News


 

Headlines:

(Click on the headline to go to the article)

 

If the article you are looking for is not here try the News Archive.

News

a)        New forestry delegation in SRDP approved

b)        Galloway Wood Festival

c)        SRDP Updates

d)        Bank of England Report - August

e)        Tree Aid on the BBC website

f)          Pine-tree lappet moth found in Scottish forests

g)        North Sutherland community building makes good with wood

h)        Opportunities for developing hydro-electric schemes on the National Forest Estate

i)          Leading the way for the next generation of foresters

j)          Connect Scotland - Investment opportunity

                

Meetings

a)        Biomass for Business Seminars

b)        Scotland Forest Industries Cluster – Woodfuel - Mid Scotland meeting

c)        Continuous Cover Forestry Group

d)        Changing Nature of Scotland Conference – SNH/Scottish Government  

e)        Woodfuel Technology Seminar

f)          Scots Pine Timber Quality in North Scotland

g)        Forest Research meetings  - Events in Scotland

                

Consultations

a)       Japanese Knotweed Control by Aphalara itadori - Respond by 19 October 2009

b)       Carbon Change Code of Practice ConsultationRespond by 14th September 2009

c)       High HedgesRespond by Friday 13 November 2009

                

 

 

Scottish Government News Release

 

 

 

August 14, 2009

 

SRDP IMPROVEMENTS FOR FORESTRY

 

A new opportunity for forestry projects to take advantage of substantial funding from the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) has been announced today.

 

Forestry proposals within Rural Priorities will now be assessed on an ongoing basis rather than only being examined at the assessment centres (RPACs) which are scheduled to take place three times annually.

 

The new measure will apply only to cases deemed as being non-contentious and the same level of rigorous assessment will apply.

 

The announcement follows recommendations of both the review of SRDP by Peter Cook and the Confor report (“Recommendations for changes to the systems and operations of SRDP – A Forestry Perspective” December 2008)

 

Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham said:

 

“For Rural Priorities, the forestry options are unique in that they have not yet galvanised the sector into producing large amounts of good quality bids for the funding available.

 

“As a consequence, there is a large amount of uncommitted budget for forestry for all future claim years up to the end of the Programme period.

 

“We have seen some excellent proposals for forestry come forward and be part of the £124 million already approved for Rural Priorities projects.

 

“I hope that today’s move, which will allow our foresters increased seasonal flexibility with planting schedules, will also offer further encouragement to the sector to take advantage of what’s available under Rural Priorities, and contribute to Scotland’s climate change targets.”

 

NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS

 

1.         Cases which will go through the ongoing approval process meet the following criteria; 

 

·         Proposals which exclusively contain Forestry Options (i.e. Woodland Creation, Woodland Improvement Grant and Sustainable Management of Forests) that are mapped to Regional Priorities which are included under the “forestry” budget heading (i.e. 14, 21 and 23)

·         Committed proposals with a total payment value across all claim years of £250K or less (including annual recurring payments)

·         Proposals containing Regional Priorities which have achieved the threshold scoring set by the National Committee.

 

2.         The first stage review of SRDP by Peter Cook can be found at:

 

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/SRDPReviews/FirstStageReview

 

3.                                                           The McRobbie report can be found at:

 

www.confor.org.uk/Upload/Documents/24_ConForSRDPReviewReport161208.pdf

 

4.         Updated guidance for forestry approvals can be found here:

 

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities

 

5.         All cases currently in the system are being considered for this route and that from 31 August onwards Forestry Commission Scotland will start to approve funding for individual proposals which meet the eligibility criteria for ongoing approval.

 

Contact: Stuart Lewis: 0131 244 2625

 

All changes to SRDP can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/GuidanceUpdates

 

14 AUGUST 2009 NEWS RELEASE No: 12758

 

Wood you believe it!

Kirroughtree Visitor Centre is to be the venue for a bumper packed festival to celebrate the world of wood.

On Sunday 30th August, Forestry Commission Scotland will host the popular Galloway Wood Festival event at Kirroughtree with a wide range of activities for visitors and families.

