Forestry & British Timber articles from September 2003

Forestry & British Timber archives from September 2003

Helping to bridge that gap.(forestry conferences)
September 9, 2003... Was it really a year ago since we stood in a corner of, what was for many of us, some foreign field, that is forever APF, wondering why, as it was Lockerbie, Scotland, it wasn't raining, but grateful all the same? And now, there is only a year...

`We've got you covered! - or have we?'.(arboriculture insurance)
September 9, 2003... Today's `compensation culture' has led to the value of employers' liability insurance claims in arboriculture and forestry exceeding premiums over the last three years by an average factor of five. Despite intensive emphasis on risk-management,...

Fordham forges ahead.(forest management)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... In England's `second largest native broadleaved woodland creation scheme', Woodbridge, Suffolk contractor RDT Woodlands (East) Ltd has won a Woodland Trust (WT) contract to plant on 121.5-hectares of arable land around Fordham, near Colchester,...

For quality-sealed Scots SS.(sitka spruce)
September 9, 2003... Boosting Scottish-grown timber's profile within the building industry is the aim of a #1.2m `Scottish higher education funding council' (SHEFC) grant to a research consortium led by Edinburgh's Napier University. The cash will help to create a...

TRADA ton.(Timber Research and Development Association)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... In just six months since the launch of its web-based knowledge resource, askTRADA, the Timber Research and Development Association* has attracted more than 100 new members, predominantly professionals such as architects and engineers. ...

Heartlands help and guidance.(lumber industry)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... 'Heartwoods' is the name of a new woodland initiative created as a subsidiary of the Small Woods Association to develop the West Midlands timber supply chain*. Already, reports Paul Hill-Tout, Forestry Commission Director for England, 'it...

The carbon case for wood fuel.
September 9, 2003... The timber, branches and leaves of trees in Britain's forests contain roughly enough carbon to offset only one year's carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels and certain industrial processes. `However', a new Forest Research report...

Track-stoppers.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... A series of carved stone heads built into an old sheep fold is just one of the dramatic surprises awaiting visitors along the trails of Galloway forest park. They mark the completion of three years of co-operation between Forestry...

Opening the door.(Forest Industries Development Council)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... As well as serving as a news and information medium for the Forest Industries Development Council's (FIDC) work, its new website www.fidc.org.uk acts as a `portal' to the key partnerships in which it is involved, said executive director Peter...

Ayrshire accolade.(forestry award)
September 9, 2003... `The Ayrshire and Arran woodland strategy addresses the importance of timber to the... economy, (its) transportation and forestry grants': this was the judges' comment which led to the scheme's entry winning a place in the `Scottish awards for...

FC CCF events.(Forestry Commission; continuous cover forestry )(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... The new Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme provides a stewardship grant for developing alternatives to clearfelling. In order to provide technical advice and guidance to woodland owners, agents and woodland managers the Forestry Commission will...

From tiny acorns.(forest appreciation)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... 'National Family Learning Weekend is about much more than helping families learn together in a fun, relaxed atmosphere', Campaign for Learning, Chief Executive Susie Parsons told FBT. 'It is about strengthening community links, cementing local...

Access all areas.(arboriculture safety)
September 9, 2003... 'HSE is not looking to stop tree climbing using work positioning techniques, but is looking for work to be properly planned and for appropriate work equipment to be selected to make it as safe as possible'. Adrian Hodkinson, who deals with...

Adopt-a-copse.(forest conservation)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... In 1658, six years after its establishment in northern England, the Religious Society of Friends (or Quakers) held its first national gathering at Beckerings Farm, Ridgmont, Bedfordshire. This June, to commemorative its 350th anniversary, David...

Oast house FC pilot test.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Southampton-based freight forwarders, Oast Agencies, has been asked by the Forestry Commission to trial a pilot scheme to speed up the issuing of Phytosanitary certificates needed for raw timber products being imported from the European Union...

Conservation at local level.(woodlands)
September 9, 2003... 'People who care enough to take action and make a difference are at the heart of our work. We want to help bring woodland closer to people in their own neighbourhoods'. Mike Townsend, chief executive of the Woodland Trust was speaking at a...

