October 08 

Welcome to this month's E-news and in particular to new recipients of ICF E-news whom we met at recent shows and conferences (see ICF News).

Highlighting current consultations in E-news and in Chartered Forester reaps results. We can report that the weight of responses to the British Standard draft on tree safety (BS 8516) referring to the work of the National Tree Safety Group (NTSG), on which ICF is represented, has resulted in a re-think from the BSI tree committee and meetings planned with NTSG. Thank you to everyone who gave their input.

Please forward your E-news to your colleagues and encourage them to sign up for their own copy on the ICF website. And don't forget that you can view archived issues of E-news on the ICF website under Publications and Services. 

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

shortcut to sections - click on headings below:

ICF News | General News | Developments

Consultations  | Events & Training

Carbon Lean UK conference proceedings published 
A summary of the proceedings from this year's ICF National Conference is now available in the Members' Area of the website. Conference delegates have been sent their personal copy of the CDRom containing the proceedings while non-members may order their copy from ICF by sending a cheque payable to ICF for £10 (including p&p & VAT) together with your contact details to Betsy Andrews, ICF, 59 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2JG.  Please quote reference NC08Proc.

Vacancies 
Check the ICF Members' Area for the latest job vacancies. 

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Special forestry envoy sacked
Barry Gardiner has been sacked as the Prime Minister's special envoy for forestry. The move came after Gardiner had joined calls for a leadership challenge to Gordon Brown ahead of the Labour Party conference.

FC releases latest forestry statistics
The Forestry Commission's latest National Forestry Statistics have been released. Notable points from the data include: the woodland area in the UK in 2008 is 2.8m ha, 1.3m ha of which are independently certified as sustainably managed; about 8000 ha of new woodland were created in the UK in 2007-08; about 9.2m green tonnes of UK timber (roundwood) were delivered to primary wood processors and others in 2007. More

BBC seeks candidates to send to the ends of the Earth
The BBC Natural History Unit is seeking to cast nine people for a new Series called 'To the Ends of the Earth'. They need people with a deep passion for the natural world, environment and wildlife, especially in an academic or sustainability guise, and they need people who understand the context of what they are going to be potentially involved in filming and who on the most basic level understand why it is important to explore, document and communicate the natural world in a certain way. Successful candidates will spend up to 10 weeks in some of the most remote corners of the world as they face a number of training challenges with a view to winning a years contract with the BBC Natural History Unit. Email endsoftheearth@bbc.co.uk for an application form, mentioning Society for the Environment/ICF.  Deadline: 26th November 2008.

Fellowships at World Forestry Institute
The WFI's Fellowship Programme brings together forestry and natural resources professionals from around the world to work at its HQ in Portland, Oregon for six to twelve months. Holders of the Fellowship conduct an independent research project and project proposals are now being accepted. More 

Forestry Commission clarifies position on GM trees  
The Forestry Commission has issued a statement in response to a report that scientists from the University of Southampton have applied to plant genetically modified (GM) poplar trees for biofuels research on Forestry Commission land. FC states that: "the use of genetically modified trees in forestry research is not a priority for the Forestry Commission at present. We are not doing any GM research ourselves, nor is there any current research being undertaken for us by other researchers. We are working to establish a protocol for considering requests from other organisations to establish field trials of genetically modified organisms on Forestry Commission land, and until we have a protocol established we will not be considering any requests to do so."

Two new forest centres open
Spruced-up facilities at Beechenhurst Visitor Centre (right) in the heart of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire will be unveiled on Friday 3rd October. The Forestry Commission's new centre which will showcase the best the Forest has to offer and add to the local economy.
The medieval-style structure (left) is the result of a pioneering project at Chambers Farm Wood, Lincolnshire to preserve traditional crafts and provide better visitor facilities in the 360ha wood, near Wragby. It took a year to build and uses beams weighing over a quarter of a tonne, shaped by hand from giant timbers using only historic tools. All the parts were assembled using old fashioned carpentry joints and wooden pegs. Forestry Commission England undertook the scheme as part of the Lincolnshire Limewoods Project assisted by forestry students from Riseholme College (Lincoln University). 