 

Wood and chainsaw carving, puppet shows, archery, falconry displays and big forestry machines are just some of the activities on display. Also joining in will be police dog demonstrations, dog agility and the fire brigade will be showing off their engines.

Lucy Hadley, Forestry Commission Scotland’s recreation ranger for the Galloway area said:

 

“Our forests and woodlands are great gathering points for local people and  tourists visiting the area for the first time.

“This event is always very popular with families as there’s so many different things for the kids to see and do. The visitor centre is a great place to host the event and many families take the opportunity to stretch the legs on a woodland walk or cycle ride whilst they are there.”

 

The event takes place at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre from 10am to 4pm. Costs: adult £4, child £2.50, conc £3.50 and a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is £10.  For more information log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark or call 01671 402 420.

 

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S.R.D.P. Updates

 

Updates which have been made to the guidance published online for Rural Priorities can be viewed by clicking on Guidance Updates from the left hand menu.

All significant updates and additions to the online guidance are also listed below:

13 August 2009

The following 3 capital items have been added to the Capital Item list eligible under the option: 'Woodland Improvement Grant - Woodland Habitats and Species':

1. Removal of tree crop to waste 3m-6m high;

2. Woodland Clearance benefiting raised bog/blanket bog - felling to waste;

3. Woodland Clearance benefiting raised bog/blanket bog - felling and extraction

 

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The latest Bank of England Inflation Report is available at:

http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/inflationreport/ir09augo.pdf.

 

Tony Strachan

Agent for Scotland

 

We would also like to remind you that Tony Strachan, the Bank of England’s Agent for Scotland, will be giving a briefing on the Bank's August Inflation Report (published on 12 August), which sets out the Bank’s views on the economy and the prospects for inflation over the next two years.

 

The briefing will take place at The Green House, Beechwood Business Park North, Inverness, IV2 3BL on Thursday 20 August 2009 from 8.00am. If you would like to attend this event please reply to the Bank's Agency for Scotland by emailing scotland@bankofengland.co.uk or phone 0141 221 7972.

 

8.00am - 8.30am registration and buffet breakfast

8.30am presentation followed by Q&A finishing no later than 9.30am.

 

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TREE AID:

We thought you would like to see an article written by TREE AID which is featured on the BBC website.

The article makes the case for policy makers to recognise the important role trees play in providing emergency food aid, rather than short-term solutions.

And judging by the response, people seem to agree.

You can get to the article via the link on the home page of our website:

www.treeaid.org.uk

Please also forward this email to anyone you think might be interested.

Thanks very much

Lynne

 

Lynne Knight

Supporter Fundraising Assistant

TREE AID

Brunswick Court

Brunswick Square

Bristol

BS2 8ZZ

Direct Line: 0117 9166 437

email: lynne.knight@treeaid.org.uk

Website: www.treeaid.org.uk

TREE AID supports communities in rural Africa to fight poverty, become self reliant and improve their environment, using trees.

 

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23 JULY 2009 NEWS RELEASE No: 12702

 

Pine-tree lappet moth found in Scottish forests

Forestry chiefs and moth experts are working to determine the status of the pine-tree lappet moth following the discovery of a number of them in Scottish woodlands. 

The species had not previously been recorded in Scotland, so it might be a previously overlooked resident, or a recent arrival.

Forestry Commission investigators and amateur moth recorders have discovered about 100 of the moths in five woodlands west of Inverness in recent weeks, including Forestry Commission Scotland's Boblainy Forest. The investigations were prompted by the discovery of a small number in the area last year, following discoveries of one in 2004 and two in 2007, which were not reported to the Commission at the time. Only males have been found so far.

The pine-tree lappet (Dendrolimus pini) is a native of Europe, Russia and Asia, where the caterpillars feed primarily on Scots pine needles. The moth was previously only known in Great Britain from a handful of sightings of individual males in southern England, which are believed to have been migrants from Europe.

