BA, LanzaJet and Nova Pangaea Technologies shortlisted for funding from ‘Green Fuels, Green Skies’ competition
British Airways, LanzaJet and Nova Pangaea Technologies have been shortlisted for funding from the UK’s Department of Transport’s Green Fuels, Green Skies (GFGS) competition to develop the UK’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility utilizing UK wood waste. The amount of waste wood processed in the UK increased by six per cent to 3.98 […]
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 […]
Revised National Planning Policy Framework launched – President’s comment
The National Planning Policy Framework was revised on 20 July 2021 and sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. This revised Framework replaces the previous National Planning Policy Framework published in March 2012, revised in July 2018 and updated in February 2019. Commenting on the revised […]
Report published on alternative conifer tree species in Great Britain
Given the pressure for the diversification of species used in commercial conifer plantations due to pests and pathogens and climate-associated risks, Woodknowledge Wales and Bangor University have published a report that identifies the top five alternatives that are suitable to meet timber utilisation demands of the forestry sector in Great Britain. The report was commissioned […]
Opportunities to represent the Institute – certification and tree health
We are looking for Chartered members to take up two representative roles on sector groups and committees in certification and tree health. You would be a crucial touch point between Institute staff, Council and members and help shape the Institute’s activities in these areas. Please refer to the ICF Representative brief for a general overview, […]
New software helps cities plant trees to improve air quality
Despite common misconceptions, street trees do not remove pollution from the atmosphere, but instead redistribute pollution by changing air currents within streets and beside open roads. The positioning and amount of planting on a certain street, but also the layout and orientation of that street, are critical to its impacts on local air quality. Researchers […]
Update to the Agricultural Transition Plan in England and Institute response
On 30 June 2021, the Secretary of State has announced the next stage of Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs) development and Defra have published a progress update that sets out the changes: gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-transition-plan-june-2021-progress-update Outline plans As outlined in the Agricultural Transition Plan in November 2020, ELMs comprises three schemes: Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), aimed at farmers […]
ICF Executive Director gives evidence at EFRA Select Committee meeting
On 16 June 2021, Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor gave evidence to an EFRA Select Committee concerning tree planting, woodlands and what is needed to meet government targets. Shireen’s main points addressed the importance of cross-government coordination in meeting the aspirations of the England Trees Action Plan, the potential for well-designed and managed woodlands to meet […]
Welcome to two new Institute Representatives
In May we appointed two new Institute Representatives – Sonia Lorenzo Martín MICFor on the England Woodland Biodiversity Group and Robert South MICFor on the Woodland Carbon Code Advisory Board. In a year when there is rightly so much attention on carbon and biodiversity, Sonia and Robert will be taking forward important work and getting the voice […]
Forestry workforce research – skills survey
Lantra, with the support of the Forestry Commission, Natural Resources Wales, the Welsh Government and Confor, have commissioned a study to review the level of skills and training at this pivotal moment within forestry. As the government commits to higher levels of new planting and markets for timber increase, it is vital that we understand […]