RFS/RASE awards.(Royal Forestry Society/Royal Agricultural Society )(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Focus of this year's Royal Forestry Society/Royal Agricultural Society of England Woodlands and Plantations Competition was the West Country (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset). The judges were Bob Budden and James Lang Brown. The...

AA/ISA merger talks vote.(Arboricultural Association; International Society of Arboriculture)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... 'Do you support the principle of the Arboricultural Association and International Society of Arboriculture (UK and Ireland Chapter) becoming one new organisation to provide a unified democratic voice for British and Irish arboriculture? ...

CARVING OUT A NEW MARKET.(lumber industry)
September 9, 2003... 'As timber markets shrink and contractors are increasingly squeezed to do more for less, it is only natural that diversification becomes an issue. Chainsaw carving has many of the attributes required by the individual when thinking about...

Greenpeace targets Tilbury.(Port of Tilbury )(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Greenpeace activists occupied timber warehousing at the Port of Tilbury in July and sprayed slogans on cargo as part of their protest against imports of Indonesian plywood. Around 60 demonstrators went into two warehouses and sprayed 'Stop...

Continuous cover silviculture.(courses)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Practical workshops aimed at `Transforming even-aged plantations into diverse and uneven-aged forests and woods`* will be held in Keswick (10- 12 Sept) and Chilterns (8-10 Oct). Former will cover coniferous woodland, the latter broadleaf. ...

S Yorks shows the way.(South Yorkshire Forest Partnership )
September 9, 2003... Over the past two years the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership (SYFP) has offered over #740,000 in forestry grants and paid out #230,000+ to beneficiaries in the region. This was announced by the SYFP in the wake of the successful `Wood fair'...

National winners.(National Forest awards)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... A record 20 new woodlands are set to be created in one year in The National Forest under the latest round of the NF Tender Scheme. At a recent board meeting the National Forest Company's directors selected winning schemes from this year's...

Another five years.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... `The first major UK-wide organisation to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification', the Woodland Trust (WT) has had its status extended for a further five years. Announcing the news, the Grantham, Lincs-based conservation charity...

Flooring the natives!(tree planting)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Under a new scheme, every time Timberland Flooring Co completes one of its specialist hardwood installations, it will mark it by planting a tree on a Woodland Trust estate. `Our customers already appreciate the beauty and benefits of wood in...

Chirk's new line.(Kronospan flooring)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Recognised as the leading wood-based panel products supplier', Kronospan has reinforced that reputation by investing #3m+ in a new flooring line at its Chirk, Wrexham headquarters. It will increase its annual production of chipboard and MDF...

Weald Wood is a winner.(forestry show)
September 9, 2003... For the first time, this month's East Sussex CC-promoted Weald WoodFair is being sponsored by sawmilling equipment manufacturers Wood-Mizer UK, under the shared slogan of `From forest to final form'. Both organisations, said show organiser Jane...

Where eagles dare.(bird watching)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... `A great example of a partnership working together to boost tourism' is how Scottish forestry minister Allan Wilson described a sea eagle viewing project on the island of Mull. Visiting the hide on the shores of Loch Frisa, he met the groups...

Woods around towns.(forestry conference)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... A major Scottish conference, aimed at local authorities, MSPs, foresters, community and environment groups, planners and housebuilders, will highlight the social and environmental benefits that woodlands can bring to urban areas. The free...

`Clere winners.(5th Arborist Trade Fair)
September 9, 2003... Winners of the FBT/essentialARB free prize draw at the 5th Arborist Trade Fair, Highclere, in June were: Peter Saunders of Godmanchester, Cambs; Martin Hugi of Ware, Herts and Paul Hodkinson from Finstock, Oxfordshire. Well done guys! Your...

Forestry in focus.(advisory panel)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... The Forestry Commission's research strategy and timber industry development are included in the remit of the newly-appointed, 14-strong Forestry Commissioners' advisory panel (FCAP). Set up under the 1967 Forestry Act, it will also cover...

WWF VOICE FOR NEW COMMITTEE.(World Wildlife Fund)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... A campaigning environmentalist - with the practical experience of running a 42-hectare sheep farm and woodland property at Aberfeldy - is the latest recruit to the new National Committee set up to oversee the work of Forestry Commission...

