 Female foresters are top of the tree
ICF's Executive Director, Shireen Chambers MICFor joined Scotland's Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham at the Royal Highland Show for the presentation of Scotland's Finest Woods awards. Shireen, who was one of the judges, was joined by ICF Associate Kate Tuer who collected the Hunter Blair Trophy for Strone Oakwoods and Eva Sparreboom who received the John Kennedy Trophy for Culbin. Both woodlands are managed by Forest Enterprise. Pictured left to right: Shireen, Kate, Eva, Roseanna. Read More
ICF promotes Chartered Arboriculturists
Shireen and ICF Fellows Dr Mark Johnson and Jeremy Barrell were interviewed by Horticulture Week for an article promoting the importance of the Chartered Arboriculturist designation. The article also quoted Nick Eden MICFor, Arboricultural Association director, on the Chartered Environmentalist designation which ICF is also licenced to award.
 ICF National Study Tour open for bookings
The full programme for this year's Study Tour is now available on the ICF website: Silviculture in a Changing Climate: Practical adaptations of forest management to climate change, Huntly/Clashindarroch Forest, Aberdeenshire, 24-25 September. Early booking advised as accommodation is limited. You can also book online with a debit or credit card at the ICF website. Sponsored by: Forestry Commission Scotland, Forestry Journal
ICF members honoured by Queen
In the Queen's Birthday Honours list last month, Esmond Harris FICFor and Ron Melville MICFor were appointed MBEs. Esmond was recognised for his services to forestry and conservation in South West England while Ron received his MBE for his public and voluntary service as the Forestry Commission's Regional Director for London.
ICF's Journal is a rising star
In the 2008 Impact Factors' ratings released in June, ICF's journal Forestry had risen to 1.472 and its ranking had also jumped upwards - from 15th (out of 39 Forestry and Agroforestry titles) to 12th in the world. This is a fantastic achievement particularly as Forestry competes with the huge American journals which have massive budgets for marketing and commissioning. Well done to everyone involved in editing and producing the ICF Journal. To receive "Table of Contents" email alerts register here.
 Simply the best
Shireen was delighted to present the University of Edinburgh ICF Best Student Award to Andrew Turnbull at his graduation in June. Andrew, who recently joined property and land consultant Bidwells as a forester in their Perth office, graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Ecological Sciences (Forestry).
Vacancies
Visit the Members' Area of the ICF website for following job vacancies:
National Secretary of a Professional Committee
Senior Staff Consultant - Environment and Climate Change
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 Powered by fast trees
Forestry Commission England has been commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to manage a three year, £1.5 million, research project to examine the feasibility of Short Rotation Forestry as a viable renewable energy source. Energy companies are interested in the potential for fast growing tree species to be used to provide a solid fuel for electricity generation, in particular Eucalyptus. Read More
ICF Fellow wins access case
On appeal to the Court of Session, north Scotland woodland owners Graham Tuley FICFor and his wife won a landmark test case to exclude horse riders from part of their woodland because of the damage that would result to the paths. Read More
IPD UK figures released
Investment in forestry outperformed domestic commercial property and equities last year, producing a positive annual total return of 7.0%, eclipsed only by bonds, according to the IPD UK Forestry Index. By comparison, UK commercial property delivered -22.1%. However, the performance of the forestry sector remains significantly lower than the record levels seen in 2006 (20.6%) and 2007 (31.6%). Read More
 Great Spruce Bark Beetle found in Galloway
Forest and woodland owners in Galloway area are being urged to thoroughly monitor their spruce woodlands for signs of the Great Spruce Bark Beetle. This follows the discovery of this insect pest at Forestry Commission Scotland's Merton Hall woodland near Newton Stewart and the location of a further three outbreaks within 10 km. Read more
What's on in Wales
A multi-million pound grant scheme to encourage small and medium sized businesses in Wales to install woodfuel heating and Combined Heat and Power technologies has been launched. The Wood Energy Business Scheme 2 will provide £7.5 million of European funding over the next four years. Read More
Also, Forestry Commission Wales will be subject to a re-assessment of its forest management. This is part of the normal process of FSC certification and will be carried out by SGS Qualifor. Stakeholder comments are welcome. Read MoreScottish RDP funds pay out
Two Perthshire businesses have received grant funding from the Scotland Rural Development Programme. Kirkton of Mailer Farm was awarded just over £148,000 to plant over 30ha of native woodland while Ballathie Estate was awarded just over £47,000 to assist with the expansion and improved management of the Estate's native woodlands. Read More
REDD-Alert project launched
The World Agroforestry Centre, a research centre of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, has initiated a research project on the socioeconomic drivers and impacts of deforestation. The study will seek to provide policy options for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. Read More
 Forestry's helping to create stronger communities
The Forestry Commission's new web page "Working with Communities" shows opportunities for people to get involved with the range of benefits from woodlands. These include renewable energy projects, affordable housing sites, educational activities and skills acquisition through volunteering. Read more
"Revive dying woodlands" remands CLA
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has published a report defining its vision for the forests and woods of England and Wales. Seeing the Wood for the Trees: CLA Forestry and Woodland Vision and Policy calls on the Government to give the kiss of life to forestry management. It spells out their vision for 2050, warning: "If woodland management does not become profitable, it will die." Read More
