 2009, Flora Locale will be operating out of the Forestry Commission's office at Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire. The new postal address is: Postern Hill Lodge, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4ND and telephone number is 01672 515723 

Improved sitka spruce makes the grade says Forest Research Genetically improved Sitka spruce trees can produce significantly greater volumes of timber per hectare without suffering any significant deterioration in strength requirements for construction uses, a new Research Note published by the Forestry Commission reports. The Research Note reports the results of investigations into the impact of improved Sitka spruce stock on timber quality characteristics. Early work looking at quantity had already reported that improved planting stock should achieve up to 29% extra gain compared to unimproved stock, but had not reported on quality aspects. Downloaded from the What's New pages here.

ICF members on the up at UPM Tilhill
UPM Tilhill has announced a restructure. Congratulations to Tim Liddon (FICFor) and Dai Lewis (MICFor), who move up the ranks with Phil Johnson, from the position of District Manager to take up the new role of Regional Manager. They will now co-ordinate the work of the District teams across the company's North, Central and South regions respectively. (North: Scotland, Central: Wales and northern England, South: the Midlands, West Country and south eastern England). 

All I want for Christmas is...
A chain saw for my pocket! 
The Pocket Chain Saw from tools specialist Darlac weighs a mere 524 grams but allows you to cut virtually any type of wood or timber from ground level logs to overhanging branches. 
This handy tool is "easy to use alone" and ideal for getting into awkward areas where a regular saw simply wouldn't fit.
For out of reach branches it comes complete with a weighted rope which can be thrown over the branch to pull the teeth into position. More

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Funding to boost woods for learning in the north east Scotland
Groups, organisations and schools that want to set up projects or events that use woodlands as a learning environment can apply for a new grant. 'Woods for learning' offers up to £500 towards the costs of project or events that encourage people of any age to visit local woodlands and gain a wider understanding of trees, woods and forests. Funds can be used to purchase tools or materials, meet travel costs, bring in professionals such as artists or woodworkers or meet other costs of running an event. 
Applications by: 31 March 2009; Completion date (eligible projects): October 2009. More

Survey to reveal sustainability of England's national woods and forests
Over the next year Forestry Commission England will take an in-depth look at the estate it manages on behalf of the public. The study will show how the estate contributes to society today and how it might sustainably serve society's long-term needs.  Recommendations will be made by the Commission to Ministers on how the estate might best contribute to the Government's Strategy on Trees, Woods and Forests. More  

Marketing Grant Scheme for Northern Ireland
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is currently offering grant aid which is funded under the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. It aims to improve the economic performance and international competitiveness of NI's agri-food processing, horticulture and forestry sectors. For more information select Grants & Funding on the DARD website.

Woodland Trust manifesto calls for action from Northern Ireland Executive
The Woodland trust has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to take action to protect, restore and expand its fragile woodland in its proposed Forestry Act. The manifesto, "A vision for woodland in Northern Ireland, identifies that delivery of the Executive's commitment to double woodland over the next 50 years would require more than trebling the current rate of woodland planting. More

New minister for forestry at Defra
In the cabinet reshuffle, Huw-Irranca-Davies was announced as the new Defra minister for the natural and marine environment, wildlife and rural affairs and will cover forestry.

Wales Audit Office reports on FC Wales
The auditor general reports that FC Wales is delivering a wider agenda, but needs to re-think long-term about how it runs its business. It has met its financial targets and the majority of performance targets but must clarify its priorities and consider its approach to how it runs its business.
The report states that FC Wales needs to address a number of significant challenges including a need to develop a clearer corporate direction. Download the report.

