Fund4Trees welcomes new Research Coordinator
Fund for Trees (F4T), a charity promoting sustainable treescapes, has welcomed Dr Madalena Vaz-Monteiro as its new Research Coordinator. Dr Vaz-Monteiro is an urban forest scientist at Forest Research with expertise in urban forestry, horticulture, and landscape architecture. She joins F4T to liaise with those seeking research grants. By acting as a bridge between F4T, its Research Advisory Committee (RAC), […]
Emergency tree work must be handled by experienced professionals
Extreme weather conditions have caused problems across the country recently, with many communities living with the aftereffects of Storm Dudley, Storm Eunice and Storm Franklin. Fallen trees and branches are again causing a lot of disruption. As a member of the HSE’s Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG), we want to stress again to members […]
Institute members accompany Minister for Environment on site visit
Màiri McAllan, Minister for Environment, has seen at first hand the multiple benefits of large-scale tree planting for the country’s economy and environment. Ms McAllan visited the Knowes & Keltie site near Dunning, Perthshire, where a 450 hectare (ha) site has been planted over the last two years. The site in the Ochils has made […]
CPD Survey 2021 – Results
As the professional body for the forestry sector it’s vital that we understand the development needs of our members. Continuing Professional Development is more important than ever as growing pressure is put on our sector by the dual climate and nature crisis and the ongoing skills shortage. In autumn 2021 we asked all Institute members […]
Policy Roundup – February 2022
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute News This month the Institute brought together a group of 20 senior practitioners and leads in organisations across the sector to discuss environmental land management and agricultural transition in England. It is rare […]
Lead Ammunition and the UKWAS Standard…A Response
Following Richard White MICFor’s thoughts on the proposed ban on lead-based ammunition in UKWAS certified woods, Jonathan Spencer MBE, formerly Head of Environment for Forest England and a Member of the UKWAS Revision Working Group, responds… Lead has long been known to be a very toxic metal and recreational shooting and game management remain the last […]
Lead Ammunition and the UKWAS Standard…Opinion
In response to the proposed ban on lead-based ammunition in UKWAS certified woods, Richard White MICFor contacted the Institute to outline his views on the matter. I am very concerned about the proposed ban on lead-based ammunition in UKWAS certified woods. I do not believe this proposal is based on good science. My understanding is that […]
UK Forestry Learning Space / Initiative survey
Recognition of the ongoing forestry skills shortages and growth of the wider industry due to climate change and the green economy has created impetus for exploration of a new forestry learning space across the UK. Such a space would seek to address recruitment and education needs, coordinate resources, as well as raising awareness of the […]
Worker killed felling tree
We regret to let members know of another fatality in our industry. Last week in Shropshire, a worker was crushed and killed when felling a tree. Being struck by a tree, or branches, when undertaking tree work is the most regular cause of death and major injury in forestry, arboriculture and other land-based industries. Tree work […]
Two major forestry funds to reopen
The Forestry Commission has announced that it will reopen two major grant schemes in early 2022. Woods into Management (WiM) Forestry Innovation Funds With an increased demand for wood and increased levels of woodland management, this fund will support new and innovative ideas that will ultimately help improve the ecological condition of woodlands and their […]