Chartered Forester takes senior timber transport post
Roland Stiven has been appointed national project officer for the Timber Transport Forum, the network that helps the industry co-ordinate timber transport activity in Scotland, England and Wales. Roland will drive delivery of the Timber Transport Forum's (TTF) strategic plan. Read More
Log engineering solution solves riverbank dilemma
Around 50 logs and 150 small conifers are being attached together to stabilise the banks of the River Gretna in Cumbria in an innovative way to solve an erosion problem. Read More
 FC appoints Rhodo' terminator
Such is the severe threat of Rhododendron ponticum in the West of Scotland, that Forestry Commission Scotland, together with SNH and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, has appointed a dedicated control officer, Liz Poulsum. As well as advising landowners with advice and guidance on rhododendron control, Liz will promote Scottish Government grant support for rhododendron control projects through the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Read More
Irish woodland owners reeling from payment cuts
On the back of grant reductions last year, Irish woodland owners now have to face an eight per cent cut in premium payments (equivalent to the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme). The cuts will apply to existing schemes in addition to new ones and, as a result, it is estimated that less than 6,000ha will be planted this year. Read More
 Westonbirt and Yorkshire Dales Trust get windfalls
The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £177,800 to the Westonbirt Heritage Partnership which includes Westonbirt Arboretum, to work up plans to conserve its unique heritage and inspire future visitors. Read More
The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust has also benefited from a recent donation of over £14,000 from the People's Postcode Lottery fund, bringing the total PPLf donations in the past six months to over £37,000.
RFS traces its roots
A plaque to commemorate the founding of the Royal Forestry Society in 1882 has been unveiled in Hexham by Viscount Allendale, and now the hunt is on to trace the direct descendants of one of the original founders, in particular John W Robson. Phone John Holland on 01434 7673999 if you can help.
 Sunart Oakwoods Initiative celebrates
Five Lochaber communities celebrated ten years of generating economic, community and environmental benefits from their local forests by launching a new woodland walks booklet and six interpretation panels. The Initiative has planted 18,500 native trees, removed 240ha of non native conifers and upgraded 33km of paths during the first decade of this 100 year project. (Pictured: broadcaster, author and local resident Muriel Gray with guests at a celebratory lunch. Read More
New research agency launched
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn launched the new Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) and open its state-of-the-art facility in Sand Hutton in June. It combines several parts of Defra science and will strengthen Defra's ground-breaking food, farming and environmental research programme. Read More
Annual survey boosts renewables
The annual Survey of Renewable Electricity and Heat Projects in South West England has shown that individuals and businesses are taking significant steps to move away from using oil and gas for heating by switching to burning wood from sustainable, local sources. Heat from renewable sources has risen by 36 per cent to 56 MW, while electricity from renewable sources has grown by just 2.89 MW to 155 MW. Read More
 Woodlands to tackle illness
Illness such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, stress and obesity are being targeted in the Woods for Health strategy published by Forestry Commission Scotland in June. FC Scotland, NHS Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage are working together on a number of new health improvement projects which include woodland health walks on prescription and encouraging ethnic minorities to visit woodlands. Read More
Statistics reveal 24,000 ha woodland area replanted or restocked
National Statistics on woodland area, planting and restocking reveal 6,000ha of new woodland were created in the UK in 2008-09, mostly with broadleaved species, and 16,000ha of woodland were restocked, mostly with conifers. Read More
Report draws on world's top forestry scientists' experience
A recent international report investigates the links between forests and climate change, the past and future impacts on forest ecosystems and the policy options for adaptation. The study draws on the expertise of 35 of the world's top forestry scientists to provide the first global assessment of forests' ability to adapt to climate change. Read More
New faces at..
The Forestry Engineering Group, a specialist group of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, has appointed Jim Christie, a forestry machine consultant, as chairman with David Sulman, executive director of the UK Forest Products Association, as vice-chairman. At the Consulting Arborist Society, Arboricultural Consultant James Royston has taken over as chairman from its founder David Lloyd-Jones who remains part of the Society's management group. Elsewhere, Will Day takes over from Jonathan Porritt on 27 July as the new Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission.
New Scottish network boosts biomass
Forestry Commission Scotland has established a 'Regional Biomass Advice Network' (RBAN) to advise and inform businesses, farmers and landowners on woodfuel systems, grant funding and supply chain development. RBAN will also work towards establishing and implementing industry standards to develop a strong, sustainable and reliable fuel supply. Read More
More reading
Climate Change in Scotland Annual Report 2008-09: Outlines current developments and highlights achievements in 2008-09. Download
Tree Damage Alert No 132: Not a shower of rain looks at leaf eating caterpillars. Read More
Northwoods 2008/09 Annual Report: Email David Clubb for a copy.
