Woodland Trust and Forestry News Update

Since the start of the year the Woodland Trust has achieved some major national successes in our role as the voice for woods and trees. But as always your support has played a major part in this. This special edition of our newsletter highlights how together we have made such a difference to woodland protection.
Planning to threaten your ancient woods and trees! Over 11,500 of you helped save the existing wording around protection of ancient trees and woods when the Government reduced over 1000 pages of planning policy to just 52. Thank you - it was an amazing achievement, yet still more needs to be done to remove the damaging loophole in the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This new document currently out for consultation will allow development 'if the need for and benefits of development in that location clearly outweigh the loss' basically, economics trumps environment. Read our blog and learn more about the Woodland Trust's views Loss of ancient woods and ancient trees is not acceptable. We want to help Government to achieve its goal of creating clear planning guidance by simply removing the loophole. We have had an emergency meeting with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) telling them of our concerns over their presumption in favour of sustainable development. They have asked us to suggest alternative wording. Take part in our quick poll - should the Government remove the loophole? Because you were so influential in getting the wording secured please back up our call to remove the loophole. If Government doesnt hear us en masse and as loudly as possible through its own channels, it could give them the excuse to disregard what's said. This is our only opportunity to secure and strengthen protection for ancient woods and trees in the planning system. Respond to the official consultation
What next for the Independent Forestry Panel? Over 4,000 Woodland Trust supporters did an amazing job in sharing with the Independent Forestry Panel their vision for the future of our woodland. Thank you so much for being the voice of woods and trees. The Panel received over 40,000 submissions in total, which they will now use to help create an interim report to Government about the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England. The report is due in November. As you would expect, we submitted our own distinctive viewpoint. You can read our official submission and what's next for the Independent Forestry Panel on our website.
High Speed 2 next stop your local ancient wood The Woodland Trust made sure that our voice was heard during the public consultation about the Government's proposed route plans for a high speed rail. In addition 6,500 of you signed our petition that helped shape our response. It's clear that our submission echoes many national concerns over the High Speed 2 (HS2) route. Our key points focussed on the high level of damage to 21 ancient woodlands along the route. The consultation may have closed but you can still have a voice. Our interactive map will show you the woods under threat. Let us know what you think about the plans. You can read our submission and use our interactive HS2 map via the campaigning section of our website.
Woods under Threat Oaken Wood exclusive! Quarrying continues to threaten ancient woodland in Kent. Permission was granted by Kent County Council to destroy 33 hectares of valuable wildlife habitat. But after 5,000 of you joined our campaign the case has been called in for a Public Inquiry by Eric Pickles - Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. This is fantastic news! Exclusive update: the Public Inquiry will start on 7 February 2012. The Woodland Trust will be a key player in the proceedings. We are preparing our case to reverse this damaging planning decision and to save this beautiful woodland in association with Kent Wildlife Trust and local action groups. Watch this space for more information. Read more about Oaken Wood
100,000th ancient tree discovered Just five years after the start of the Ancient Tree Hunt when the 200 year old Major Oak in Sherwood Forest become the first ancient tree recorded, we have now reached the 100,000 mark. A majestic beech tree located in the National Trust's Ashridge Forest in the Chilterns has taken the coveted position of 100,000th tree recorded on to the Ancient Tree Hunt website. It measures 5.6 m around the trunk and is estimated to be around 200 years old. Watch the 100,000th tree video Sadly due to proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework these breathtaking trees are not fully protected from developers. It is so important that we all take part in the consultation that will decide the future of these magnificent giants of nature. Take part in the official NPPF consultation - your voice makes the difference.
Links or pictures not working? View this email online This email was sent by the Woodland Trust (a charity registered in England & Wales 294344 and in Scotland SC038885). A non-profit making company limited by guarantee, registered in England (1982873) at its UK office in Kempton Way, Grantham NG31 6LL. Phone 01476 581111

Biomass Forestry Enews From Confor

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FC England reorganisation - Confor response

Like most parts of government, FC England has been subject to deep cuts to its budget. Following an internal review and staff consultation, a new structure is being developed within the timeframe of the current financial settlement, up to 2014/15. Read more...

  

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Renewable Energy Association launches 'Back Biomass' campaign and RSPB produces report A recently launched REA campaign and RSPB report address sustainable sourcing of biomass for renewable energy, but do not address issues of UK wood supply.  Read more...   Back to top

Confor's submission to the England forestry panel and new industry film While Confor’s chief executive, Stuart Goodall, sits on the independent forestry panel, he is not there formally as a representative of Confor.  Confor has responded to the consultation undertaken by the panel. Read more... Back to Top

Joint industry letter to Welsh minister Confor joined with other industry organisations to appeal to John Griffiths, Wales Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, for FC Wales to be excluded from a proposed merger with the Environment Agency and the Countryside Council for Wales, and for all matters forestry to be the responsibility of one minister. This letter accompanies continued direct lobbying by Confor of other ministers and politicians from all parties, as well as, a number of meetings with key officials. Stuart Goodall also provided evidence to the Office of Government Commerce, who undertook a review into the process surrounding the proposed merger. Read more... Back to Top

