Workshops to address Key Updates and Recommendations in the 2017 UKFS Review
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) has partnered with Forestry Commission England (FCE) to deliver a UKFS Principles – Plans into Practice workshop, at a series of locations across England this November. This workshop will update practitioners, with particular focus on developing operational plans, helping to ensure they meet UKFS on the ground. In addition, […]
The Institute welcomes a ‘Growing Forestry Industry’ in Scotland’s Programme for Government
The First Minister (FM), Nicola Sturgeon, highlights forestry in a statement setting out Scotland’s 2017-18 Programme for Government. Sturgeon states Scotland’s forests and woodlands provide around £1 billion in GVA annually to the economy, supports approximately 25,000 jobs and helps to meet climate change targets. The FM emphasises that to meet the current annual target […]
New Tree Charter to Launch at Lincoln Castle
A new start for woods and trees On 6th November 2017 the new Charter for Trees, Woods and People – Tree Charter for short – will be formally launched at Lincoln Castle. Two years in the making, rooted in more than 60,000 stories from people across the UK about the trees and woods in their […]
International meeting of Professional Forestry Bodies
Shireen Chambers FICFor, ICF Executive Director, reports on a meeting she attended in Australia of professional forestry associations. Cairns, Australia August 2017. Last month took me to Queensland, Australia for a meeting of professional forestry associations. Cairns in August (winter in Australia) was a lot more like summer than the real one in Edinburgh and […]
Farming groups given £1.7 million to boost the environment
A fund opens on 1 September for groups of farmers and organisations to bid for cash for large scale environmental projects in their area. The third round of the Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund is open for applications from 1 September to 14 November 2017. The fund encourages landowners to think beyond their own fields, meadows and […]
Forestry collaboration success
Public and private forestry collaboration in the Highlands is laying the foundations for economic opportunity says Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing. Speaking at a visit to the Norbord plant in Dalcross (Friday 25 Aug), Mr Ewing praised the part that HIE, Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) played in giving Norbord the […]
August Update: Mackinnon Review
A review of forestry planting approval procedures was undertaken in Scotland last year by Jim Mackinnon CBE. The review aims to reduce the complexity, duration and cost of tree planting applications. Mackinnon Review – Comms Lines for Delivery Reference Group Background At the Delivery Reference Group meeting (DRG) on Friday 16th June it was agreed […]
Winners of the ICF Trophy at 2017 The Royal Welsh Show
For Best Professional Woodland Management in the Show At the 2017 Royal Welsh Show, John Ferguson MICFor was winner of this splendid trophy, for their management work on Rhyd-y-Felin, 475 hectares of commercial plantation owned by the FIM Forest Fund, and located near Bala. It was planted in the 1970’s, largely unthinned with 190 hectares […]
ICF Student Awards Showcases Rising Stars in the Sector
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) has delivered a number of distinguished student awards over the summer months, building valuable connections between the industry and the UK’s rising forestry and arboricultural talent. The 2017 ICF Student Awards were presented at graduations across the UK during June and July, by ICF representatives, recognising academic achievement in […]
Views needed for future of Tweed Valley forests
Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) is seeking views from stakeholders and members of the public on the future management of the seven key forests that make up the Tweed Valley Forest Park. The feedback will help form the new Land Management Plan for the Park which lays the foundations on how the forests and woodlands will […]