Tree Aid celebrates 21st birthday
Tree Aid, the UK's charity that provides funding and on-the-ground training and support to local organisations in the Sahel of Africa, has come of age. For their 21st birthday, they are seeking volunteers who can give out 21 Tree Aid leaflets to family, friends, work colleagues, neighbours and members of any groups you belong to.  Please email Angharad.williams@treeaid.org.uk if you can help. 

ICF member is outstanding
Congratulations to ICF Associate Member James Hedges from Essex who was presented with The Lockhart Garratt Trophy for the Outstanding Student in the RFS Professional Diploma in Arboriculture at the Arboriculture Association annual dinner at Kent University.  James is an Arboricultural Supervisor at Greenwich Council.

World Forestry Congress business opportunity 
A limited number of two-hour side events are available at the World Forestry Congress (Buenos Aires, 18th-25th October 2009). They offer a unique opportunity for wider discussion and reflection, ensuring dissemination of the message and creating numerous opportunities for personal contact. Applications must arrive by 30th November 2008 and only one application per organiser will be considered. For more information email eventosparalelos@cfm2009.org .  

The National Forest continues to grow
Despite land price inflation, high commodity prices and the transition to a new grant programme, 119ha of new forest was created in The National Forest in 2007/2008. An additional 80ha was secured for a country park. In a challenging year, the National Forest Company also attracted more additional funds than ever before to enable people to enjoy and experience the Forest, according to the Company's latest Annual Report for the year to March 2008. More

BTCV asks you to think back
To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2009, environmental volunteering charity BTCV wants to capture as many stories, photos and other memorabilia from its past as possible - from the first project on Box Hill in Surrey in 1959 to the 30,000 sites where it was active last year. If you can help, contact BTCV via their website or telephone  01302 388 833. 

Three year project conserves outstanding examples of Perthshire woodlands
Aitken Arboretum is an excellent example of a "green haven close to the city centre" according to Scottish Environment Minister Michael Russell who performed the official opening on 26th September. The Perth Arboretum was inspired by Jim Aitken, a well-known Scottish naturalist and landscape gardener who bequested £80,000 to re-invigorate the old arboretum. It is being re-designed around the core of remaining big trees with an emphasis on trees suitable for gardens. A stunning array of maples, rowans and birches are gradually being added. The opening marked the completion of a £1.8m Heritage and Access project across Perthshire's Big Tree Country.

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More time to apply for Forestry Challenge Funds (Scotland)
The first closing date for the Forestry Challenge Funds, administered by Forestry Commission Scotland under the Scotland Rural Development Programme, has been extended to Friday 17th October 2008 (judging early November). Two funds are available: Woods In and Around Towns, and Forestry for People. This is the first of two judging rounds for applications. Information and guidance can be found on the FCS website or from your local Conservancy office.

New Tree Preservation Order Regulations
The new TPO regulations came into force on 1st October. These introduce a standard application form for work to protected trees and a fast track appeals system. The relevant documents available on the Communities and Local Government website include a standard application form with associated guidance, a revised model tree preservation order and an addendum. The new form must be used with immediate effect; old forms will be rejected. The tree work form currently on the Planning Portal will be replaced in due course by an electronic version of the new standard application form. More

Climate changes world-famous maples
Japanese maples at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, must adapt if they are to weather the growing influences of climate change according to Dr Richard Jinks of Forest Research. Speaking at a recent conference, he outlined how the Forestry Commission is embarking on a plan to ensure that this world-famous collection thrives in the future. An evaluation of the 300+ maples (and other trees in the collection) is assessing their drought tolerance and the best ways to help them adapt. More

RDPE bio-energy support programme
RDPE funding in the North East of England to help strengthen and develop the emerging bio-energy sector in the region is now available. The bioeNErgy support programme is being facilitated by Northwoods on behalf of One NorthEast and will run until December 2009 with £1.1 million available during this period. More