The Commission is concerned that it could become a pest in this country. Its populations can increase significantly in parts of its range in Europe, usually after the occurrence of certain environmental factors, in particular very hot summers and dry winters. These periodic outbreaks can leave large areas of pine woodland stripped of foliage as the caterpillars feed on the needles. Many of the trees can die during severe outbreaks because the defoliated trees become susceptible to diseases, bark beetles and wood-boring insects as a consequence.

Roddie Burgess, head of the Commission's Plant Health Service, explained,

"We are carrying out urgent research to determine whether there is a breeding population and, if so, how long it might have been there.

"If there is an established population, we need to consider early action to prevent this species spreading further afield and potentially causing serious damage to our woodland environment and forest industries.

“We have not yet been able to determine the source of the moths, but different scenarios are being investigated. It is possible that they were brought in on imported pine trees, or in association with wood products or wood packaging. However, the localised nature of the finds so far suggests this is improbable. 

"Accidental or deliberate release is another avenue that is always looked at in situations like this, and cannot be ruled out.”

Whether native or not, Butterfly Conservation Scotland (BCS) believes there is a possibility that the species will not be troublesome in Scotland. Dr Tom Prescott, species conservation officer, explained,

“We believe that the evidence indicates that pine-tree lappet is very unlikely to become a pest species in Scotland, primarily due to our oceanic climate and consequent wet winters and cool, wet summers.

"The species might already have been present as a breeding population for at least five years, and no damage has been seen or reported and no caterpillars have been found. It also has several natural enemies, including bats, birds, ants, fungi and parasitic flies and wasps.

"The moth has been discovered in a very under-recorded part of Scotland, where very little moth recording has taken place. It is, therefore, possible that it might be an overlooked resident species.”

The Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage and Butterfly Conservation are working together to investigate the source and monitor the sites to determine the size, extent and status of the population in the Inverness area. The partners are also exploring how populations of the moth might develop in Scotland's changing climate, and will continue to discuss proposed actions based on these findings and climate predictions.

Anyone who thinks they have seen a pine-tree lappet should contact Forestry Commission Scotland, by email to fcscotland@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or by telephone to 0131 314 6156, giving as precise a description of the location as possible - an Ordnance Survey grid reference is ideal.

Further information about the pine-tree lappet, including frequently asked questions, is available from the plant health pages of the Forestry Commission's website, www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth.

Notes:

1.       Pine-tree lappet is a large moth: the males have a a wingspan of about 60mm (2.5 inches), while the females are larger at 80mm (3.2 inches). Males are a greyish or reddish brown with a white central spot in the middle of the wing with a jagged-edged band across the wing.

2.       Outbreaks of pine-tree lappet occur in parts of Europe. In years of peak activity they can result in seriously reduced tree growth, tree decline and tree deaths, especially because trees defoliated by this species become susceptible to other risks such as diseases, bark beetles and wood-boring insects as a consequence.

3.       Pine-tree lappet has many natural predators on the Continent. Bats feed on the adults, and birds are known to feed on all stages. Ants and parasitic flies and wasps feed on the caterpillars, and pathogenic fungi attack the caterpillars during their hibernation.

4.       Pine-tree lappet's preferred host is Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). However, it is also known to feed on other conifer species, including Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), larch (Larix spp.) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). All of these species are grown commercially in Scotland.

 

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6 AUGUST 2009 NEWS RELEASE No: 12725

 

North Sutherland community building makes good with wood

Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham, visited the far north of Scotland today (Thursday 6 August) to open a new community complex that champions the innovative and sustainable use of timber in construction.

The two building complex is modelled on an innovative log-cabin design where each log is hand scribed and grooves and notches cut into the lower surface of each log so that it fits tightly with the log below.

A joint venture between Forestry Commission Scotland and The North Sutherland Community Forestry Trust (NSCFT), the complex serves as a multi-purpose office, store and workshop for local Commission staff, and provides the Trust with an office, a meeting room and a community meeting space.

Speaking at the official opening, Ms Cunningham said;

“This is a brilliant example of the appeal and the practicality of using sustainable timber in construction. This new community building – cost effective to build and cost efficient to run - is as carbon lean, low-emission and environmentally sound as it is possible to get.