Funding boost for Scotland's fledgling biomass industry
Forestry Commission Scotland is to use major European investment to help deliver a vibrant and viable biomass industry in rural Scotland. It has secured more than £309,000 in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to roll out a three-year biomass development programme aimed at empowering local rural enterprises and helping them cope with the demands of the industry. The funding is being used to: develop new markets for biomass, particularly in heating; provide an advice service to primary producers, supply chain businesses and energy end users to maximise opportunities arising from a Renewable Heat Strategy; assist rural companies in creating new business models to provide a better range of energy services to customers in their areas.
For details on how the European Regional Development Fund could benefit your local area, visit: Highlands and Islands or Lowlands and Uplands Scotland

Forest Research seeking help from woodland owners
Forest research is seeking woodland owners who can help with establishing stands of ash, birch, sycamore, Douglas fir, larch and a range of other species to help with research. The data from such sample plots form the basis of essential publications that are used extensively throughout the forestry sector. Individual plots are normally established at the time of the first thin and occupy about 0.25ha. For more information email Ian Craig or phone 01420 526286. 

New Publications
Tree Damage Alert No 128: Plane Attack - Major or Minor & Tree Damage Alert No 129: "Frisia" Progress - authors Derek Patch & Brian Greig, AAIS, available from Alice Holt Lodge, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH. 
Tree Terms: The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) untangles the jungle of jargon and terminology in its updated version of this popular pocket-sized glossary for the layman. Produced with support from Forestry Journal, this invaluable reference guide turns "tree-speak" into plain English. More than 300 terms defined, around 70 acronyms spelt out and useful websites provided.
To order (£3.00 inc. p&p) tel 01442 822028 or download an order form from the Woodshed on the RFS web site.

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Scottish climate change consultation "Climate Change and the National Forest Estate", containing major new plans to use Scotland's forests to boost economic growth and increase renewable energy capacity, was unveiled by Scotland's Minister for the Environment, Mike Russell in November. See ICF News and Events & Training.
It closes on 27th January 2009. More 

The Welsh "Sustaining the land" consultation on the Axis 2 review may affect forestry grants. It looks at land management and land use in the future and proposes three options - modifying existing schemes to provide increassed policy delivery, introducing a two-tier pan-Wales scheme or introducing a fully targeted approach.
It closes on 19th December 2008. More 

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ICF East England Regional Group Meeting
Unfortunately this meeting, scheduled for 8 December, has been cancelled. New dates for meeting in 2009 will be announced shortly.  

Climate change seminar with Scottish Minister
The Scottish Forestry Forum has organised a public meeting on Thursday 18 December in response to the "Climate Change and the National Forest Estate" consultation.  Michael Russell, Scottish Minister for the Environment will attend a morning question and answer session. More

Management of decaying habitat  
A one day seminar on this subject takes place on 5 February. It is organised by the ISA UK&I at the York Club, Windsor Great Park, a designated a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for the importance of its decaying wood habitat. Presentations by Ted Green, Keith Alexander, David Lonsdale, Andrew Cowan and Marcus Bellett-Travers followed by a site visit and practical demonstrations of veteran tree management. More 

MTOA Meeting: Underground Engineering to ensure tree survival in street and development sites, National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, 10 Dec. More 
Forest Research seminar: Science and public engagement in environmental conflicts, 2pm-3pm, The Library, Northern Research Station, Roslin, Nr Edinburgh , 12 Dec. More
Forest Research seminar: Impacts of climate change on land-use function, 2pm-3pm, The Library, Northern Research Station, Roslin, Nr Edinburgh , 9 Jan. More
Forest Research seminar: Greenspace quality and quality of life, 2pm-3pm, The Library, Northern Research Station, Roslin, Nr Edinburgh , 30 Jan. More 
Forest Research seminar: Understanding the carbon cycle of forest ecosystems - a data assimilation approach, 2pm-3pm, The Library, Northern Research Station, Roslin, Nr Edinburgh , 20 Feb. More 
IGNITION09: The UK Wood Fuel Expo: The Sage Gateshead, Newcastle, 11 Mar. More

Details of Royal Forestry Society regional December/January events at: RFS website

View full events list

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