The Scottish Forestry Trust announces improved support for PhD students
The Scottish Forestry Trust is delighted to announce an 8% increase in funding awarded to postgraduate students currently undertaking doctoral research in many of the key issues affecting forestry in the United Kingdom. In a move that mirrors the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announcement earlier in the year to increase the minimum stipend paid […]
Future Woodlands Scotland launches Forestry Skills Programme to bridge Scotland’s forestry skills gap
Scotland’s forestry workforce must grow by 72% between 2022 and 2027 to meet the country’s ambitious tree-planting targets. This skills gap presents an urgent challenge to ensure the sector is equipped with the professionals needed to meet these goals. In response, Future Woodlands Scotland has launched the Forestry Skills Programme. This two-year initiative is designed […]
Institute welcomes the Scottish Budget announcement
The recent announcement of the 2025/2026 Scottish Budget, including spending on forestry, has been welcomed but with some concern. The overall position is one of some improvement with increased funding that includes £46.9 million allocated for woodland creation, a 20% increase from the budget of £39.2 million, that followed a huge 41% cut in the […]
Draft Welsh Budget for 2025/2026 set out
The Labour government in Wales set out its draft budget on Tuesday 10 December and the Institute plans to follow its development closely. The document sets out that the administration’s Climate Change and Rural Affairs (CCRA) portfolio will see an additional £36 million in resource funding – an increase of 6.61% – and an additional […]
Funded programme launched for new entrants in the forestry sector
A new training initiative led by a partnership involving Par Equity, Aviva Investors, Scottish Woodlands and UHI Inverness provides an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to start their careers in forestry. Key highlights of the training programme include: Five-week-long comprehensive training modules covering essential forestry skills and knowledge Funding for accommodation and a stipend for […]
Policy Roundup – March 2024
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news March has been a busy month for the Institute with many staff getting out and about, engaging with our members and stakeholders. We have also launched ten events, including our Early Careers […]
Policy Roundup – January 2024
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news The Institute is delighted that Tom Jenkins FICFor has been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the Forestry Sector in the New Year Honours […]
Policy Roundup – December 2023
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news Emerging Leader Programme A webinar was held on 5 December, showcasing the final presentations of the Emerging Leaders from the Clore Leadership Development Programme. Three groups, as voted for by peers, presented […]
Policy Roundup – October 2023
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news On 28 September, the Institute’s Executive Director Louise Simpson attended the Trees and Trains: Growing Green Corridors conference hosted by Network Rail and the Forestry Commission. Louise joined delegates from across government […]
Call for Treescapes Research Fellows
UK Treescapes Fellowship Scheme 2023 Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Future of UK Treescapes is an interdisciplinary research programme that hopes to inform future policy, management and resilience of UK treescapes, while improve environmental, socio-economic and cultural understanding of the functions and services produced by them. Building on the nine fellows appointed […]