“The technique may have been brought in from overseas but the materials and the craftsmen – not to mention the enthusiasm for the project - have all been locally sourced.

“This is a fantastic resource for the Commission and for North Sutherland and I hope that their success is mirrored across the country.”

Designed and constructed by Embo man, Alan Mackintosh, who specialises in the construction of log scribe buildings, the Borgie complex consists of 110 trees - all of which were locally sourced and de-barked, processed and assembled on site.

A turfed roof offers additional insulation and both buildings are heated using wood burning stoves.

Sandy Murray, for NSCFT said

“We are really pleased to have been involved in this project and to see this come to fruition.

“Being built solely of timber gives the complex a very welcoming, homely feel but using such a versatile and sustainable resource in this innovative and ingenious way has provided us with an eco-friendly building that will last for many years.”

For more information about how the Commission supports and promotes the sustainable use of timber in construction, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/sustainableconstruction

 

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Opportunities for developing hydro-electric schemes on the National Forest Estate

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is inviting interested parties to help develop the potential for run-of-river hydro-electric schemes at locations across the National Forest Estate (NFE) in Scotland.

We are asking for initial expressions of interest from potential developers wishing to be considered for developing hydro-power schemes on the NFE. 

Responses are invited from organisations with experience in hydro development and/or operation that are interested in assessing and developing the potential in one or more parts of the NFE. Scotland has been divided into three areas; these areas are known as the Lots and are described in the briefing paper below.  

Joint responses from more than one company will be welcome, as it is important for developers to have the capacity to take forward the full range and number of available sites.

Development Opportunity Briefing Paper

Full details of the development opportunity are provided in the briefing paper:

Process for registering interest

  1. Email: contactREBU@forestry.gsi.gov.uk, providing your name, job title, name of organisation, contact email address, postal address and contact telephone number.
  2. You will then receive a basic set of information from the Renewable Energy Business Unit (REBU). This includes the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) and scoring matrix, along with instructions for completing the PQQ. 
  3. Return the PQQ to REBU by Friday 18th September 2009.
  4. REBU will evaluate the questionnaires and respond to submissions by Friday 30th October 2009.  Successful applicants will be invited to submit for commercial negotiations at this stage.
  5. All who are successful at the PQQ stage will be expected to send a representative to a meeting on Wednesday 11th November 2009 at which FCS will explain procedures and allow potential Partners to ask further questions before they have completed their submissions.
  6. Development proposals must be returned by Monday 30th November 2009.

Full details and a timetable of this process are provided in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.

If you have any queries on the process please email: contactREBU@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

 

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30 JULY 2009 NEWS RELEASE No: 12659

 

Leading the way for the next generation of foresters

The employment prospects of young people in rural communities are being given a boost thanks to a modern apprenticeship scheme in the forestry sector.

Faced with an ageing workforce, Forestry Commission Scotland decided to set up the scheme in 2004 to help encourage the next generation of forest crafts men and women.
 
In just five years the scheme has spread from its West Argyll origins to the south of Scotland - and has also become an acknowledged industry leader.

Welcoming the scheme’s success, Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham, said:

“Working forests are important not only for the health of Scotland’s timber industries but also for the economic and social health of many rural communities.

“It is vitally important to make sure that young people continue to learn the skills that will help them to find employment in rural areas and that will ensure our forests keep working.

“Many young people are attracted by the practical and vocational approach to learning the Modern Apprenticeship framework provides, enabling them to learn the industry from the inside.

“Its popularity has also shown that there is a real desire for this sort of scheme and I would encourage the forestry sector to see how it can develop this idea and help ensure that forestry in Scotland has a steady stream of skilled young people.”

There are now 30 apprentices – including 8 women - enrolled on the scheme across 7 of the Commission’s forest districts. Using the Modern Apprenticeship framework, apprentices serve two years in either forest establishment or machine operating.

The training is a mix of formal training, practical work experience, on-the-job training and study towards an SVQ Level 3 qualification.

