Phytophthora pluvialis reported in Cornwall
The fungus-like pathogen, Phytophthora pluvialis, was first discovered in Oregon, USA in 2013. It is associated with a variety of species, having been known to affect western hemlock, tanoak, pine and Douglas-fir trees. In September 2021, the pathogen was found in Cornwall where it was affecting mature western hemlock and Douglas-fir trees. Phytophthora pluvialis is […]
Forestry skills crisis puts climate targets at risk
On Thursday 7 October we sent a 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. Read the executive summary below or download the full document. We have asked governments to commit to action and offered solutions; we […]
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 […]
Scottish Forestry Trust announces new Trustees
The Scottish Forestry Trust recently announced the appointment of four new Trustees, including two Chartered members of the Institute, who will take up their posts on 1st January 2022. Established in 1983, the Trust is a registered charity and has a remit to provide private sector funds to support research and education throughout the British […]
Defra announce Tree Health pilot
Announced on 31 August, the Government’s Tree Health pilot will support action against pests and diseases in ash, sweet chestnut, larch and spruce trees in England. The findings from the three-year pilot scheme, delivered by the Forestry Commission, will help develop the future Tree Health scheme that is due to launch in 2024. Defra are […]
Celebrating Scotland’s Finest Woods
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards’ organisers are advising anyone interested in forestry, woods and related projects in Scotland that the usual limit to the number of people attending the ceremony does not apply to this year’s online event. Normally, the popular awards are held at the Royal Highland Show and numbers have to be limited due to space […]
The Big Black Country i-Tree Project
The Black Country, an area within the West Midlands, has decided to focus on its green infrastructure, by taking a detailed look at the structure and composition of its urban forest. The study will provide valuable information about the trees that grow there: which species are resident, how sustainable the trees are, and what they […]
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 […]
Successful Green Recovery Challenge Fund projects announced
With £80 million available for nature conservation, recovery and nature-based solutions, the Green Recovery Challenge Fund will see the establishment of almost one million trees in England, supporting 2,500 jobs. Following on from the first round in December 2020, a further 90 projects have been successful in the second round, with grants ranging from £68,100 […]
ICF Executive Director joins National Stakeholder Group
On 28 July 2021, Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor joined a meeting with the new Scotland environment minister Mairi McAllan and a wide range of stakeholders to discuss how best to meet Scottish Government’s ambitions for forestry. It was a hugely positive and collaborative meeting and a chance for the new minister to meet senior players […]