FISA Storm Arwen guidance
Following the recent damage inflicted on trees and woodlands across the UK by Storm Arwen, the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) have recently issued guidance on how to safely manage windblow and its aftermath: FISA recognise that Storm Arwen has produced a myriad of new areas of storm damaged trees, windblow, potentially weakened standing and […]
Phytophthora pluvialis found in Scotland
After it was first discovered in the UK in 2021 in South East England on western hemlock and Douglas fir, the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora pluvialis has more recently been found in Cumbria in England and now near Loch Carron in Scotland. The symptoms include needle cast (where needles turn brown and fall off), shoot dieback, and […]
Institute highlights of 2021
Despite the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic, the Institute has had another remarkable year. We have picked out some of this year’s highlights: 122 new members joined in 2021 1960 members and growing 42 applications for chartered status Embracing the digital space We continued to support members’ Continuous Professional Development through online learning opportunities. […]
Institute skills paper engaged with by all four UK governments
Last month, we sent our position paper on the forestry skills crisis to leaders across the country. The paper cited projected workforce shortages, a crisis in further and higher education and the lack of awareness of careers with trees. We stressed the urgent need for action and offered solutions to address the issues that will […]
DAERA Minister responds to skills paper
We have received another response on the back of our position paper on the skills crisis. Edwin Poots MLA, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister in Northern Ireland, has sent a letter of support to our Executive Director, Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor, and has requested a meeting to discuss how we can work together to […]
Policy Roundup – November 2021
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute News Our Position Paper on the Forestry Skills Shortage Last month we launched a campaign on the forestry skills crisis that was covered in October’s Policy Roundup. We want to keep the momentum […]
Scottish Environment Minister responds to skills position paper
We are pleased to have received another response to our position paper, Can’t See the Skills for the Trees, this time from Scotland’s Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform, Màiri McAllan. The Insitute’s Executive Director, Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor, and Senior Policy Manager, Jemima Cooper, had a collaborative meeting with Ms McAllan on 16 […]
New Environment Act passed into law
According to Defra, the UK’s new environmental legislation leads the way on a global level, aiming to improve air and water quality, tackle waste, increase recycling, halt the decline of species, and improve our natural environment. Specifically, the Environment Act will deliver: Long-term targets to improve air quality, biodiversity, water, and waste reduction and resource […]
Secretary of State for Skills responds to Institute position paper
Our position paper on the serious skills shortage in our sector has received another response from the UK Government. Alex Burghart MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills, from the Department for Education has replied in writing to the Institute’s Executive Director, Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor, detailing the department’s ongoing efforts and investment in […]
Forestry Minister responds to Institute’s skills position paper
In early October, we sent this position paper to Ministers across the UK detailing our serious concerns about the skills shortage in our sector, which we believe puts climate targets at risk. The paper cited projected workforce shortages, a crisis in further and higher education, lack of awareness of careers with trees – essentially, a […]