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Welcome to this month's E-news and wishing you all Seasons' Greetings from ICF.
Please forward your copy to your colleagues and encourage them to sign up to receive E-news direct on theICF website. View archived issues on the ICF website under Publications and Services, send your views on E-news to Allison Lock or use the ICF Members' Area Discussion Forum to exchange views with fellow members.
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shortcut to sections - click on headings below:
ICF News | General News | Developments, Grants & Opportunities
Consultations | Events & Training |
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 ICF Executive Director interviewed by leading horticulture magazine
Shireen Chambers' interview with Horticulture Week is published in the current issue (dated 2 Dec). In it she talks about the challenges for urban foresters and in a podcast she focuses on boosting professional forestry and arboricultural skills.
Read the full interview or Listen to the podcast
ICF President at No 10 Downing Street
Bill MacDonald FICFor represented the Institute in November at a reception hosted by The Rt Hon Hilary Benn & The Rt Hon Ed Miliband on The Future of our Forests: Copenhagen & Beyond.
Call for Annual Travel Bursary applications
ICF's Educational and Scientific Fund is seeking high quality proposals which demonstrate that the proposed travel will make a substantial contribution to the applicant's professional development. One award of £500 will be made. Deadline: 31 March. Read More
 New Regional Group Secretary
In ICF's South East England Regional Group, Alistair Yeomans, (pictured left) has taken over as Secretary from Jane Hull MICFor who stood down after three years. Alastair is Director of Forestry at The Sylva Foundation.
Christmas is coming and so is CPD monitoring
ICF steps up its CPD monitoring from 1 January. Please make sure your records are up-to-date either online in the Members' Area or in an alternative format. Phone Ingrid Palmer on 0131 240 1425 if you need guidance.
 Forests and Energy - ICF conference update
The conference will look at the global energy picture and how the UK's forest industry fits in: where the future markets will be, the scale of the demand, and how we'll meet that demand. Speakers include: Adrian Whiteman, Forest Economics Service, FAO; Prof Joe Clarke, Energy Systems Research Unit, Strathclyde University; Jeremy Sainsbury, Natural Power; Alan Mortimer, Scottish Power Renewables; Alastair Kerr, Wood Panel Industries Federation; Peter Whitfield, UPM Tilhill; Martin Glynn, RDI and Andrew Clarke, NFU. Early bird booking opens on 4 January. Full details will be posted on the ICF website. Email enquiries to Allison Lock.
Look out for...
Chartered Forester Winter issue is out this week.
Tree trivia for Christmas
Apparently, it is extremely dangerous to stand under a tree during a thunderstorm. It's more dangerous to stand under an oak than any other kind of tree. The next most risky trees to stand under are poplars and Scots pines. If you are determined to stand under a tree during a lightning strike, head for a beech. They are ten times less likely to be hit than oaks. According to the few studies done, you are also much less likely to be hit by lightning under a sycamore, hawthorn or holly tree.
Source BBC QI Fact of the Day, 1 Dec 09
Vacancies
Visit the Members' Area of the ICF website for following job vacancies:
Head Forester, Bedfordshire. Closing date: 28 January
Forestry Managers, North Scotland and South England. Closing date not set. |
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| General News |
 Conifers hit by serious diseaseThe Forestry Commission is investigating an outbreak of Phytophthora ramorumon on Japanese larch in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Previously the disease has been largely associated with Rhododendron ponticum. Read More
CABE criticised by arboriculturists
Well known arboriculturists are calling on CABE to include tree professionals among its named experts as the body's focus on green infrastructure increases. ICF Fellows Mark Johnston and Jeremy Barrell are among those challenging CABE on its lack or arboricultural recognition. Read More
 FC Chairman returns to roots to bow out in style
After eight years as Chair of the Forestry Commission, Lord Clark of Windermere marked his retirement by felling two 70 foot trees at Chapel House Wood, near Newby Bridge, where his forestry career began in 1956. Lord Clark's successor has not yet been named.
