Our monthly policy roundup blog updates you on what the Institute has been getting involved in and what you can get involved in too.
We are back with renewed energy (glad about the date change at least) and have been working on some exciting new projects.
Institute Policy & Research
We are eagerly anticipating the launch of our new website and with it a dedicated policy section that outlines our aims and priorities, some detail on our policy work and opportunities for members to get involved.
We have kicked off our work on COP26, planning activities with a range of partners to capitalise on the energy for nature-based solutions, one of the conference themes.
We are building links with new teams across Defra and Forestry Commission in England to support the ambitious new programme coming out of the tree strategy.
Finally, we have been working on a new brief for ICF representatives which will help us maximise our influence with policy makers and communicate better with members.
We are now looking forward to Trees, People and the Built Environment 4 on 3 & 4 February and we hope to see you there.
Consultations
Agriculture (Wales) White Paper
We urge members to send us their thoughts on the Agriculture (Wales) White Paper before 10 March. We will be submitting a response to this consultation and will be in touch with members in due course.
EFRA Inquiry
We are about to submit our response to another EFRA Inquiry, this time on ELM and agricultural transition – we will publish it once it has been submitted but you can read our blog here for more details on the government’s plans.
Scotland’s Third Land Use Strategy
We recently responded to the consultation on Scotland’s Third Land Use Strategy which closed on 17 January 2021. Please read our response to the consultation here.
News, Policy & Research Updates from Across the Sector
Recent article from FarmingUK on the benefits of tree planting – read
Study commissioned by Scottish Forestry, Tilhill and SEPA presents a detailed natural capital assessment of a woodland creation project – read
Woodland owners’ and managers’ views and experiences of tree damage by grey squirrels needed in survey (closing date 12 February) – respond
31 bids have been successful in the third Woodland Carbon Guarantee auction – read
ICF Members and partners have contributed to a well-balanced research paper on woodland creation – read
Plant health is still a top priority as shown in this new policy that is in place from 1 January to 30 June 2021 – view
New research shows the resilience of Scots pine to extreme drought – read
Year-long consultation planned by charity partnership in Scotland on reintroduction of the lynx – read
