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Welcome to this month's E-news.
Please forward your copy to your colleagues and encourage them to sign up to receive E-news direct on the ICF 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 News |
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ICF conference tickets selling fast
Places are still available for ICF's Forests & Energy conference (28-29 April, Newcastle Upon Tyne). New Forestry Commission chair Pam Warhurst will address the conference dinner. Read More
Sponsors: The Forestry Commission, Scottish Woodlands, UPM Tilhill, Lockhart Garratt and Forestry Journal.
ICF Student Member wins scholarship
ICF congratulates Andrew McKenrick from Cincinnati, USA, currently studying for an MSc in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry at Myerscough College in Lancashire, who is one of two winners of the 2009 Tom Mousley Scholarship given by the ISA's Society of Commercial Arboriculture.
ICF backs European Protected Species letter
ICF joined industry organisations to support ConFor's letter to forestry minister Huw Irranca-Davies calling for action on European Protected Species legislation in England. All agree that the legislation acts as a major disincentive with a lack of direction to help woodland owners/managers work within the law. Read More
Vacancies
Visit the Members' Area of the ICF website for following job vacancies:
> Chartered Foresters/Chartered Surveyors (2), England/Wales. Closing date: Not set
> National Grants & Regulations Team Manager, South West England. Closing date: 22 February |
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| General News |
 First female Chair for Forestry Commission
Pamela Warhurst CBE has been appointed chair of the Forestry Commission. Until recently, she was a Member of the Board of Natural England, where she was the lead non-executive member working on the Countryside & Rights of Way Bill. She has also been Deputy Chair and Acting Chair of the Countryside Agency and Chair of the National Countryside Access Forum.
Forest Research report on CCF and climate change
The new report from Forest Research's in-depth review of the use of Continuous Cover Forestry in adapting Scotland's forests to climate change summarises evidence supporting or opposing the use of CCF to manage and mitigate against climate change, in comparison with even-aged management. Download report
 Scotland's Finest Woods Awards celebrates with special prizeThese Awards celebrate their Silver Jubilee year with a special competition. In addition to the Schools Award and Community Woodlands Award, past winners of the Hunter Blair (silviculture) and John Kennedy (multi-purpose woodlands) Trophies are invited to compete for a one-off special prize. Entries by 31 March for all. Read More
Congratulations to ConFor on IIP success
ConFor has successfully secured accreditation against Investors in People. Colin Mann FICFor, chair of ConFor said: "This award demonstrates how it [ConFor] values its most significant asset: people. It is testament to the team that they have secured this while delivering increasing benefits for members and the wider industry".
 Busy Lancashire campus goes greenA Christian holiday centre and bible school is the first and largest organisation of its kind in Lancashire to switch its energy supply to woodfuel. Capernwray Hall, at Carnforth now utilises its own woodland in helping to fuel a woodchip boiler, which provides the heating and hot water source for the whole campus which serves over 2,000 guests per year. Read More
New environmental enforcement civil powers confirmed
The Environment Agency and Natural England have become the first regulators to be given new civil powers that will give them greater flexibility to enforce environmental law, making the system more efficient and effective for both regulators and businesses. Read More
Survey to help forest timber movements
A survey commissioned by the Highland Timber Transport Group for Scotland's Highlands identified over 90 per cent of forecast timber production from private sector woodlands. Combined with the full coverage provided for the National Forest Estate, it will assist Local Authorities prioritise road network improvements. Read More
Wind energy exploration confirmed in Scotland
Forestry Commission Scotland has announced details of a new phase of forestry sites to be explored for wind energy potential. The four sites chosen include two areas within the central belt - Heathland Forest and Carron Valley Forest; and two sites within the Borders - Wauchope Forest, and Cloich Forest. Read More
