Policy Roundup – March 2023
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news The Spring Budget to Parliament on 15 March touched briefly on waste and agriculture but barely mentioned nature and the environment, so despite positive progress on trees and woodlands with Defra and […]
Executive Director attends Trees and Forestry Stakeholder Forum
The Institute’s Executive Director, Louise Simpson, joined staff from Defra, the Forestry Commission and Natural England for the first in-person Trees and Forestry Stakeholder Forum, held at London’s Oval cricket ground on 2 March. The meeting focused on how to better support tree planting and care in the future, learn more about emerging issues and […]
Network Rail invests in future of Scotland’s rainforest
An industry leading two-year pilot project to enhance natural habitats near the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct has begun. Network Rail Scotland (NRS) is committing £329,000 for Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) - the Scottish Government agency responsible for managing Scotland’s national forests – to complete the most ambitious biodiversity enhancement project that Scotland’s Railway has ever […]
Tree Health Pilot updated to support farmers
Launched in 2021 and running until 2024, Defra’s Tree Health Pilot scheme has been updated to offer support to farmers and land managers dealing with tree pest and disease issues. In the first year of the pilot scheme, there were more than 80 expressions of interest, which has allowed Defra and the Forestry Commission to improve […]
Institute interviewed about skills crisis on BBC Radio 4
Our October 2021 position paper to governments across the UK detailed our serious concerns about the skills shortage in our sector, and its knock-on effect on achieving climate targets. This week Defra released their Environment Improvement Plan (EIP), which is the first revision of the 25 Year Environment Plan that was published in 2018. In […]
Updated Environmental Land Management schemes in England
With the ongoing development of agricultural transition in England, this week Defra published more information on the three Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, including actions, payment rates and when each scheme will be available. The three schemes are: The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) that will pay farmers for sustainable practices that will protect and enhance […]
Forest research launch new Climate Change Hub
The effects of climate change are accelerating, with increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as storms, flooding, drought and wildfire. These and other climate risks pose a significant challenge to management of our landscapes and wider society. Without action, our forests and woodlands may be unable to provide the multiple benefits they currently do, […]
New action plan to save England’s red squirrels
Over the last 150 years, England’s red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, populations have significantly declined. This iconic species is now classed as nationally endangered. Evidence shows that the expansion of grey squirrel populations and range are the main cause of local red squirrel extinctions. To mark Red Squirrel Appreciation Day on 21 January 2023, the UK […]
Justin Mumford FICFor CEnv represents Institute on committee inquiry
The Institute recently gave evidence to the House of Commons Environmental Audit Select Committee inquiry on Sustainable timber and deforestation. Investigating ‘How can a sustainable timber sector be supported to meet the UK’s growing demand?’, two panels of experts from across the sector gave evidence on how timber production can be upscaled while also delivering […]
Forest Research hosts workshop on woodlands and climate mitigation
Today the Institute’s Member Services Director, Dr Stuart Glen, attended a workshop on the role of woodlands in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The workshop was hosted by Forest Research (FR), on behalf of the Chief Forester for Scotland, Dr Helen McKay OBE FICFor CEnv, and included a presentation from FR’s Science Group Leader, Robert […]
