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 […]
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 […]
Funded forestry programme launches call for woodland owners and innovators
A new three-year programme has launched to bring more woodland into active management in the North East and Yorkshire by working with woodland owners and forestry innovators. Northwoods, a programme funded by the Forestry Commission through the Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds (WiMFIF) – part of the UK Government’s Nature for Climate Fund – […]
Tree work health and safety
The tragic accident involving a 42-year-old tree surgeon who was killed while felling a diseased ash tree at a National Trust estate has been in the media recently. This is a sad reminder of the dangers of working with diseased trees and we want to highlight the importance of managing and controlling these risks. As […]
Policy Roundup – June 2022
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute News On 14 June we met with Scotland’s Education Minister Jamie Hepburn to talk about the skills crisis and how we can resolve it. We were joined by Chief Forester Helen McKay FICFor […]
State-of-the-art tree health laboratory opens
Located within the Alice Holt Forest in Surrey, Defra and the Forestry Commission have opened the £5.8 million Forest Research Holt Laboratory that will carry out innovative research into tree pests and diseases. The research of scientists at the Holt Laboratory will inform future practice, determining the pests and pathogens that may be detrimental to […]
Policy Roundup – March 2022
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute News Several Institute staff attended the Confor dinner and awards this month which was a lovely opportunity to meet members in person. There have also been two reports published this month that the […]
ICF President chairs webinar on urban reforestation
The Institute of Chartered Foresters President, Sharon Durdant-Hollamby FICFor, chaired the Landscape Institute’s recent webinar on urban reforestation as an effective tool against climate change. Sharon commented, “I was so pleased to see over 330 delegates attend this important topic of how planting trees in urban areas is proven to locally mitigate climate change. Howard […]
Further cases of Phytophthora pluvialis found in Wales
After it was first discovered in Gwynedd in December 2021, the pathogen Phytophthora pluvialis has now been confirmed at a further two sites in Wales – in Crychan, Llandovery and south of the original site in Dyfi forest. P. pluvialis is know to affect Douglas fir and several pine species, causing needle cast, shoot dieback […]
