Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved.
Institute news
The theme of time for change seems to continue, as we’ve had a rollercoaster of parliamentary changes – with Rishi Sunak taking the reins as prime minister, Thérèse Coffey becoming the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Trudy Harrison remaining in post as Forestry Minister; pledging to uphold the UK’s planting targets.
The Institute has responded to numerous consultations this month and we thank all our members who have helped shape our responses. This is your Institute, so please let us know how we can better represent your views. We have responded to the Agriculture (Wales) Bill, focussing particularly on the proposals to amend the Forest Act to be able to amend, suspend and revoke Felling Licences. We have also submitted a response to the RICS Valuation of Woodlands, highlighting the importance of professional standards when carrying out a valuation. Additionally, the standard BS 5837 – Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction has been proposed for revision. The Institute has responded in full support of revising the standard, which provides recommendations and guidance on the relationship between trees and design, demolition, and construction processes.
We will also be submitting a response to the UK Forestry Standard: draft updated content and the Natural Resources Wales Consultation on Regulatory Fees and Charges in relation to charges for European Protected Species Licences – Forestry. We welcome your comments and encourage you to make your own response.
This month we have also had the National Tree Officers Conference and the Wales Regional Group Annual Conference. Both proved popular, with members and non-members meeting up for discussions around tree law and forestry and farming, amongst other political topics. Executive Director Louise Simpson spoke at the Wales conference, as well as speakers from nurseries, NRW and NFU Cymru among others. Louise also attended the UK Forestry Markets report in Edinburgh, meeting Institute members and partners, and will be speaking at the CLA Rural Business Conference on 1 December about rural skills and partnership working.
Sector news
- Publication on the design and management of woodlands to reduce flooding – read
- Confor cautiously welcome new Defra appointments – read
- Nature benefits of woodland creation – read
- Woodland Trust publish agroforestry policy paper – read
- Scotland to consult on the refresh of forestry grants in 2023 – read
- Updated guidance on woodland management plans – read
- Scottish Parliament debate on forestry’s contribution to net zero – watch
- Roadmap for the forestry sector for nature-positive, collaborative action – read
- Farmers reluctant to support Sustainable Farming Incentive – read
- Defra meeting on ELMs progress – watch
- Changes to the Woodland Carbon Code Cashflow document – read
