Forestry & British Timber articles from May 2003

Forestry & British Timber archives from May 2003

HERE'S LOOKING AT LOCKERBIE!
May 9, 2003... `The UK renewables industry is in its infancy... there is a lot to learn from the lessons of Arbre irrespective of whether it gets up and runs again'. With those words, Bob Smith, the company's fuel-supply manager bowed out last autumn from the...

FUTURE UNCERTAIN FOR FORESTRY IN WALES.
May 9, 2003... Welsh Labour will continue its proactive support for forestry and the forest industries of Wales in next session and for the next 50 years, according to Assembly member Delyth Evans. She was speaking at the Welsh Timber Forum's recent debate at...

Sticking with a family tradition.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... When a team of Irish hurley stick manufacturers came looking for raw materials, Herefordshire-based Forestry Commission forester Mark Crowley knew just where to take them: after all, spotting the perfect tree was `in his sporting genes'. ...

Forest Enterprise in three-way split.
May 9, 2003... Following a post-devolution review of `the administrative arrangements for delivering forestry policy,' Forest Enterprise which currently manages the Forestry Commission's million hectare estate - 80% of which is wooded - has been split into...

Time for reflection.(Donald Thompson retires from Forestry Commission)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Hampshire's top forester, New Forest deputy surveyor Donald Thompson, is looking forward to spending even more time in his favourite woods since his retirement in March after a career with the Forestry Commission spanning 36 years, ...

Not quite so cross at Vauxhall.(Tilhill Forestry Management wins contract from Transport for London )(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... `This is a high-profile project for a major client where we are finding solutions to problems not normally associated with a landscaping contract'. Neil Austin, Tilhill Forestry Management's Surrey and Hampshire manager, was commenting on a...

Grants take timber off-road.(timber to be transported by sea under program)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Cash from the Department of Transport to assist two port developments could help take over a million timber haulage `lorry miles' off Scottish roads and on to sea freight services. The development of Corpach Pier near Fort William is being...

`Fried egg' forestry.(planting trees in clusters with a dense centre `egg yolk' and more widely spaced fringe or `white')
May 9, 2003... Pioneering forestry techniques are being used in a bid to recreate an ancient woodland landscape in the Aberdeenshire hills. Thousands of trees have been planted at Darroch Wids near Huntly using what is termed the `fried egg approach' which...

Top timber.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... May 20 is the deadline for entries in the Carpenters' Company (CC) of London `Wood Awards 2003'. English Heritage is the latest body to announce its sponsorship of the scheme, joining the Timber Trade Federation, the British Woodworking...

Shades of Sherwood.(Newark and Notts County Show )(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Encouraged by visitor and exhibitor response to its first foray into forestry in 2002, the Newark and Notts County Show will stage a repeat performance on May 10-11. It has, says organiser - N&N Agricultural Society* - twin aims: to encourage...

Ecology, archaeology and management.(international ancient woodland conference)
May 9, 2003... `Working and walking in the footsteps of ghosts' is the intriguing title of a four-day international ancient woodland conference to be held at Sheffield Hallam University this summer (May 29-June 1). Organised and hosted by the Landscape...

AA's new technical man.(Arboricultural Association)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... The Arboricultural Association has a new technical officer - Guy Watson - who brings a wealth of experience from all aspects of the industry. Guy left his current position as forestry Officer at Cotswold District Council to join the association...

Greening the brownfields.(United Utilities has agreed an action plan with the Forestry Commission concerning community woodland creation)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... United Utilities, one of the largest landowners in the north west of England has agreed an action plan with the Forestry Commission that will identify land it no longer uses as potential sites for the creation of community woodland. The...

Open day of spectacle.(Merrist Wood College's annual open day)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Highlight once again of Merrist Wood College's* annual open day (nr Guildford, May 18, 11am to 5pm) will be the pole climbing challenge which attracts top competitors from throughout the UK and Europe. Many entrants use the event as a warm-up...

Ant attractions.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... `Wood ants are the movers and shakers in the woodland web of life', said Jonathan Hughes of the Woodland Trust (WT) Scotland launching brief new guidelines on the industrious insect's lifestyle*. A joint effort with the FC, SNH and SWT, the...

Comprehensive advice on safe working.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... `Forestry and arboriculture are high risk industries operating in often remote and difficult conditions. It is essential that those involved in this work are properly trained so that they understand the risks to which they can be exposed and...

Lantra looks forward.(Lantra Skills Council conducts business review of trees, timber industry)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Looking at land managers' possible needs five years hence, the Lantra Skills Council* is conducting a business review of the trees and timber industry. Covering training and development priorities of rural businesses across nine England...

