Research shows benefits of woodlands for mental health
In a new study published by Forest Research, the link between mental health and woodlands has been explored. The pandemic proved the importance of local access to trees, woods, forests and other natural environments to maintain well being. This study found that the estimated value of woodlands on mental health in the UK was £185 million, […]
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 […]
Policy Roundup – October 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 In early October we published a position paper on the skills crisis in forestry which needs urgent action. We sent it to ministers across […]
Forest Research publish 2021 statistics on the sector
According to Forest Research’s Forestry Facts & Figures 2021 report, the total woodland area in the UK has increased by 23,000 hectares since 2020. The publication includes UK statistics on woodland cover, timber and wood products, imports and exports, economics, employment, woodland visits, international comparisons and the environment. Woodland area in the UK is […]
Policy Roundup – September 2021
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute News Consultation Responses It has been a busy month for policy at the Institute. We published responses to the UKFS review key stakeholder consultation, Scottish Government’s consultation on Delivering Economic Transformation and DAERA’s […]
Policy Roundup – August 2021
Our monthly policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute News EWCO In late July, we held an event hosted by the Forestry Commission on the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO). There was excellent engagement from members who asked some probing questions. Forestry […]
UK Research and Innovation to fund research on how trees can help reach net zero
The UK Research and Innovation public body have announced £10.5 million of funding to support research on the value of trees to people and the planet, and expanding treescapes across the UK. Six projects have been awarded funding to develop new tools and approaches for how trees and woodlands can adapt to climate change. The […]
IPCC publish report on impacts of 1.5 °C global warming
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, providing regular scientific assessments, implications and potential future risks, as well as putting forward adaptation and mitigation options. Published only a few months ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, the special report, Global Warming of 1.5 […]
Strong public support for forestry in Scotland
Forest Research recently conducted the Public Opinion of Forestry 2021 in Scotland survey which found that the general public have strong support for forestry and recognise its role in delivering a range of environmental, economic and social benefits. Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes and the Scottish Government have ambitious plans to increase tree […]
Policy Roundup – July 2021
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 saw the first in-person meeting of the Institute team in Edinburgh which included a visit to a Forestry and Land Scotland harvesting site and some swinging through the trees at […]