 OneOak education project underwayA 160 year old oak tree, felled at Oxfordshire's Blenheim Estate, launched the Sylva Foundation's OneOak project. It aims to remind the public of the value of a wood culture. Four hundred people, including 250 primary school children involved with the project, watched the tree being felled. Read More
South Yorkshire wins EU funds to boost woodfuel
The Forestry Commission and South Yorkshire Forest Partnership has won up to £100,000 spread over three years to help local woodland owners tap into the growing market for woodfuel. Read More
European Squirrel Initiative welcomes new report on invasive alien species
The European Squirrel Initiative has welcomed a new report into the impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity. Co-ordinated by the Global Invasive Species Programme, it found that, on average, there are 50 non-indigenous species per country which have a negative impact on biodiversity. Download report
Queen's Award for Forestry 2010 opens
The Commonwealth Forestry Association's Queen's Award for Forestry is aimed at mid-career foresters. It carries a cash prize/travel grant of £2000. CFA invites nominations from its members for individuals who combine exceptional contributions to forestry with an innovative approach to their work. Read More
 Teside native woodland goes hi-techThe Forestry Commission has pledged nearly £11,400 to replant 5.8ha of conifer wood around Selset Reservoir near Middleton with native broadleaves. Due to the terrain the timber will be mulched in situ using a 25 tonne machine which fells trees from the top down and has a cutting head which can chip a 30 foot tree in just 15 seconds. Read More
Volunteers to plant a kiss this Valentine's Day
Students from Manchester University who have volunteered to plant 3,000 saplings to create new hedgerow on 14 February are promised a speed date as they plant. Greater Manchester's Red Rose Forest's Green Streets and Trees for Cities have organised the day at Gorton's Sunnybrow Park. Read More
Green light for South West England social cohesion project
A partnership which includes the Silvanus Trust, University of Plymouth, Woodland Trust and the FC Neroche Landscape Partnership has secured BIG Lottery funding to look at "Social cohesion and well-being derived from woodland activities". A project researcher will be appointed shortly. Read More
Reading matters...
Woodland Heritage: Minor Conifers in Britain - potential for silviculture and timber utilisation. Report by Dr Scott McG Wilson MICFor. Download from Woodland Heritage website
Woodland management for birds: a guide to managing woodland for priority birds in Wales - published by FC Wales and the RSPB with support of the Countryside Council for Wales. Free download via a link here. Pre-publication offer: A Handbook of the World's Conifers by Aljos Farjon. Published Spring priced 196 Euro. Its two volumes cover all 615 species of conifers. Discount for ICF Members. Email ICF for details. International forestry research organisation IUFRO has a new electronic newsletter IUFRO News which merges its quarterly printed newsletter with IUFRO E-Notes. It will be published ten times per year. Read More |
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| Developments, Grants & Opportunities |
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 Grants get landowners planting in the National Forest
The National Forest's Changing Landscapes Scheme 2010 provides grants to enable landowners to convert suitable land to woodland and nature conservation areas. Contact Matt Brocklehurst on 01283 551211 for details.
BWW deadline extended
Woodland owners and agents should note that the Better Woodlands for Wales grant scheme deadline has been extended to 26 March 2010.
Subsidised woodland management advice in East of England
Woodland owners/occupiers in the region can benefit from a new Woodfuel East project to bring 15,000 ha of woodland back into active management by 2013. While principally for unmanaged/undermanaged woodlands, opportunities for managed woodlands exist. Five approved contractors have been appointed. Read More
Yorkshire bursary
Proposals are invited by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and the local Royal Forestry Society branch. Contact Ben Scotting by email or telephone 01765 609 355 now.