Ashley Woodhouse, Modern Apprenticeship Scheme Manager for Forestry Commission Scotland, said:

“The apprentices develop their competence in a broad range of forest industry tasks, including planting chainsaw felling, fencing, as well as timber measurement and habitat management (forest establishment apprentices), and Harvester and Forwarder machine operating (Machine Operator Apprentices).

“We work on helping the apprentices to become skilled but flexible employees, giving them the sort of experiences that will be attractive to future employers.”

For more information on the scheme and how to apply, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-7khesy

 

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Pitch for Investment at the Connect Scotland Investment Conference 2009

The GO Group is re-launching Connect Scotland with an Investment Conference at the Hub in Edinburgh on the 5th November.

The newly re-launched Connect will have a clear focus of providing investment showcasing platforms and will also provide investment readiness support to high growth technology companies.

Investors from across the country will be attending the Connect Scotland Investment Conference and businesses with compelling investment propositions who are seeking growth finance are invited to come forward for the chance to go before investors and pitch for between £500,000 and £3 million in funding in this one day event.

Selected companies will then be mentored and thoroughly equipped by a select group of Connect Champions in preparation for pitching on the day.

The closing date for applications is the 31st August. Visit the Connect Scotland website to apply.

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Biomass for Business

 

A series of events organized by Forestry Commission Scotland Regional Biomass Advice Network (FCS-RBAN) for businesses, organizations, farmers and landowners who are looking to install woodfuel systems, or those considering entering the woodfuel supply chain. Please click here for the list of BfB events.  (pdf 70 KB)

 

2009

August

11: ***NB this event will now take place on

19th August at Gartmore House, Gartmore***

FCS-RBAN Biomass for Businesses event

Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park HQ,

Event Details(pdf 1mb)

 

26 - 27:

CES 1st national Conference

"Renewable Energy for Communities"

Stirling University

 

September

9:

FCS-RBAN Biomass for Businesses event

South Lanarkshire (pdf 70 KB)

16:

 

25:

Rural Gathering: Sustainable Communities

Perth

 

October

3 - 4:

Scottish Home Improvement and Self-Build Show

Ingliston, Edinburgh

8 - 10:

European Bioenergy Expo and Conference

Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire

25-30:

 

28:

Sustainable Scotland 09

Edinburgh

 

November

17:

FCS-RBAN Biomass for Businesses event

Ellon  (pdf 70 KB)

24:

FCS-RBAN Biomass for Businesses event

Pitlochry  (pdf 70 KB)

 

December 2010

 

January 2010

 

February 2010

16:

FCS-RBAN Biomass for Businesses event

Tullynessle and Forbes Village Hall (pdf 70 KB)

 

March 2010

9:

FCS-RBAN Biomass for Businesses event

Crieff (pdf 70 KB)

 

 

 

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 SCOTTISH FOREST INDUSTRIES CLUSTER                                                                            www.forestryscotland.com

 

Agenda for the Mid Scotland Forest Industries Cluster meeting

 

Venue: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Gateway Centre – Balloch

Time: 6pm – 7.45pm on Wednesday  16th September 2009 (buffet available from 5.30pm)

Subject: The focus of our meeting and the presentations is:

 

Is It All Going Up In Smoke? - Current and Future Timber Supply and Demand in Scotland and the Implications for the Forest Resource Base of the Future – to hear and contribute to a debate about whether timber demand is matched to timber use and if not, what can be done about it.

 

Agenda 

Welcome and introduction MSFIC chairman, Raymond Henderson. 6.00pm to 6.05pm

George Webb, Wood Fibre Procurement Manager Norbord Ltd. 6.05pm to 6.20pm

Gordon Callander, Managing Director, Callander Sawmill. 6.20pm to 6.35pm

Bill Watson, Angus Biofuels\Steve Luker, Steve Luker Associates. 6.35pm to 7.05pm

Discussion and open debate. 7.05pm to 7.30pm

Summing up. 7.30pm to 7.45pm

An informal buffet dinner will be provided f.o.c. to attendees prior to the meeting. Please let me know if you intend to arrive in time for dinner (5.30pm). We very much look forward to your attendance. Click HERE to download directions to the Visitor Centre