Picture: Forestry Commission
Join Cumbria timber transport group
Anyone involved with timber transport issues for the movement of roundwood in Cumbria is invited to contribute to the development of a new the group at a meeting on 17 December, 10am in Penrith. Read More
Awaited climate change report launched The Forestry Commission's report Combating Climate Change - A Role for UK Forests is believed to be the first national study of its type in the world. It provides peer-reviewed information at the national level, and follows the global evaluation recommendations from the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change. Read More
 Charter's got it planned
A Charter for Trees in Towns was launched at Treeworks Environmental Practice's Trees and Urban Climate Adaptation seminar in London last month. The charter aims to put trees onto the planning agenda and to help arboriculture professionals build a co-ordinated approach to lobbying for trees. Read More
South Downs celebrate success
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn confirmed the South Downs as England's ninth National Park. The 632 square mile protected area stretches from Beachy Head, East Sussex, to the edge of Winchester, Hampshire, and includes the Forest Research Alice Holt site. Read More
 Forestry Commission ready for 'the big storm' FC Scotland now has an interim contingency plan to help co-ordinate forestry sector efforts to tackle the after effects of an extreme windblow event. It kicks in when predicted wind speeds get to circa 90mph. Read More
Forestry carbon market on cards
Irrespective of the outcome of the Copenhagen negotiations, the stage is set for creation of a forestry carbon market, says Pavan Sukhdev, study leader, The Economics of Ecosystem and Biodiversity. Estimated at $30-110 billion annually by 2015, the carbon market is expected to be developed under a UN proposal of reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation. Read More
 You Tube promotes forestryThe Forestry Commission short film which links to the Commonwealth Forestry Conference in Edinburgh, together with other video footage from the World Forestry Conference in Argentina, can be viewed here.
No longer an officer and a gentleman!
According to the local newspaper, Hollywood actor Richard Gere received a tongue-lashing from neighbours at his New York State country farmhouse after felling around 200 trees to create a paddock for horses.
Raise your glasses
Heineken UK's second biomass plant opened at the Royal Brewery, Manchester. The other is at its John Smith's Brewery, Tadcaster. They will burn locally sourced wood chip to generate steam and electricity. Read More
Forestry role for John Lloyd Jones
Forestry Commission Wales has appointed John Lloyd Jones, who is Chairman of the Countryside Council for Wales, to its National Committee as a non-executive director. Read More
 Call for conifer expertsTo celebrate "A Handbook of the World's Conifers" (out Spring 2010), a one-day symposium will be held in June at the Pinetum Blijdenstein, Hilversum, Netherlands - a world-renowned conifer collection. Author Aljos Farjon, IUCN Conifer Specialist Group Chair, invites speakers who can offer a global view on conservation, ecology, taxonomy or, in particular, forestry/horticulture uses to email him.
ConFor calls on Irish Assembly to support forestry's low-carbon role
On behalf of Northern Ireland's forestry and wood-using businesses and their potential to deliver a low carbon economy in NI, ConFor has proposed a number of improvements to the Forestry Bill, currently being considered by the Assembly's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. Read More
Scotland joins climate change group
The Scottish Government has become a full member of The Climate Group, one of the world's most influential organisations focused on developing and sharing expertise on developing a low carbon economy. Read More
 Dark Skies at night, FC's delightGalloway Forest Park is the UK's first Dark Sky Park. The prestigious award, announced by the International Dark Sky Association, confirms Galloway as one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Read More Picture: Forestry Commission
Southport unveils new community woodland
The Forestry Commission has transformed two former landfill sites, and other neglected areas, into Stockport's newest community woodland as part of the Newlands project. Read more
Forest Restoration study shows six per cent potential
Scientists have used sophisticated satellite mapping to produce a world map identifying areas in which more than a billion hectares of former forest land and degraded forest land has restoration potential. Read More
Market Report
The 2009 Forest Market Report from UPM Tilhill and Savills confirms that the UK's forest and woodland investment market has nearly doubled in value in 2009. Download
 I'll be dammed
An innovative project by the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency at Bishop Wood, near Cawood, will dam drainage ditches allowing rain water to be retained for longer in the ancient woodland rather than quickly flowing downstream into the Selby Dam. Read More
Climate change: coming to a street near you The latest phase in the ACT ON CO2 campaign has been unveiled. Huge billboard adverts appear in over 900 locations across England depicting typical British seasons that could soon look very different because of the impacts of climate change. Read More
New global carbon budget.