Haldon hits the headlines.(the South West Woodland Show)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Timber's electricity-producing potential will be highlighted at this year's South West Woodland Show on September 12. Organising committee chairman Sir Henry Studholme* said: `There's a substantial untapped resource in our existing woods and,...

Social conscience.(Forestry Commission launches 2002 annual report)
May 9, 2003... A major event for the Forestry Commission's Forest Research (FR) agency last year was the launch of its `Social research unit' (SRU). This - along with the impact of climate change on the industry - is highlighted in its 2002 annual report*....

Etesia entertain.(Etesia UK Ltd)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... During May brushcutter manufacturers Etesia UK Ltd of Warwick are staging a series of open days `for anybody involved in forestry maintenance and groundcare'. Held in conjunction with the local dealer, they aim to give commercial end-users the...

Russia's rogue timber.(UK is the fifth biggest importer of `illegal timber' from Russia, claims a new WWF report)
May 9, 2003... The UK is the fifth biggest importer of `illegal timber' from Russia, claims a new WWF report* putting it ahead of France and Italy. It says that northern European countries are the main offenders. `Illegal logging in north-western Russia'...

Lovelier link.(trees along the Chunnel)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Landscaping and digging went hand-in-hand as gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh planted the millionth tree along the line of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL), reports Anna McNicol. The English oak is sited at The Street in Boxley, Kent and is...

Treatment facility.
May 9, 2003... In Logbook (April, p5) in our story on James Callender and Sons' treatment plant we incorrectly stated that the plant was supplied by Arch Timber Protection. It was in fact manufactured and commissioned by GB Engineering Wales Ltd (01495...

Pesticides countdown.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... `This year marks a milestone for anyone using or advising on the uses of pesticides, especially in horticulture. Many active substances will lose their approval in 2003 as a result of the EU review programme while others have been granted a...

TRADA makes it a double.(offers both the FSC and PEFC certification)
May 9, 2003... Copyright: CMP Information Ltd. `The only UK body able to offer both the FSC and PEFC certification': that is BM TRADA's (BMT) claim following the news that it had achieved UKWAS-accreditation under the latter's international scheme....

Forest science supremo.(microbiologist Prof Jim Lynch to take over as the Forestry Commission's Forest Research Agency chief executive )
May 9, 2003... Although he has led a wide-ranging and distinguished academic career on both sides of the Atlantic, leading microbiologist Prof Jim Lynch is remaining on home territory for his latest appointment as head of Britain's premier and internationally...

New life for Northern shores.(Scottish Executive grant of up to 3000 pounds/hectare for woodland planting in the Northern Isles)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... `Orkney and Shetland are famed for their open landscape but there is a strong local demand for more trees. Creating and conserving woodlands there will improve the environment, boost wildlife tourism and strengthen local economies'. ...

Competent of NI.(Nineteen members of staff from the Forest Service and thirteen forestry contractors from the private sector in Northern Ireland have gained their certificates of competence )
May 9, 2003... Nineteen members of staff from the Forest Service and thirteen forestry contractors from the private sector in Northern Ireland have gained their certificates of competence in the operation of forestry machines from the National Proficiency...

Provisional proficiency.(new provisional licences scheme for forestry machine operators launched)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... With a validity period of six months from the date of issue, a new system for issuing provisional licences to forestry machine operators began on April 1. Launched by the FMOCS* working group, it applies only to new entrants to the industry or...

Scottish hardwoods boost.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Scottish hardwoods are becoming increasingly popular according to a new survey. The study, by the Scottish Hardwood Timber Marketing Development Group, said that the number of businesses marketing the material had risen by 50% since 1996....

A decade on - FCA evolves.(Forestry Contracting Association)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... It began with two employees and an #80000 turnover. That was ten years ago. Now the Forestry Contracting Association (FCA) is a company with a staff of 25 generating a healthy #1.25m. Commenting on the achievement on its tenth birthday on...

En route to 30 million.(trees planted in National Forest area in UK)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... `Five million is a significant milestone towards our eventual target of 30m trees to be planted over the entire National Forest (NF) area'. With this message, NF Company chairman Viv Astling planted the celebratory oak on the forest boundary...

Letter: Lost in space.(Letter to the Editor)
May 9, 2003... From David Ogg `Sir, "Houston - we have a problem" was the understated call for help from the astronauts of Apollo 13 but those words came to mind when I read David Bills' response to my recent deliberations (FBT, April p2). Replace...

