What is the future of forestry regulation in England?
On Wednesday 20 April the Institute facilitated a cross-sector discussion with a range of leading organisations on proposals set out in the Nature Recovery Green Paper that potentially spell major changes to forestry regulation in England. The group discussed challenges with the process for Environmental Impact Assessments, permanency of woodland, and proposals in the paper […]
Key strategic achievements from 2019-2021
Promoting Professionalism A lot has changed since the Institute published its three-year strategic plan, Promoting Professionalism, in 2019. The forestry and arboriculture sector has bounced back from COVID-19-related challenges and tree professionals are now busier than ever with climate targets to reach. We have quickly adapted to the changing environment and continued with our work to […]
New government strategy for education increases support for green careers
Announced by the Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi on 21 April, the Department for Education has launched a new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy that includes plans to increase learning on green skills and careers for young people, with the introduction of a new Natural History GCSE. With the introduction of at least one sustainability lead […]
Institute Member Services Director joins SFW Board
Scotland’s Finest Woods has announced the appointment of three experienced members of the forestry community to its Board of Trustees, including the Institute’s Member Services Director, Dr Stuart Glen. Stuart has worked in the third sector for more than 20 years for a number of charities, including the Scottish Wildlife Trust. He is also currently […]
Policy Roundup – March 2022
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute News Several Institute staff attended the Confor dinner and awards this month which was a lovely opportunity to meet members in person. There have also been two reports published this month that the […]
Initial tree felling fatality notification
We regret to tell you of another fatality in the forestry and arboriculture sector in mid March. A worker in North East England was struck by a tree and killed when felling a tree with a chainsaw. There are significant risks in our sector that all members must be both aware of and appropriately trained […]
EFRA Committee report notes skills shortage risks to tree planting agenda
A worrying report by the EFRA Committee on the tree planting agenda in England recognises the skills crisis as a key barrier to success, quoting evidence put forward by the Institute. Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor was invited to give evidence at the inquiry in 2021, raising multiple challenges in skills and training for the sector […]
Help shape the new National Forest for Wales
The Welsh Government’s plans to create a National Forest for Wales aims to form a connected network of woodlands throughout the country bringing social, economic and environmental benefits. An online interactive map has just been launched to understand where the public would like to see more trees planted by dropping a pin on the area. […]
Message from the Executive Director – Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor
I’m writing to let you know that after 15 years in post as Executive Director of the Institute, I feel it’s time to move on. I will be leaving the Institute at the end of June 2022. We are just about to embark on a new five-year strategy in a time of unprecedented political support […]
Woodland Creation Planning scheme in Wales opens
The Welsh Government’s new Woodland Creation Planning scheme opened today and offers grants between £1,000 and £5,000 to develop plans for woodland creation. Based on the pilot scheme in 2021, successful applications will be selected every six weeks with funding available from August. There is currently £500,000 available for claims submitted by 31 March 2023. […]