Defra funds short rotation forestry project
Defra has committed around £1.5m of funding for a three year research project to examine the feasibility of short rotation forestry as a viable renewable energy source. The project will consider the commercial feasibility of fast growing tree species that are suitable for harvesting at between 6-10 years old, rather than 3-4 years for short rotation coppice. A number of sites will be established where intensive research will be carried out and operational-scale plots will be planted. The species will include both native and naturalised broadleaved trees along with other species with the potential to be used for biomass, such as eucalyptus. Forestry Commission England will work closely with Defra to set up the project. More

SRDP clarifies funding proposal deadlines
The Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) incorporates the Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities (RDC-RP) which includes a number of activities supported under previous schemes, including the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme. Several of these activities are now allowed a series of annual payments including Restructuring Felling, Sustainable Forest Management and Woodland Creation Maintenance, which will commence on 1st January of the first year in which payments are claimed.  Proposal application rules apply.  More 

Plant protection directive challenged
ConFor has set out its case to UK MEPs opposing the moves by the European Parliament to amend radically the plant protection directive (91/414/EC). The EC propose to change the approvals systems for pesticides in Europe from one based on risk assessment to one based on hazard criteria.  The effect of these proposed changes will be to remove most of the small number of pesticides currently used in forestry. More 

Publications to note
Following a review by Defra and Natural England of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, a report of their conclusions "Environmental Stewardship Review of Progress" is available to download. More 
UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has published a paper on "Microfinance and forest-based small-scale enterprises". Download FAO paper 146. FAO has also created an online community to promote urban/peri-urban forestry. More 
European Forest Institute (EFI) has published a policy briefing note to explain the main aims and methods of the FLEGT Action Plan, in particular emphasising the EU trade policies that encourage responsible purchasing of timber products. Download EFI Policy Brief 2 "Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade - the European Approach".
The latest edition of Path News, the pathology newsletter from Forest Research contains information on Lophodermium seditiosum on Scots pine, Entomosporium mespili on hawthorn and Horse chestnut in Scotland and Northern Britain and dieback of Norway spruce, powdery mildew and Horse chestnut leaf miner in England and Wales. More
Forestry Commission Research Note FCRN002 on "Red band needle blight of confirs in Britain" by Anna Brown and Joan Webber is available to download. FCRN002 

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Give your input on these new consultations...

Urban green space 
The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), the government's advisor on architecture, urban design and public space, has opened a new consultation. "Skills to grow: seven priorities to improve urban green space skills" seeks views on the main skills challenges facing the green space sector and ways in which these can be tackled. In particular CABE wants to hear from organisations in the green space sector or whose decisions affect its development, management and maintenance. Online feedback.


T10Q Phase 2
The second phase of the Top Ten Questions for forestry resaerch in the UK and Ireland is now open. You can look at and evaluate the research questions that were submitted as part of the first phase of the survey. To participate click here.

Consultations still open
Phytophthora ramorum (sudden oak death) and Phytophthora kernoviae consultation from The Forestry Commission, Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government. Closing date: 10 October. Documents and further information at www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth.
Woodlands for Wales, the public consultation to revise the strategy for trees and woodlands in Wales. Closing date: 14 October. More
Natural England's Draft Enforcement Policy: This consultation seeks views on Natural England's approach to enforcement. Ends 18 October. More
The Gangmasters Licensing (Exclusions) Regulations 2006. Defra consultation on the fine-tuning of the scheme. Closing date: 20 October. More
Sustainable use of soils on construction sites: Defra consultation on this draft Code of Practice which includes trees and plants. Ends 20 October. More
Draft BS 3998 Recommendations for tree work. Review and comment on line. Ends 31 October. More

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ICF North Scotland AGM 
An informal technical and networking evening will take place on 28th October at Nairn. Following the AGM, the meeting will include presentations from John Risby and Bob Dunsmore, Forestry Commission Conservators for Grampian and Highland Regions, on the workings and early experience of the SRDP support mechanisms for forestry followed by a Q&A session. After a buffet supper former ICF President James Ogilvie will share his experiences of his Everest climb and other mountaineering exploits.  More 