Complying with packaging rules.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... A warning has been issued that new international rules aimed at preventing the spread of pests in wood packaging could catch manufacturers napping. Producer Crocodile Packaging said that the global implementation of the phytosanitary...

WMSA in good health.(Wood Machinery Suppliers Association)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... The UK Wood Machinery Suppliers Association (WMSA) is enjoying its best financial health for years. This was the message from the organisation's finance director at its annual general meeting in Derby. John Smith-Bodden said that the WMSA...

Jones targets NI.(James Jones, Northern Ireland)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Scottish sawmiller James Jones has made its first moves to sell its I- joists to Northern Ireland. The company's timber systems division has signed a distribution deal for its JJI-Joist range with Haldane Fisher Ltd of Newry. James...

MDF boom.(in Europe)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... MDF production passed 10m m3 in Europe in 2002. The news was broken to the panel industry at the European Panel Federation's general assembly in Brussels in March. The organisation heard that the demand for laminate flooring was giving...

Frame welcomes research cash.(UK Timber Frame Association)
May 9, 2003... The DTI's award of #1.5m to fund research into offsite home prefabrication has been welcomed by the UK Timber Frame Association. The Offsite Production Technology in Construction (OPTIC) programme is being undertaken by a consortium...

Woodworking code.(launched by British Woodworking Federation)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... The British Woodworking Federation officially launched its new Code of Practice at its annual `members' day'. The code covers BWF members' technical expertise, environmental performance, advertising, employment, health and safety,...

Conflict ups rates.(for timber-carrying shippers in Ivory Coast)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... The political instability and civil conflict in the Ivory Coast have prompted timber-carrying shippers to add a war risk surcharge to freight rates. Among the companies to increase their charges are OT Africa Line and sister company Delmas...

Scott Timber grabs combine.(Combine Pallets)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Scott Timber has bought the Essex pallet-maker Combine Pallets for #5m. Fife-based Scott says the move is part of its long-term expansion strategy aimed at boosting turnover to #50m in five years. Combine has plants in the Isle of...

Timber helps TP turnover.(Travis Perkins)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Timber and builders' merchant giant Travis Perkins said that timber and wood product sales continuted to make a valuable contribution to its bottom line in 2002. The company reported turnover of #1.4bn for the year, an increase of over...

Architects applaud training.(Royal Institute of British Architects has approved timber frame seminars run by Covers Timber Structures )(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... The Royal Institute of British Architects has approved timber frame seminars run by Covers Timber Structures as part of its continuing professional development programme. Chichester-based Covers said the seminars were a response to the...

Biggest FSC supplier.(Smee Timber)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Smee Timber says it will be the biggest distributor of Forest Stewardship Council environmentally certified hardwood following the addition of new lines to its range. The company has expanded its stockholding of FSC-certified temperate...

WoodWISE: The view from the sharp end.
May 9, 2003... In which our monthly contracting contributor Nick Hilton of Woodwise Forestry* finds he has time on his mind rather than on his hands. Good grief, where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday I finished writing April's meanderings...

GREY FUTURE in forester's fight.(grey squirrels)
May 9, 2003... In this urbanised country, the forester's reflex action when confronted with an apparently endearing and intelligent small furry mammal, is to reach at once for any method of control. But, as David Taylor writes, this response is now...

The answer lies in the soil!(know your dirt)
May 9, 2003... A knowledge of soil type is vital in forestry. Andy Moffat, Fiona Kennedy and Bill Rayner of Forest Research explain why it is important and how accurate assessment can now be made with more ease and confidence It is still the case that...

FAR FROM LOST IN THE WOOD.(benefits of woodlands as learning centres for nursery- school-age children)
May 9, 2003... What better place for young children to learn about the world around them than in a woodland classroom? First put into practice in Denmark - this philosophy of introducing them to nature at first hand - was brought back to the UK by staff and...

PONSSE PROVEN IN SCOTLAND.(company's harvester gets seal of approval)
May 9, 2003... The obvious advantages of running newer, more reliable equipment over second-hand machinery is becoming more attractive to many contractors. One such operator is Raymond Wylie. His programme of upgrading has already paid significant dividends...

IN A MOST CAPABLE MANNER.(Capel Manor's first `Celebration of Trees.' )
May 9, 2003... `We need to encourage and support shows like these. The organisers should not feel too despondent about visitor numbers - in a couple of years time this could easily become an established event'. John Wilson, Jas P Wilson, Capel Manor...

50 years young!(Stanton Hope)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Stanton Hope (who celebrate their 50th anniversay this year*) are a leading supplier of tools and equipment to both the forestry and arboricultural markets. Their range of chainsaw protective clothing includes top brands such as Husqvarna,...

