ICF Executive Director joins National Stakeholder Group
On 28 July 2021, Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor joined a meeting with the new Scotland environment minister Mairi McAllan and a wide range of stakeholders to discuss how best to meet Scottish Government’s ambitions for forestry. It was a hugely positive and collaborative meeting and a chance for the new minister to meet senior players […]
BA, LanzaJet and Nova Pangaea Technologies shortlisted for funding from ‘Green Fuels, Green Skies’ competition
British Airways, LanzaJet and Nova Pangaea Technologies have been shortlisted for funding from the UK’s Department of Transport’s Green Fuels, Green Skies (GFGS) competition to develop the UK’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility utilizing UK wood waste. The amount of waste wood processed in the UK increased by six per cent to 3.98 […]
Strong public support for forestry in Scotland
Forest Research recently conducted the Public Opinion of Forestry 2021 in Scotland survey which found that the general public have strong support for forestry and recognise its role in delivering a range of environmental, economic and social benefits. Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes and the Scottish Government have ambitious plans to increase tree […]
Breeding populations of bark beetle tree pest identified in Kent
Members are advised that several new breeding populations of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, have been identified in Kent. Defra, Forestry Commission and the Animal and Plant Health Agency are increasing surveillance activity in the area and immediate action is being taken to support steps toward eradication and minimise the risk of onward […]
Report published on alternative conifer tree species in Great Britain
Given the pressure for the diversification of species used in commercial conifer plantations due to pests and pathogens and climate-associated risks, Woodknowledge Wales and Bangor University have published a report that identifies the top five alternatives that are suitable to meet timber utilisation demands of the forestry sector in Great Britain. The report was commissioned […]
ICF Vice President gives keynote speech at Treescapes 2021
Treescapes 2021 this week has been a fantastic showcase of research, packed with presentations and workshop discussions from a huge range of talented tree professionals. Hosted by the Royal Forestry Society and led by early career researchers, it has undoubtedly succeeded in its aim to facilitate conversations between practitioners and academics. Institute Vice President, Geraint […]
ICF Executive Director gives evidence at EFRA Select Committee meeting
On 16 June 2021, Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor gave evidence to an EFRA Select Committee concerning tree planting, woodlands and what is needed to meet government targets. Shireen’s main points addressed the importance of cross-government coordination in meeting the aspirations of the England Trees Action Plan, the potential for well-designed and managed woodlands to meet […]
G7 leaders commit to biodiversity and climate change actions
Held in Cornwall in June 2021, the G7 Leaders’ Summit brought together leading democracies to help the world build back better, and greener, from the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US have agreed to the shared G7 Nature Compact in response to the global climate emergency, committing […]
Welcome to two new Institute Representatives
In May we appointed two new Institute Representatives – Sonia Lorenzo Martín MICFor on the England Woodland Biodiversity Group and Robert South MICFor on the Woodland Carbon Code Advisory Board. In a year when there is rightly so much attention on carbon and biodiversity, Sonia and Robert will be taking forward important work and getting the voice […]
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 […]