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 Institute contributed to:
- EFRA Committee report on tree planting which noted the skills shortage as a critical challenge
- The National Audit Office report Planting Trees in England which is sceptical of government targets and actions, citing uncertainty over the design of ELM
Our thanks to members who contributed to the Biodiversity Net Gain consultation – with their input and our work with partners like the Trees and Design Action Group we’re submitting a well-considered but high-level response. We have also been invited to submit written evidence to a House of Lords Select Committee on Land Use in England. There is a raft of consultations out and we will respond wherever capacity allows – next we turn to environmental targets including a session with the newly established Office for Environmental Protection to help them scrutinise the woodland targets – do get in touch if you would like to contribute.
After a positive start we have continued our work coordinating a forestry sector sounding board for Defra on agricultural transition in England, now fondly referred to as FAT (forestry agri transition). The next meeting is in early April and we look forward to playing a substantial part in Defra’s programme of co-design from now on.
Sector News
Timber markets
- Impact of sanctions in Russia and Belarus – read
- TTF timber market statement for the past year – read
- Fuel cost pressures in forestry – read
- Forest resources in Ukraine – read
Woodland Carbon Guarantee
Plant health
Funding in England
- Urban Tree Challenge Fund and Local Authority Treescapes Fund to return – read
- Differences between UTCF and LATF – read
- Woods into Management Forestry Innovation funds – read
Wales
- New woodland creation scheme launched – read and apply
- Interactive map launched for where you want to see more trees planted in the new National Forest – read
ELM in England
Scottish Government guidance for small woodland owners
- Top 10 tips – read
Skills in Scotland
- Scottish Government initiative with Lantra offering £500+ for land based courses to improve climate change skills – read
- Apply for £500 or more for the cost of a “climate change badge” practical or technical training course through the Skillseeder platforms – read
- Scotland’s new green workforce – read
Green infrastructure
- Natural England green infrastructure map – view
- Green Infrastructure Partnership update on infrastructure policy in England – read
Other