Forestry workforce research – skills survey
Lantra, with the support of the Forestry Commission, Natural Resources Wales, the Welsh Government and Confor, have commissioned a study to review the level of skills and training at this pivotal moment within forestry. As the government commits to higher levels of new planting and markets for timber increase, it is vital that we understand […]
Introducing the England Woodland Creation Offer
Launched alongside the England Trees Action Plan, the Forestry Commission’s England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) opened for applications on 9 June as part of the government’s Nature for Climate Fund. Replacing the Woodland Carbon Fund, EWCO will support the creation of over 10,000 hectares of new woodland, funding predominantly the establishment of large scale native […]
ICF President and Executive Director speaking at Accelerating Woodland Creation Conference
The Institute’s President, Sharon Durdant-Hollamby FICFor, spoke at Accelerating Woodland Creation and Management 2021. Sharon joined a panel discussion about the critical role of trees in a green recovery, alongside Paul Brannen, Director of Public Affairs at CEI BOIS; Stephanie Rhodes, Delivery Director – England Tree Planting Programme, Forestry Commission; Dominic Driver FICFor, Head of […]
Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor responds to UK Environment Secretary
After the virtual event to launch the England Trees Action Plan earlier this week, the Institute’s Executive Director, Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor, has written to George Eustice, UK Environment Secretary, to express concerns over the lack of focus on the role that trees and wood products will play in the green recovery. Please read the […]
New Scottish Ministers appointed for rural affairs
Fergus Ewing has stepped down from his role as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism in Scotland following five years in post. During his tenure, Mr Ewing has been a strong advocate for the forestry sector and has established its importance to not just the rural economy, but Scotland’s economy as a whole. The […]
England Trees Action Plan – Institute response
The Institute welcomes the England Trees Action Plan 2021-2024 (ETAP) – a much-anticipated, coordinated approach to trees and woodlands in England. We know that woodland creation is a vital tool for combatting the climate crisis and it is a great strength that the ETAP places as much importance on addressing the biodiversity crisis. Trees will […]
Reopened Urban Tree Challenge Fund will plant 44,000 trees
The Forestry Commission and Defra have opened the third round of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund that will support the establishment of 44,000 large trees in towns and cities across England. Focussing on areas with higher social deprivation with fewer trees, particularly near schools and healthcare centres, the fund will support people’s health and wellbeing, […]
All England Woodland Resilience Awards 2021
To mark the UK hosting the 26th UN Conference on Climate Change of the Parties (COP26) in November this year, the Forestry Climate Change Working Group, a cross-sector forestry body which promotes adaptation of trees, woods and forests to environmental change, is organising the All England Woodland Resilience Awards. There are two awards: Existing woodland […]
Institute Responds to the Agriculture (Wales) White Paper
The Agriculture (Wales) White Paper set out the Welsh Government’s plans for rural policy and support now that we have left the European Union. The White Paper noted the barriers to woodland creation and management and outlined proposals to address these. It also made proposals for regulatory reform, including changes to allow Ministers to add […]
England Launch Agricultural Transition Plan
The Agricultural Transition Plan published on the 30 November is vital reading for foresters. It really does herald a revolution in land management incentives (and to a lesser extent regulation) and outlines how the different schemes and components will interact, including the Environmental Land Management scheme. Some of the biggest developments are reductions in direct […]
