Network Rail invests in future of Scotland’s rainforest
An industry leading two-year pilot project to enhance natural habitats near the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct has begun. Network Rail Scotland (NRS) is committing £329,000 for Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) - the Scottish Government agency responsible for managing Scotland’s national forests – to complete the most ambitious biodiversity enhancement project that Scotland’s Railway has ever […]
Policy Roundup – February 2023
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news February has whizzed by, with plenty of interesting policy news – not least the resignation of Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, where we will be eagerly observing what comes next. This month […]
Tree Health Pilot updated to support farmers
Launched in 2021 and running until 2024, Defra’s Tree Health Pilot scheme has been updated to offer support to farmers and land managers dealing with tree pest and disease issues. In the first year of the pilot scheme, there were more than 80 expressions of interest, which has allowed Defra and the Forestry Commission to improve […]
Institute interviewed about skills crisis on BBC Radio 4
Our October 2021 position paper to governments across the UK detailed our serious concerns about the skills shortage in our sector, and its knock-on effect on achieving climate targets. This week Defra released their Environment Improvement Plan (EIP), which is the first revision of the 25 Year Environment Plan that was published in 2018. In […]
Updated Environmental Land Management schemes in England
With the ongoing development of agricultural transition in England, this week Defra published more information on the three Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, including actions, payment rates and when each scheme will be available. The three schemes are: The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) that will pay farmers for sustainable practices that will protect and enhance […]
Forestry graduate research bursary opens for applications
We are pleased to support this opportunity, thanks to James Jones and Sons Ltd and the Scottish Forestry Trust, for young forestry graduates in the UK to travel to Australia to share best practice between the two sectors. Recent BSc and MSc graduates of forestry are invited to apply for this annual bursary that will […]
Policy Roundup – December 2022
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news There has been a flurry of activity in the run-up to Christmas. Here is a brief run-down of some of our policy and engagement work over the last month. We submitted our […]
Institute announces successful ‘Emerging Leader Programme’ applicants
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce the successful applicants for their upcoming ‘Emerging Leader Programme’. Beginning in January 2023, the programme offers a fantastic opportunity for those who work and volunteer with trees to develop the skills necessary to ensure our trees, forests and woodlands are managed to effectively deliver against multiple […]
Policy Roundup – October 2022
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news We have been delighted to welcome Shona Smyth MICFor to the Institute team as our new Senior Technical Officer. Shona will be working with Jemima on the Institute’s policy positions, as well […]
Policy Roundup – September 2022
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news It has been a time of change at every level – within the Institute, in the sector, in the political landscape and in the monarchy. We have a new Prime Minister, a […]