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 […]

Institute leads discussion on agricultural transition

On Wednesday 2 February the Institute brought together 20 senior practitioners and experts from across the sector to discuss the government’s plans for Environmental Land Management (ELM) and Agricultural Transition in England. This was based on the group we convened to produce an ELM position paper in 2019 and sector response to the 2020 consultation. […]

Scotland’s Finest Woods seek trio of Trustees

Do you believe Scotland’s finest woods should be celebrated? Can you spare 2–4 days a year for a rewarding governance role? If so, Scotland’s Finest Woods would love to hear from you! As trees and forests become increasingly important in addressing the challenges of sustainability, climate change, nature and people, Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards celebrate exemplary woodlands and […]

Institute awards two Honorary Fellowships

 We are delighted to appoint Tony Kirkham MBE and Sue James AA Dipl RIBA as Honorary Fellows in recognition of their service to the advancement of arboricultural knowledge. Before retiring in 2021, Tony Kirkham MBE had a distinguished 43-year career as Head of Arboretum, Gardens and Horticultural Services at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where […]

ICF President chairs webinar on urban reforestation

The Institute of Chartered Foresters President, Sharon Durdant-Hollamby FICFor, chaired the Landscape Institute’s recent webinar on urban reforestation as an effective tool against climate change. Sharon commented, “I was so pleased to see over 330 delegates attend this important topic of how planting trees in urban areas is proven to locally mitigate climate change. Howard […]

Forest Research publishes Resilient Implementation Framework

Forest Research have published a Resilience Implementation Framework to provide a structured way to think about resilience and identify management actions. The Resilience Implementation Framework provides a way to achieve a common understanding and identify potential actions for a specific set of circumstances. It is designed to be applicable in different contexts by providing a step […]