Support for Forestry Businesses from FC England
Support for Forestry Businesses from FC England Forestry Commission England are promoting free support forestry businesses in relation to new grants within the new Rural Development Programme, set to start in 2015. Details of future schemes are yet to be decided or announced but if arrangements are similar to the last programme, those areas that […]
Forests, Food Security and Nutrition
Forests, Food Security and Nutrition The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has published a factsheet on the links between ‘Forests, Food Security and Nutrition,’ in the context of a growing global population and rising demand for food. The publication notes that while agricultural expansion continues to be a major driver of deforestation, forests provide […]
Resilience and Sitka Spruce Mixtures Studies
Resilience and Sitka Spruce Mixtures Studies Dr Scott Wilson MICFor, Consultant Forester and Forest Ecologist, is conducting two studies outlined below. He is requesting information from members and readers in relation to the projects. In both cases, responses are preferred by the end of August. Project: Re-evaluating rotational or “insurance” upland Sitka spruce mixtures Subject: […]
Welsh Government Nature Fund
Welsh Government Nature Fund Last year Alun Davies, the Minister for Natural Resources & Food, announced a £6m Nature Fund to help tackle the continued decline in biodiversity across Wales as highlighted by the State of Nature Report. Through his Written Statement on 14 May the Minister set out the key activities in which he […]
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Report
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Report The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Report to Parliament 2011 – 2013 has been published. It contains details of the progress being made in taking forward the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy from 2011 to 2013 and information on the trends demonstrated by a series of biodiversity state and people engagement indicators. This is the […]
Urban Tree Pit Comparative Study
Urban Tree Pit Comparative Study The University of Greenwich are conducting an urban tree study to investigate different tree pit systems currently available in the marketplace, which provide suitable root volumes for the long-term success of trees in hard landscapes. During the last two weeks of July, twelve tree pits were excavated and GreenBlue Urban’s […]
‘The risk of taking shortcuts’ – AA
‘The risk of taking shortcuts’ – AA The Arboricultural Association (AA) has issued a statement following a Coronor’s report on the death of a motorist caused by a falling branch of roadside tree. Mr Warren was killed when a branch from a mature oak fell on to his car on the A332 near Ascot racecourse […]
NBN Reports 100 Millionth Wildlife Record
NBN Records 100 Millionth Wildlife Entry The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) has announced its 100 millionth record, making it one of the world’s largest wildlife databases. The 100 millionth species record is Adalia bipunctata (2-spot ladybird) and was part of a dataset of more than 17,000 records from the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire. […]
SSSI Status for Two London Parks
Natural England have designated two London parks as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Bushy Park and Home Park in the London Borough of Richmond have been considered to be of special interest for their exceptionally large population of ancient and veteran trees, extensive areas of semi-natural lowland dry acid grassland, and internationally significant populations of […]
Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery
Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery The Trees and Design Action Group have published Trees in Hard Landscapes: A Guide for Delivery. It explores the practical challenges and solutions for integrating trees in 21st century streets, civic spaces and surface car parks, detailing the process, design and technical options. To produce this new […]