Please click below to download supplementary papers which will be discussed during the meeting:
Production and trade figures 2008
Forestry statistics 2008
Wood energy figures 2008

RSVP: Click HERE to download the MSFIC Booking Form and please return this by email or fax by 6th September 2009, to:
Steve Luker, Facilitator, Mid Scotland Forest Industries Cluster
T: 07970 522160
F: 0870 460 2041
E:steveluker@hotmail.com

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Continuous Cover Forestry Group

Date:    3 September 2009

Time:    10.00am - 3.30pm

The main species in the forest is Scots pine in plantations and as native woodlands, including a pocket of ancient Caledonian pinewood. The meeting will combine visits to both forest stands and research plots to look at issues of managing a light demanding species under CCF systems, focussing on the management and thinning of stands to recruit tree regeneration and the structural development of stands over time.

 

A flyer, with more information and maps, is available on the CCFG web site: http://www.ccfg.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/CCFG_Glenmore_event_flyer.pdf

 

Hosted by Inverness, Ross & Skye Forest District of the Forestry Commission Scotland with David Jardine (District Manager) and Colin Edwards (Research) jointly leading the event.

Email : colin.edwards@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

 

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SNH/Scottish Coverment Conference 2009

 

The Changing Nature of Scotland
Perth Concert Hall 17th - 18th September 2009, with an evening reception on Wednesday 16th September.


24-JULY-2009

Dear Sir/Madam,

A reminder that registrations made on or before 31st July 2009 will receive a discount.  Visit our conference website: 
http://www.eventsforce.net/SNHConference2009  and book today to receive your discount!


The conference programme will be available on the website soon but in the meantime our conference speakers include:

Day 1

·       Andrew Thin, SNH Chairman

·       Bill Turrell, Marine Scotland

·       Beth Scott, University of Aberdeen

·       Prof Lawrence Mee, Scottish Association of Marine Science

·       Prof Chris Spray, Chair of Water Science and Policy, University of Dundee

·       Julie Hesketh-Laird, Scotch Whisky Association

·       Prof David Gilvear, University of Stirling

·       Prof Jeremy Wilson, RSPB

·       Jonnie Hall, National Farmers Union

·       Dr Davy McCracken, Scottish Agricultural College

·       Dr Bob MacIntosh, Forestry Commission for Scotland

·       Dr Chris Quine, Forest Research

Day 2

·       Roseanna Cunningham, MSP, Minister for Environment

·       Dr James Pearce-Higgins, RSPB

·       Julie Proctor, Greenspace Scotland

·       Clive Mitchell, SNH

·       Jim McKinnon, Scottish Government

·       Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer

·       Nick Hanley, University of Stirling

·       Ed Mackey, SNH

·       Dan Morton, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

Please pass this message on to anyone you know who has an interest in a healthy environment.

We look forward to welcoming you in September.

The 2009 Conference Team.

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Woodfuel Seminar

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

Please see attached flyer for our 'Biomass for Business' seminar which is taking place on 9th September 09 at Hamilton Park Racecourse.

The event is free of charge, and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

If you are interested in attending please complete and return the attached delegate form to me as soon as possible.

(Should you wish to put up a stand at the event please contact me by e-mail to approve this with the venue.)

kind regards,

 

Mary McGowan

Forestry Commission Scotland

Central Scotland Conservancy

Bothwell House,

Hamilton Business Park,

Caird Park,

Hamilton, ML3 0QA

tel 01698 368540

 

Presentations on Woodfuel Technology by installers and suppliers

An opportunity for information exchange

 

 

Please book

via e-mail to mary.mcgowan@forestry.gsi.gov.uk,

by telephone 01698 368540,

or return the form overleaf to:

 

Mary McGowan,

Forestry Commission Scotland,

Bothwell House ,

Caird Park,

Hamilton,

ML3 0QA.

