Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved.
Institute news
This month we have been busy out networking at various conferences and events. On the 6 and 7 September, the Institute’s Senior Events Coordinator, Ella Smith, and Senior Technical Officer, Shona Smyth MICFor, attended the UK’s first Agroforestry Show at Eastbrook Farm in Wiltshire. This two-day event organised by the Soil Association and the Woodland Trust brought together farmers, foresters, tree surgeons, growers, graziers, advisors, funders, food businesses and agroforesters.
Also on the 7 September, the Institute’s Member Services Director, Dr Stuart Glen, and Head of Policy and Partnerships, Jo Fox-Evans, attended the Woodland Trust’s Southern Operational Development Day to further build the relationship with the Woodland Trust and its staff. Stuart presented the ‘Five Myths of Institute Membership’, highlighting the benefits of membership for career development and debunking any common misconceptions that the trust’s staff had.
On the 11 and 12 September, Dr Stuart Glen and Marketing Manager, Mark Goodwin, exhibited at the annual Arboricultural Association Conference in Warwick. The conference was opened by John Parker MICFor, Chief Executive Officer of the Arboricultural Association, with the two-day programme consisting of 17 expert speaker sessions followed by interactive workshops each afternoon, offering delegates the chance to engage with the content and speakers.
Jo Fox-Evans attended the quarterly Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) President’s breakfast on 14 September, where representatives of a number of chartered bodies gathered to discuss best practice on common issues. The theme of this quarter’s meeting was Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and heads of EDI at the organisations represented shared their activities in this area. Future meetings will focus on a particular theme each time.
Lastly, the Institute’s President, Geraint Richards MVO FICFor, and Executive Director, Louise Simpson, were invited to meet with Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, on 21 September. During the meeting, Geraint and Louise highlighted the broad range of tree professionals that the Institute represents, and how the Institute is a crucial organisation for future consulting and collaboration. They also discussed the upcoming Woodland Creation Conference that is due to take place in Scotland this year and the status of the revised UK Forestry Standards.
Consultations
This month we responded to the Welsh Government consultation on Changes to the Forestry (felling of trees) Regulations 1979 as part of the legislation changes to the Forestry Act 1967 in Wales under the Agriculture (Wales) Bill 2022. New guidance for forestry powers under the Bill will allow for environmental conditions to be attached to felling licences, as well as allowing for a granted licence to be amended, suspended or revoked. Read our response here.
We are also considering a response to the recent Scottish Government consultation on Tackling the Climate Emergency: Consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity. This consultation covers the final draft of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, with a focus on landscape recovery and integrating forestry and farming, as well as changes to National Parks legislation and statuary targets for nature restoration. If you have any comments on these issues, please contact Shona Smyth MICFor by Friday 24 November, and respond individually online by Thursday 14 December.
Representation
Our representative on the Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (Health and Safety Executive), Harry Wakefield MICFor, provided an update on the changes anticipated by HSE for risk assessments and training. These changes will ensure that advanced felling techniques are included and sufficiently detailed, with improved machinery training and assessment. Additionally, auditing may be needed to assess the skill level of personnel, rather than just a review of certification. There has been discussion of concern over assisted felling within medium and large felling courses. Finally, there is to be a more in-depth assessment of identifying where incidence and near misses occur to inform training needs. Emphasis is to be placed particularly on the importance of near miss reports.
Our representative on the Society for the Environment Board, Ross Weddle MICFor CEnv, announced the launch of the new North East Community Forest website. The North East Community Forest has planted over 40,000 trees across Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland and urban areas of County Durham. See the latest press release and annual report here.
Lastly, the Trees and Design Action Group have released new guidance First Steps in Urban Water: Managing Water as a Resource. This short guide, which is relevant for all working in the built environment, explains how we can and should be managing water as a resource, with a focus on the role of trees and other green infrastructure in urban areas.
Special Interest & Steering Groups
Nurseries Special Interest Group
The Nurseries Special Interest Group is approaching its one-year anniversary and was pleased to welcome Lea Brandes, Container-Grown Operations Manager at Forestry England, as Chair after Chris Hardy MICFor, Head of Science Centre at Forest Research, stood down.
Speaking on her appointment, Lea said:
“I am passionate about raising the profile of forest nurseries within the wider forestry sector, whilst also encouraging more people from the nursery sector to become involved in the Institute and other cross-sector activities. Having taken part in the Institute’s Emerging Leaders course with Clore Social Leadership, I have been able to significantly build on my leadership skills over the last six months, and this is a great opportunity to put my gained skills into practice”.
The group also welcomed new members:
Ed Midmore – Site Manager (North West Wales), Woodland Trust
Clint Parker – Arboricultural Team Leader/Tree Nursery Manager, Warwickshire County Council
Tim Peters – Forestry Teaching Associate, Bangor University
Amy Shepherd – Sales, Forestart
Alistair Yeomans MICFor – Independent Consultant, Sylva Foundation
Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Steering Group
Following the success of the Special Interest Groups, the Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Steering Group, chaired by Sam Hobson MICFor, Director at SEED, had their first meeting. The group is interested in raising the profile of arboriculture careers and providing CPD opportunities to aid the development of professionals transitioning into the sector and recent graduates.
Group members:
Sam Hobson MICFor – Director, SEED (Chair)
Dean Bell – Doctoral Researcher, Urban Forestry, University of the West of England
Terry Crick MICFor – Director, Apex Arb Training Ltd
Russell Horsey MICFor – Director, Goetre Villa
Graham Owen MICFor – Principle Engineer, Network Rail
Amelia Williams MICFor – Arboricultural Consultant & Director, The Arboricultural Company
Environmental Special Interest Group
Finally, our Environmental Special Interest Group is currently seeking three early career professionals to sit on the group and participate with group activities. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with experienced professionals within the sector and influence CPD opportunities. For more information, contact the Institute’s Senior Technical Officer, Shona Smyth MICFor.
Sector news, guidance and reports
Scottish Government’s forestry programme for 2023-2034
Scottish Government
UK backs new global nature recovery fund
WIRED GOV
Guide published on using timber in construction
Timber Trade Development
Pilot project for building net zero homes
Timber Trade Development
Sustainable Farming Incentive opens for applications
WIRED GOV
12 new peatland restoration projects receive funding
WIRED GOV
Study on timber cascading in Scotland
Built Environment – Smarter Transformation
OEP warn government on proposed changes to developments, water quality and protected wildlife sites
Office for Environmental Protection
Bangor University appoints two more professors in the forest sciences
Institute of Chartered Foresters
Wood Awards 2023 Shortlist
Wood Awards
Scotland consulting on reviewing their pans to tackle the biodiversity and nature emergency
Scottish Government
Have your say on a proposed new National Park in North East Wales
Natural Resources Wales
Guide on starting your tree planting journey
Forestry Commission
Over 85 hectares of woodland planted in the North East Community Forest
North East Community Forest
Forestry Commission launch campaign on why woodland management matters
Institute of Chartered Foresters
£8 million funding to improve conditions for HGV drivers
Forestry Journal
Carbon sources, sinks and stores explained
CarbonStore
New measures announced to protect England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
WIRED GOV