SDRP Restructured Felling grants update
In view of the extreme weather conditions experienced at the beginning of this year the Scottish Rural Development Programme has reconsidered the closure date for allowing applications for Restructuring Felling grant for felling already carried out. The new closure date for applying for this grant is 30 June 2010. Read More
US grants offered to address woody biomass potential for energy
The US Endowment for Forestry and Communities is seeking proposals for projects that address the potential of woody biomass for energy. Read More
 Scottish employers offered grants for apprentices
The Scottish government is offering land-based industry employers in Scotland £1,000 to encourage them to invest in a new apprentice. The scheme will cover all sectors as well as apprentices of all ages. Applications can be made until 26 March. Call 0808 100 8095 or visit the Modern Apprenticeships website for information. |
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| Consultations |
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UK consultation on implementation of new EU ppp rules
A consultation has been launched on the implementation of the new European legislation for plant protection products. It seeks people's views on how to ensure the continued sustainable use of pesticides. Read More
Pack Inquiry public meetings give foresters the chance to air their views
Voice your thoughts on whether forestry gets enough recognition as part of the consultative phase of Brian Pack's Inquiry into the Future of Agricultural Support in Scotland at one of the public meetings. Read More
Ordnance Survey consultation
Following the announcement that a range of Ordnance Survey data should be made available free for re-use by all users, the promised public consultation has opened. It will run until 17 March 2010. Read More
Professional feedback needed on new arboricultural framework
You are urged to give feedback on the Government's new Qualifications and Credit Framework structure in which all vocational qualifications are unit based. Each unit will contribute to a qualification. Read More |
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| Events & Training |
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ICF National Conference tickets selling fast
Online booking service available for convenience. Read More
ICF East England Group meeting
A rare change to tour the MoD's West Tofts Camp near Thetford, home to many Dad's Army scenes. Date 25 March. Places limited. Read More
FR confirms South Scotland Update topics
The programme for the Update seminar at NRS, Roslin, on 19 March includes bacterial bleeding canker of Horse Chestnut, propagating elite material of Sitka spruce by tissue culture methods and the impacts of energy on soil sustainability. Read More
Focus on street trees at Sheffield conference
The Future for Street Trees conference, at Sheffield Hallam University on 11 February, will explore the research underpinning the public benefits of street trees and challenges facing their design and urban use. Read More
Environmental Finance conference open for bookings
A two-day conference on Forestry, Biomass and Sustainability - invesment opportunities and carbon reductions will be held on 13-14 May at the Hallam Conference Centre, London. ICF Member discount available (email Scott McKellar for details). Read More
HSE safety awareness day in Exeter
An Awareness Day on 9 March, to highlight possible health and safety issues for the forestry industry, will reflect the type of forestry work taking place in the area. Real working scenarios will be acted out. Read more
Using ancient woodland vascular plants in Scotland
Beginner/intermediate workshop run by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management on 14 April at the Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive, Ayr. Indoor familiarisation and outdoor practical sessions. Read More
Video launched to promote forestry conference
The Commonwealth Forestry Conference in Edinburgh in June is being promoted using a new video. It contains hard-hitting images that highlight the problems, challenges and opportunities faced by those involved in managing the Commonwealth's forestry resources. View the videoRFS Symposium on tree diseases
This is being run in conjunction with RASE and the Forestry Commission at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, on 21 April. Full details on the RASE website.
Arboricultural training dates announced
For Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) Licensed User Training, A Practitioner's Guide to Visual Tree Assessment Training and QTRA Licensed User Update (Intermediate) Training. Read More
NATO 2010/11 training dates announced
The national Association of Tree Officers has published its new training programme. Details on NATO website.
Rural priorities workshops in Scotland
Half-day workshops are being held on 24 and 26 February and 4 March. They will look at opportunities afforded through the Rural Priorities mechanism of the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Request information
OTHER FORTHCOMING DIARY DATES
For full details of these and other CPD events check the ICF website.
FEBRUARY
11 The Future for Street Trees conference: Sheffield Hallam University
18 Protected Species seminar: 9.30am - 4.00pm, Barn & Bushell, Thainstone, Near Inverurie
19 Positive Spin - Making sense of climate change: Morning, Edinburgh International Conference Centre
19 Getting Green - Supporting practical action: Afternoon, Edinburgh International Conference Centre
23 FR free seminar (Scotland): Growing broadleaves for quality hardwood timber - Birnam, Nr Dunkeld, Perthshire
24 SRDP - Funding opportunities for forestry business: 1.30-4.30pm, Scottish Enterprise, Heathall, Dumfries
26 FR free seminar series (Scotland): An overview of Scottish Government policy regarding onshore renewables - Northern Research Station, Roslin, Nr Edinburgh
26 SRDP - Funding opportunities for forestry business: 1.30-4.30pm, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park HQ, Balloch
MARCH
2-4 Ecobuild - With an emphasis on green infrastructure: London Earls Court
2 QTRA Licensed User Training: York
4 QTRA Licensed User Update (Intermediate) Training: York
4 SRDP - Funding opportunities for forest business: Morning at Strathclyde Business Park; Afternoon at Ettrick Riverside Business Centre, Selkirk
9 Free hald-day Forestry Health & Safety Workshop: Lord Haldon Hotel, Dunchideock, Exeter
For details of your local Royal Forestry Society events visit their website
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