Our monthly policy roundup blog updates you on what the Institute has been getting involved in and what you can get involved in too.
England Tree Strategy
Defra launched the long-awaited England Tree Strategy on Friday 19 June and there is plenty for our sector to respond to with the opportunity of influencing future policy on trees, woodland and forestry. In the next few weeks, we will be seeking members’ input to help us form our response to government. Please look out for a survey, virtual focus groups and a task and finish group. We are strongly encouraging all members to contribute to the consultation.
Our Work
Environmental Land Management Scheme
Our work continues apace on the advice strand and staff and the Institute ELMs representation, Neville Elstone MICFor, have taken part in meetings on earned recognition. On 23rd June, we led another forestry sector meeting with Defra which was, this time, convened from across the sector.
On Wednesday 24th June, Defra reopened the ELMs policy discussion document after it was paused due to COVID-19. We strongly encourage you to take part in this consultation as the scheme will transform the way foresters, farmers and other land managers are supported. We will be working with Confor, RFS and others on a joint response to Defra and we would appreciate your thoughts and input to guide our efforts here. Please find out more about the scheme and how you can support us here.
Membership Survey Results Analysis
All Institute staff are looking forward to a dedicated session on the results of the membership survey before our virtual staff away day in July. This will allow us to improve and enhance our membership offering and experience going forward.
Land Management 2.0
Our Senior Policy & Research Officer, Jemima Cooper, recently joined the Rural Land Management Slack channel, ran by Land Management 2.0. If you are a Slack member, we would recommend you to join the #topic-trees chat. If you would like more information on joining, please contact Jemima.
Woodland Land Management Forum
The Institute has now linked up with the Woodland Land Management Forum’s woodland creation task and finish group via Institute member and previous President David Edwards FICFor.
Policy News
Celebrating Scottish Tree Planting
10,860 hectares of new woodland were planted in Scotland last year, the second highest level since 2001. That means that nearly 22 million more trees were planted in Scotland in 2019. You can view new woodland proposals from Forest Research here.
Watch: Alok Sharma at June Momentum for Climate Change
The COP26 President, Alok Sharma MP, spoke at the June Momentum for Climate Change conference. Watch his opening speech online.
Three Members Appointed to Forestry Commission
Hilary Allison MICFor, Professor Julian Evans FICFor and Sandy Storrie were appointed, for three years, as Non-Executive Commissioners to the Forestry Commission. Read the release here.
UKWAS Review Timetable Announced
5 Year Plan for Tackling Climate Change in Wales
Scottish Forestry Safe Working Guidance & Restart Plan
Scottish Forestry recently published their Safe Working Guidance and Restart Plan for the forestry sector in Scotland with the lockdown being eased. View the plan here.
Confor Disappointed with BBC Reply
New Guidance
- New guidance on importing plants – read
- FISA guidance on working safely during coronavirus – read
- Updated industry code of practice for arboriculture – read
- Guidance for forestry businesses from Welsh government – read
- Guidance on the use of tree guards – read
Schemes & Grants
- Woodland creation support in Scotland – access specialist advice
- Glastir Woodland Creation window extended to 31 July – read
- World Environment Day Welsh funds for nature – read
- NI Forestry grant open for farmers – read
- Wales Economic Resilience Fund next stage – read
- Scottish Business Support scheme – read
- NI Forest Expansion scheme – read
- Scottish green recovery funding – read
Research
- Institute members in new research group – read
- RFS report on woodland creation – read
- Forestry Commission Annual Report – read
- Infographic on emissions in UK cities – view
- Research report on diversifying conifers – read
- Call for papers on land use in Scotland – submit
- Timber Trade Federation release information on heavy impact of COVID-19 – read
To contribute to next month’s roundup, or if you have any questions or comments, please contact Jemima Cooper, Senior Policy and Research Officer – jemima.cooper@charteredforesters.org.