 

 

Programme

 

 

09.30

Registration and Refreshments

10.00

Session 1: Setting the theme

 

Introduction

 

A Convenient Truth DVD

 

John Gilliland, Rural Generation – The drivers for biomass as a renewable     energy source

 

Q & A

11.15

Coffee

11.45

Session 2: Considerations for Biomass

 

Steve Luker – The economic considerations for biomass installations

 

Dan Gates, Wood Energy – Practical considerations for different fuel types

12.45

Lunch

13.45

Session 3: Case Studies and Funding

 

Bill Watson, Angus Biofuels – ESCO’s for biomass installations including  Scottish Biomass Support Scheme case studies

 

Forestry Commission Scotland – Woodfuel funding support

14:30

Panel Question and Answer Session

 

Close

 

 

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(Forest Research        Forestry Commission Scotland)

Scots Pine Timber Quality in North Scotland:

Resource Availability and Market Potential

Venue

 

Horizon Scotland, The Enterprise Park, Forres, Moray, Scotland, IV36 2AB

  Tel: +44 (0)1309 678 100

(http://www.horizon-scotland.com)

 

Scots pine forests play a key role in the rural economy, delivering a sustainable supply of timber in addition to biodiversity, landscape and recreation benefits. Scots pine is of particular importance in north Scotland, where it comprises a third of the conifer forest area.

 

This seminar presents results from recent research into the timber quality and market potential of the Scots pine resource, including:

·        Current management and utilisation

·        Tools and techniques for assessing timber quality in trees and logs

·        A survey of timber quality in forests across north Scotland

·        Market development study

·        Trials of new products

 

The event will be of interest to all growers, managers, processors and users of Scots pine.                                                             

                                                                  

 

(Highlands & Islands Enterprise                                                    Scottish Enterprise)

 

 

The work presented at this seminar was jointly funded by the Forestry Commission,

Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise
Seminar Programme

 

Scots Pine Timber Quality in North Scotland:

Resource Availability and Market Potential

 

Chair: Priscilla Gordon-Duff (Chair of Grampian Regional Forestry Forum)

 

From 09.30

Coffee & registration

 

10.00

 

Welcome

Priscilla Gordon-Duff

 

10.05 - 10.20

Opening address

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Environment

 

10.20 – 10.40

Scotland’s Timber Development Programme - markets for home grown timber

John Kissock OBE,  Chair: Timber Development Programme Steering Group

 

10.40 – 11.05

Scots pine resource: current management and utilisation

Elspeth Macdonald, Forest Research

 

11.05 – 11.25

Coffee

 

11.25 – 11.50

Assessing Scots pine timber quality

Barry Gardiner, Forest Research

 

11.50 - 12.15

Mechanical properties of Scots pine timber

John Moore, Edinburgh Napier University Centre for Timber Engineering

 

12.15 – 12.30

Questions on morning session

 

12.30 – 13.45

LUNCH and demonstrations (acoustic tools, displays from local timber users etc)

 

13.45 – 14.10

Scots pine and home grown timber in architecture

Mark Williams, HRI Architects

 

14.10 – 14.35

Future markets for Scots pine timber

Ivor Davies, Edinburgh Napier University Centre for Timber Engineering

 

14.35 – 15.00

Product development

Geoff Cooper, Building Research Establishment

 

15.00 – 15.15

Questions, discussion and sum-up

 

                                                                   

(ConFor          Forestry Engineering Group            RSFS                 ICF                 Scottish Forestry Trust)

                               

 

These organisations have assisted in disseminating details of the event to their members

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Forest Research – Events in Scotland

 

Ecological networks: science and practice

Edinburgh - 1st to 3rd September 2009

International Association for Landscape Ecology - IALE(UK) - Conference 2009.

Sponsored by: Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forest Research with support from Woodland Trust and Edinburgh and Lothians Forest Habitat Network Partnership

Forest Health Day - North Scotland

Marywell, Aberdeenshire - 10th September 2009

An update on the latest information about pests and diseases with site visits targeted at specific issues.

Organised by: Forest Research, Forestry Commission Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority

Silviculture in a changing climate - practical adaptations of forestry management to climate change

Huntly and Clashindarroch Forest, Aberdeenshire - 24th and 25th September 2009

Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) National Study Tour 2009.