Popular PPE.(ATS Machinery Ltd)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... ATS Machinery Ltd* is a forestry and arboricultural retail dealer with full sales and service facilities who also supply mail order. They supply PPE from the leading manufacturers. SIP have a comprehensive range of chainsaw protection...

Online at Buxton's.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... `Our new Arborist website brings an exciting new dimension to Buxton's*. We have been chainsaw experts for over 40 years and now we can bring our expertise to a wider range of customers'. With this promise, company MD Lucy Buxton-Hopley...

All shapes and sizes.(of protective clothing from Severnside Safety Supplies Ltd)
May 9, 2003... `Recognising that chainsaw users come in all shapes and sizes', Severnside Safety Supplies Ltd* now offers its Fristads protective trousers and bib-and-brace in a wide range of options. The standard leg length (78-84cm inside) comes in eight...

In pole position.(the Echo "chainsaw-on-a-pole" from Countax Ltd)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Offering the user the reach to trim branches up to 23ft (7.01m) above head level, the Countax Ltd* Echo `chainsaw-on-a-pole' power pruners come in three sizes providing telescopic or fixed-length shafts with optional extensions. These give the...

New from Stonehouse.(protective clothing catalogue from Husqvarna Forest & Garden UK)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Kicking off, as it were with boots, Husqvarna Forest & Garden UK's* protective clothing catalogue runs to 14 pages and covers the whole gamut through helmet/hearing protectors and through to an impressive range of garments. Latest...

The bend is back.(the Kneeflex trouser from Andreas Stihl Ltd)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Launched by Andreas Stihl Ltd* last autumn, its Kneeflex trouser has `already proved a hit with chainsaw operators and tree surgeons excited to see that the "bend is back"'. With its flexible knee pouch and comfortable fit, the design has been...

Fourth movement for safety`.(Honey Brothers Ltd offers four-way locking karabiner)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... In response to concerns expressed within the arboricultural industry with respect to the safe use of karabiners', equipment suppliers Honey Brothers Ltd* stock a new four-way locking version. Designed for the climbing arborist by technical...

`Mad about knots and splices'.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Reporting at the end of Proclimber's* first year of trading, Caroline Davies comments: `I hope we have reached most of the targets we set ourselves for our professional arborist range of equipment. Customer response has been superb! ...

In full rig.(Totectors Ltd's SM3757 boot in Rigger Boot safety footwear range)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Noteworthy feature of the SM3757 boot in the Rigger Boot safety footwear range from Totectors Ltd* is its `DNR' all-terrain sole. This has been innovatively created by two layers of nitrile rubber being fused together by heat and compression to...

Winchester widens range.(Winchester Garden Machinery)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Latest addition to Winchester Garden Machinery's* product line-up is the new Arbor-Tec protective clothing range. Over the past three years, the four-branch company has been accumulating a large stock of PPE from such manufacturers as Sip,...

From boots to clothing.
May 9, 2003... Highlight feature of Fortec Footwear's* `revolutionary' new `Aquafell' chainsaw boot is that, although it weighs a mere 1000gms, it qualifies to offer the wearer full class-two (24m per second) protection. The company says that its `unique...

New from Bacou.(Bacou-Dalloz Ltd)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... Hot off the press from Bacou-Dalloz Ltd* is the AX Planet multi-terrain safety shoe made from water- and oil-repellent, full-grain nubuck leather. It features high enveloping uppers for ankle support and a large padded bellow/tongue combination...

More from Charterhouse Richmond.
May 9, 2003... No less than 30% more products are offered in the new Charterhouse Richmond* catalogue for 2003 reflecting the company's targeting of landscape professionals, greenkeepers and groundsmen as well as its established business supplying forestry...

Getting to the heart of the problem.(Devices for decay detection and evaluation )
May 9, 2003... Devices for decay detection and evaluation have been commercially available for a number of years and, writes Phil Wade, Divisional Manager, Fujikura Europe Limited*, they all have something to offer. However, no single device can be used as a...

High times at Highclere.(5th Arborists' Trade Fair )
May 9, 2003... SHOW TIME: Show opening times are 9am - 5pm Friday and 8am - 4 pm Saturday. June 13 and 14 `Response to the 5th Arborists' Trade Fair has so far been amazing. For the first time exhibitors got to choose their plots in advance on a...

Climbing to new heights!(2003 English Open tree climbing competition )(Brief Article)
May 9, 2003... For the fourth year running the 2003 English Open tree climbing competition is to be held at Highclere during the Arborists' Trade Fair. One of the biggest tree climbing events of the industry calendar, it is organised by the International...