Confor briefs Scots farming journalists and secures seat on advisory group Confor organised an extremely successful visit by Scots farming journalists to the BSW/Howie sawmill and a local estate, whose forest is managed by Scottish Woodlands. The visit followed months of negative press around new tree-planting that was damaging the forestry sector. Farming journalists gained an appreciation of the forestry and wood-processing sector and took away a much more supportive attitude to appropriate woodland expansion. The success of the event could perhaps be best measured by the chief executive of NFU Scotland who commented ‘you must have played a blinder!’ Scottish Government has also established an advisory group to explore practical mechanisms for woodland expansion that includes Confor. The first meeting of the group was described as “frank and constructive” by its chairman, Andrew Barbour, a Confor member.  Read more... Back to top

Confor supports new service set to boost timber industry innovation Confor is supporting the Wood Products Innovation Gateway (WPIG), a £1.5m, three-year initiative to raise the value of the forest resource in Scotland. It aims to help Scottish small businesses to develop a whole range of new added-value, wood-based products, processes and construction systems from Scottish-grown timber.   Read more... Back to Top

P ramorum in larch in Derbyshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and west Scotland Meetings have been held in the new outbreak areas to inform and raise awareness of the implications. A group of organisations’ representatives from across northern England, including Confor, led by Neville Elstone of Cumbria Woodlands, has been set up to assist with communications, similar to those set up in other affected parts of the country. Read more...  Back to Top

Timber industry growth The UK timber industry (incorporating imported as well as domestic production) has experienced growth for the first time in three years, according to a new report by the Timber Trade Federation (TTF). But a sharp rise in running costs and subdued demand sees many companies continuing to struggle.  Read more... Back to Top

The Confor Oscars It’s so easy now for anyone to shoot a film and post it on the internet and Confor would like to encourage this in a bid to raise public awareness of the sector. We would like to build a library of films and footage that we can showcase and promote. So if you would like to go out and try your hand, or have already taken film of a large tree being felled, machines working, planting, woodland wildlife, conversations, or simply aspects of a day in your (forestry/woody) life, please share these with us, with a chance to win a great prize. Read more... Back to top

Gangmasters pilot GLA has launched its trial of a lighter touch to the forestry industry. The pilot, launched on 08 August 2011, is scheduled to run for 12 months and will: • test whether a lighter regulatory approach can be applied while still safeguarding vulnerable workers’ rights , and • explore if companies that require a licence are more or less likely to comply with the GLA’s licensing standards. Along with the pilot, the GLA has published two new briefs – one on the pilot and the other an update on how GLA sees licensing apply to forestry. http://gla.defra.gov.uk/ Back to Top

Woodland Carbon Code The Woodland Carbon Code launched in July, provides a consistent national approach, as well as clarity for potential investors. It is hoped that this will encourage businesses to buy the carbon in new woodland, thereby boosting woodland creation, confident that it has real value.  In addition, Defra has issued new government guidance on how organisations should measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions. Back to Top

Confor's APF 2012 - First exhibitor site meeting The first site meeting for exhibitors to choose their site for APF 2012 is 06 October 2011, at 2pm, at The Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5QQ. Confor members have priority and can meet at 11am.  Read more... Back to top

Biodiversity 2020 Biodiversity 2020 – a strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services was published by Defra in August. There are some good words about forestry, including: “We will bring a greater proportion of our existing woodlands into sustainable management and expand the area of woodland in England.” Download the strategy here  Back to Top

AOD research appeal and Plane disease; OPM Woodland Heritage is appealing for donation to fund further Forest Research work on acute oak decline. Read the letter here  Meanwhile in London, a worrying disease, Massaria (Splanchnonema platani), has been confirmed. Previously only found in Germany and Holland, it is attacking the capital's iconic plane trees (Platanus 'x' hispanica). And the expansion of oak processionary moth beyond London has also caused concern. Read more... Back to Top

Utility arb courses Two revised utility arboriculture courses are available from Lantra Awards for people working in proximity to electrical equipment for the purpose of maintaining or clearing trees and vegetation.  Read more... Back to top

Lantra's NOS consultation Tree professionals are urged to participate in the final on-line consultation, from 01 September to 08 November 2011, to review the roles, skills and job responsibilities required for people working with trees and timber, and for a chance to win a new chainsaw. Read more... Back to top

UKWAS update The revision of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) passed a key milestone in July when the UKWAS Steering Group concluded its final draft on schedule. This has been passed to FSC UK and PEFC UK who are seeking the standard’s endorsement through their international bodies. The objective is to achieve the necessary approvals prior to launching the UKWAS 3rd edition in November. Back to top

Second chance from woodfuel fund in Yorkshire Businesses have a second chance to apply for investment in woodfuel heating installations, boilers of 100kW or above. The investment comes from CO2Sense, the not-for-profit low carbon expert company.  CO2Sense has already invested around £200,000 in new biomass installations this year. With payments under the RHI now confirmed, using woodfuel for heat is an excellent alternative to traditional fuels. Investment from CO2Sense does not have to be repaid until the installation is earning payments and making cost savings. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2011. Contact Jan Phillips on 0113 237 8416 or jan.phillips@co2sense.co.uk To find out more, visit  www.co2sense.co.uk Back to top

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Confor Events

North England regional meeting, to be held jointly with RFS, at Dalton Estate, East Yorkshire, on 28 September 2011.  More details

Wales and Marches meeting in conjunction with Woodknowledge Wales and Forest Research: the first seminar in this second series on species choice will be held on 07 October 2011 at Brechfa Forest, Abergorlech, Carmarthenshire.  More details

Confor’s APF2012, is to be held at Ragley Estate, Warwickshire, 13-15 September 2012 

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