Silvicultural Guidelines for the Tending and Thinning of Broadleaves: Authors Dr Ian Short and Toddy Radford of Teagasc. Download
New Trees: Written by gardener and botanist John Grimshaw, this book details 850 species of tree introduced into cultivation in the past 40 years. Available from Kew Publishing, costing £99.
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 More grants for planting
There has been a positive upturn in the number of grants available through the England Woodland Grants Scheme. The grants, which will have regional variation, include a further £100,000 for native woodland creation in Northumberland National Park and the same again for woodlands open to the public on the edge of towns or cities. Read More
Calling Cornish forestry firms
A new European Social Fund Project has 100 per cent funding available to Cornwall's forestry business owners who work to improve their business performance while also becoming better qualified. Call 07867 908210 for more information or email: Verity Biddick
SRDP announcement welcomed
Following persistent lobbying by ConFor and others, Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, has announced that the Scottish Government will introduce an ongoing approval process for forestry applications that delegates authority to Forestry Commission Scotland, and introduce an option to bypass the unnecessary statement of intent, so as to fast-track forestry grants. Read More
£5m extra to train women
An additional £5m funding to train 500 women in male-dominated employment sectors (which includes forestry and arboriculture!) has been announced by the Women at Work Sector Pathways initiative. Lantra will have a share of this funding to train women for a new job or new skills. Read More
 Clarification re last month's "Opportunity in Hong Kong"
Mansell Products International, Hong Kong, have clarified that they are seeking professional arboriculturists who are experienced in waste management plans and conservation to form a partnership to provide tree management and arboricultural services (not just tree survey/inspection work as implied in last month's E-news). There may also be an opportunity to market & distribute the wood waste products, such as wood pellets, in the UK and Europe. Read More
25m tree planting project seeks contractor
The Carbon Footprint Offsetting Partnership is working to create a national network of some 2000 Whispering Woods throughout the UK by 2020. Part of the project involves setting up an online register of forestry and arboriculture contractors. Read More
Newton Rigg Alumni
The National School of Forestry is approaching its 40th anniversary and would like to hear from all past students with a view to holding an alumni dinner. Details will appear on their website soon.
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South West Woodlands Show
For the first time this Show will be held at Longleat, bringing it to a fresh audience. Exhibitors wishing to be included in the catalogue need to book by 31 July. Read More
Forest Research correction
The link to the presentation on Vegetative propagation and deployment of varieties - the scope for Europe has been corrected by Forest Research. Connect
Room left on Germany exchange
ARCH Nature Exchange to Germany from 24-30 July has six places available. Check their website for more details. Free business training at Midland's Royal Show
Lantra and Business Link West Midlands are running a free business development and marketing workshop for businesses in the environmental and land-based industries at the Royal Show on the afternoon of Friday 10 July, 1.30-4.00pm. Email Lantra for more information.
Flora Locale July events
Programme now published on their website.
Call for papers on Trees and Forests
The Forestry Commission is calling for abstracts for a conference on "Trees and Forests in British Society" which will be held in Edinburgh on 13-15 April 2010. Read More
EFORWOOD Conference open for bookings
Shape Your Sustainability Tools and let your tools shape you takes place in Uppsala, Sweden on 23rd and 24th September 2009. Registration is now open. Read More
JULY
3 Scottish Game Fair - Scone Palace, Perthshire. More
6 Utility Arboriculture conference - organiser: Arboricultural Association, Market Bosworth, Warwickshire. More
8 Rights and Resources Initiative and Chatham House Dialogue on Forests, Governance and Climate Change - Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, London. More
9 Climate Change 09- The greatest environmental challenge - Barbican Centre, London. More
9 Wessex Silvicultural Group Meeting - Western Common and Alice Holt Lodge. More
9 Practitioners Guide to Visual Tree Assessment - Lyme Park, Cheshire. More
12 AA meeting: Treemendous Day - Bowhill, Selkirk. More
14 Quantified Tree Risk Assessment workshop - Exeter University , Devon. More
15 Practitioners Guide to Visual Tree Assessment - Exeter University, Devon. More
18-19 Edinburgh Treefest - Inverleith Park, Edinburgh. More
20 Quantified Tree Risk Assessment workshop - Antrim University, Antrim. More
21 Practitioners Guide to Visual Tree Assessment- Antrim University, Antrim. More
21 AA Scottish Branch 2009 Seminar: Working at heights - Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh. More
23 Information event on the natural control of Japanese Knotweed - Defra, Nobel House, London. More
27 Hylobius Management Support System training day - Exeter, Devon. More
29 Hylobius Management Support System training day - Kielder Forest District, Hexham, Northumberland. More
31 Hylobius Management Support System training day - Ae, Dumfriesshire. More
For details of your local Royal Forestry Society events visit: RFS website |
National forestry consultation roadshow