National Red Squirrel Week
Don't forget National Red Squirrel Week runs from 4th October to 12th October this year. Visit the Save our Squirrels website to find out more about events near you. More

Trees, Roots, Fungi, Soil 
The Treeworks Environmental Practice one-day seminar on "Trees, Roots, Fungi, Soil - Below-ground ecosystem and implications for tree health" takes place in Cardiff on 13th November and again has ICF support. UK and international speakers with knowledge of interactions between saprotrophs, tree-root pathogens and mycorrhizal fungi will help delegates improve their understanding of below-ground interactions between fungi and trees, and the conditions for health and pathogenicity to support practitioners in their endeavours to beneficially influence tree health. More

Tree Council promotes seed gathering 
The Tree Council's annual Seed Gathering Festival is underway and runs until 23 October. It aims to inspire everyone, particularly school children and families, to gather seeds, fruits and nuts and grow the trees of the future. It also highlights the importance of growing trees from local seed to benefit restocking areas with trees of local provenance. More

Forestry Engineering symposium
A forestry engineering symposium, supported by ICF, takes place in Cumbernauld on October 21st. The event, featuring input from sawmiller James Callander & Sons, will examine how innovations in technology and engineering, planning and management can help forest industry competitiveness. More

Expert Witness training course
The Consulting Arborist Society in partnership with Bond Solon is holding two training days for expert witnesses. These will take place on December 4th and 5th 2008 in Central London, and will cost between £270 and £345 + VAT per day. The days will cover report writing and court room skills. For more details please contact chairman@consultingarboristsociety.com

CCANW Wood Culture Programme Seminar on the Summer School at the Wood Studio, Helsinki University of Technology: Haldon Forest Park, Exeter, 6th Oct. More
Joint Regional ICF East England/Arboricultural Assocation conference - Subsidence and Trees: A Collaborative Approach: at Essex County Council, 8th Oct. More
Landscape Institute Annual Conference 2008 - Housing, Land Use and Community: Regent's College, London, 9th-10th Oct. More
ICF National Study Tour 2008 - Greenproofing Landscapes - People, Trees and Places: Ashby de la Zouch, 15th-17th Oct. More
Yorkshire & Humber Rural Affairs Forum Meeting: Bedern Hall, York, 16th Oct. More
European Forest Week: From 20th October. More
PAWS Seminar - A Gradual Process or a Quick Fix:  Rushmore Estate, Salisbury, 21st Oct. More  Ignite Woodfuel Supply training course: Chilterns Gateway Centre near Dunstable, 21st Oct. More
Woodland Heritage "From Woodland to Workshop" course: Whitney-on-Wye, Hereford, 27th Oct. More
Arboriculture and Bats: A Guide for Practitioners Training Course: Frank Chapman Centre, Worcestershire, 27th Oct. More
Ignite Woodfuel Supply training course: Abergynolwyn, Snowdonia, 29th-31st Oct. More 
Forest Research Update Meeting (North Scotland): Aviemore, 6th November. More

RFS forthcoming events include: Yorkshire - AGM Wakefield MDC, 7th Oct; Notts & Lincs - Aswarby Estate, Sleaford, 2nd Oct; South East - Brede High Woods, Sedlescombe, Battle, 4th Oct; South West - Trunnelshute, Barnstaple, 8th Oct; Somerset & Dorset - Pixton Wood, Dulverton, 8th Oct; Gloucester - Gatcombe Estate then Chavenage Estate, Tetbury, 8th Oct; Ebworth Estate, 4th Nov; Hereford - AGM Brampton Bryan Estate, Knighton, 17th Oct; Worcester - Cobblers Coppice and Cooksey Farm, Bromsgrove, 18th Oct; North Wales - Craflwyn & Hafod y Llan, Beddgelert, 2nd Oct; Leighton Redwoods, Welshpool, 11th Oct; South East Wales - AGM Llangibby Estate, Usk and Graigwith Farm, Llangibby, 3rd Oct. For details visit the RFS website

View full events list

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