Organised by: Institute of Chartered Foresters, sponsored by Forest Research and Forestry Journal

Forest Health Day - Central Scotland

Mansfield Estates, Perth - 1st October 2009

An update on the latest information about pests and diseases with site visits targeted at specific issues.

Organised by: Forest Research, Forestry Commission Scotland - Perth and Argyll Conservancy

Scots pine timber quality in North Scotland: resource availability and market potential

Forres, Moray - 2nd October 2009

Seminar presenting results from recent research.

Organised by: Forest Research and Forestry Commission Scotland

Forest Health Day - South Scotland

Newton Stewart area, Galloway - 8th October 2009

An update on the latest information about pests and diseases with site visits targeted at specific issues.

Organised by: Forest Research, Forestry Commission Scotland - South Scotland Conservancy

Climate, water and soil: science, policy and practice

Edinburgh - 31st March to 1st April 2010

Addressing our current understanding of the management of climate, water and soils in a rapidly changing economic and natural environment.

First announcement and call for papers.

Organised by: SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Trees and forests in British society

Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh - 13th to 15th April 2010

Conference to explore the demands that society places on forestry and the role it is expected to play.

First announcement and call for papers.

Organised by: Forest Research - Centre for Human and Ecological Sciences

 

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Consultation on the possible release of a biocontrol agent to control Japanese knotweed

Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government are seeking views on the possible release of an insect, a psyllid species Aphalara itadori, as a control for Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica. This joint consultation is aimed at all those with an interest in the impact of Japanese knotweed on the natural and built environment, including the horticulture industry, landscape managers and contractors and people interested in the control of invasive species. If approved the release of this organism would be the first use of a non-native insect species to control a plant species in the UK and Europe.

There are two regulatory processes involved – release of non-native bio-control agents is controlled under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, while there are restrictions on the import and release of non-native plant pests under the Plant Health Order 2005.

The closing date for the consultation is Monday 19 October 2009.

Documents relevant to this consultation are:

·                                 Consultation letter

·                                 List of consultees

·                                 Consultation document (PDF 230 KB)

·                                 Summary of the Pest Risk Analysis (PDF 180 KB)

·                                 Peer review of the research project (PDF 100 KB)

Further Information

·                                 Plant Health (Fera website)

 

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Carbon Projects Code of Practice

You may already be aware that the Forestry Commission is currently inviting comments on a proposed Code of Good Practice for Forest Carbon Projects. The purpose of this email is to ensure that you have access to the necessary information and documentation to enable you to review the proposals and respond with any comments. Specific objectives of the Code are to:

    • ensure that forest carbon projects are sustainably managed as set out in the UK Forestry Standard;
    • provide robust protocols for measuring the carbon sequestered by the projects;
    • establish efficient and effective procedures for registering, validating and verifying projects; and,
    • provide transparent criteria and standards for ensuring that carbon benefits are delivered.

We want to know your views, so the proposals are open for public consultation at www.forestry.gov.uk/carboncode until 14th September 2009. After considering the comments received, we hope to launch the finalised Code early in 2010.

To help us collate responses, we would be grateful if you could direct replies, comments or questions about the Code of Good Practice to cogp.consultation@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.  Further information about forests and climate change is available from the Forestry Commission's climate change website, www.forestry.gov.uk/climatechange.

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HIGH HEDGES

 

On Friday 14th August 2009 the Scottish Government published the Consultation on High Hedges and other nuisance vegetation.

We are publishing this consultation in order to build a consensus around the most appropriate course of action. We are keen to hear the views of as many people as possible on this issue and would encourage anyone with an interest to respond. This can be done in writing, by e-mail or online at www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/current where a downloadable copy of the consultation document can also be found.

You should send printed or handwritten forms and/or any supplementary information to:

 

Community Safety Unit

High Hedges Consultation

The Scottish Government

1W St Andrews House

Edinburgh

EH1 3DG

 

The consultation will close at 5pm on Friday 13 November 2009.

 

Andrew Pope

Community Safety Unit

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