The Global Carbon Project has published the new global carbon budget and carbon trend analyses including 2008. Read More Reading matters...
Management of Ancient Wood Pasture - This new guidance note from Forest Research gives an introduction to the restoration and management of ancient wood pastures in Scotland. Download
The study Shaping forest communication in the European Union: public perceptions of forests and forestry is now available. This is the first EU 27 level survey on public perceptions on forests and forestry. Read More The Centre for Timber Engineering newsletter for November is available here.
Economics and Politics of Climate Change, ed. Cameron Hepburn and Dieter Helm, published by Oxford University Press, looks at the critical roadblocks to agreement on climate change. Read More |
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| Developments, Grants & Opportunities |
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 DARD confirm grants
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland has confirmed that the Woodland Grant Scheme rates are set to rise by up to 30 per cent and that the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme will see its rates increased by as much as 50 per cent. Read More
Woodfuel partners sought
Heartwoods is seeking partners interested in delivering 'Woodfuel Champion' advisory services in the West Midlands in the following key areas: Woodland management and Woodfuel development training support; Business Development (skills development); Woodfuel technical Support (fuel quality / boiler technology). Training given. Read More
 Green light for England woodland grant scheme contractsDefra has agreed that Forestry Commission England can offer EWGS contracts (including the new Farm Woodland Payment rates) to woodland creation grant applicants ahead of EU approval which is not expected until at least January 2010. This should mean landowners have their contracts in time to carry out planting this season. Read More
SRDP changes payment date
The Scottish Regional Development Programme will begin to pay annual recurrent claims for Rural Priorities early in 2010, as soon as possible after the end of the scheme year. Read More
 Firewood sales framework tender
Forestry Commission Wales invites parties to tender to participate in a firewood sales framework. Full details and an application form are available on the FC Wales website. |
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| Consultations |
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 Energy consultations
As part of the Governments consultation on the draft National Policy Statements for energy infrastructure, the Department of Energy and Climate Change are holding national public consultation events in Cardiff on 20 January and Exeter on 21 January. Read More Picture copyright Alan Fearon
Lantra qualifications consultation
Lantra now has the developed units from the National Occupational Standards which will be included in future qualifications. These units are available for review until the 24 December. Read More |
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| Events & Training |
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Change of Date
Forest Research's free seminar Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership: seeing the bigger picture has been postponed from 4 December to 11 December. Venue: Northern Research Station, Roslin. Read More
 Timber Transport Conference date set
Diary Thursday 11 March at Perth Racecourse. The programme will focus on ways of reducing the costs and carbon emissions of roundwood haulage. More details in the New Year. Register interest
 Northern Research Station continues free seminars in 2010
Forest Research has confirmed new Scotland seminar dates/ themes: 22 Jan - quantification of structure and physiology of forests; 26 Feb - onshore renewables; 14 May - environmental policy. See ICF website events list
Losehill's new programme published
Losehill's Courses for Countryside and Environmental Professionals January to July 2010 is now available to download. It includes business and management skills training.
DECEMBER
10 Royal Society of Edinburgh seminar: The technology - policy challenges to address climate changes and biodiversity loss - Professor Bob Watson, Chief Scientific Adviser's Secretariat, Defra, 6.00pm, RSE. Read More
11 FR NRS free seminar (rescheduled): Glasgow & the Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership - Northern Research Station, Roslin, Edinburgh. Read More
17 Timber Transport Group for Cumbria meeting: 10.00am, AWJ Penrith Truckstop, Cumbria. Read More
JANUARY
22 FR NRS free seminar: Utilising active & passive remote sensing for the quantification of structure and physiology of forests - Northern Research Station, Roslin, Edinburgh. Read More
29 FR NRS free seminar: Native Woodland Survey of Scotland: 2006 to 2013 - Northern Research Station, Roslin, Edinburgh. Read More
For more CPD events check the ICF website
For details of your local Royal Forestry Society events visit the RFS website |
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