David G. Aitken.(Brief Article)(Obituary)
September 9, 2003... We announce, with regret, the recent death - after a short illness - of David G. Aitken, finance director of Scottish Woodlands Ltd. Mr Aitken joined the company in 1987 soon after the management buy-out of the former organisation SWOAC Ltd...

Honour - at home and away.(Michael Walker)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Recognised internationally for his work in the timber industry, one of Edinburgh's most distinguished businessmen and `well-kent' faces, Michael Walker, was honoured recently at Napier University's graduation ceremonies held in the Scottish...

TRADA chairman.(Timber Research and Development Association )(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... At its agm, Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) members cofirmed John Perry's election as chairman, succeeding Geoff Shaw who held the position since July 2000. Mr Perry, general manager, business development with Crown...

Frame investment.(Chandos Timber Engineering)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Chandos Timber Engineering has opened a new timber frame plant in Rochdale. The company has invested #1.2m in the 20000ft2 factory which will be able to produce four to five houses per week. It's old plant in Oldham could only make one....

Govt slapped on wrist.(wood standards)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... The Environmental Audit Committee has criticized the government for not responding sooner to its report on timber procurement. The EAC report came out last year, but the government did not issue its response until June. The committee...

Timbmet snaps up Murphy.(Vincent Murphy)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Timbmet's growth through acquisition continues, with the company now buying Liverpool-based timber importer and distributor Vincent Murphy. Following the purchase, Murphy managing director Neil Dixon moves to Timbmet as sales director for the...

PEFC UK boost.(Pan European Forest Certification )(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... The Pan European Forest Certification environmental auditing scheme says it is winning growing support in the UK. The PEFC organisation says more companies are applying for certification under the scheme, with James Donaldson Timber,...

Architects like wood windows.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... A survey by the British Woodworking Federation has found that UK architects are increasingly in favour of specifying timber windows. Respondents to the BWF survey felt that wood windows were 'at least as good' as products in other materials...

Neat targets US.(Neat Concepts)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Neat Concepts, which makes specialist MDF panels, is aiming to break into the US market following its appearance at the Woodworking and Furniture Suppliers Exhibition in Anaheim, California in August. The company was focusing its stand...

Window scheme gets tougher.(standards)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... The British Woodworking Federation is expected to toughen up policing of its wood window quality assurance scheme following a major review. The BWF says that the seven-year-old scheme has proved a success, but now is the time to ensure the...

Two-plant target.(Murus)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Just launched timber building systems company Murus is aiming to set up two production facilities, one in Wales, the other in Lancashire. The Sunderland company has been created by former Timber Frame Solutions managing director David...

Latham's profits down.(James Latham )(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... The timber and sheet materials importer and distributor James Latham saw pre-tax profits fall by over a third last year. The company reported earnings of #1.64m for the year to March 31, compared with #2.77m in the previous 12 months. It...

ABP invests at Cardiff.(Associated British Ports)(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Associated British Ports has lined up #1.1m of investment at the Port of Cardiff to improve timber handling. Following a 10-year contract for stevedoring firm MMS to operate from the port, ABP has agreed to replace the company's old brick...

Rolling back the years in the Ochil hills.(forest planning)
September 9, 2003... The Ochils - a significant range of hills running through Clackmannanshire, Perthshire and Fife to the southern bank of the River Tay - is undergoing a transformation that will see two glens, acquired by the Woodland Trust Scotland, changed...

Ten yews don't spell sudden death.(tree disease)
September 9, 2003... Professional foresters might view the common Rhododendron ponticum - with its relentless, all-engulfing spreading habit - as a threat to their growing crops and as a weed to be eradicated. The potential role of rhododendron in playing host...

Three men and two wheels.(Hippo all terrain vehicle)
September 9, 2003... `Costing about the same as a used quad bike, the Hippo offers cost- effective, all-round mobility without draining your resources'. With this promise, a Nairn-based team - Gavin Mackay, Manochehr Salek and Russell Savage trading as Ecorider...

GRAND National.(National Forest)
September 9, 2003... David Taylor was an early enthusiast for the National Forest, serving on the original development team, then as a director of the National Forest Company. He recently took a day out in the forest to see how it is progressing. It's strange,...

LOW cost HIGH output.(timber harvesters)
September 9, 2003... With contracting running on an increasingly tight margin, machine choices must reflect a tactful approach to selecting an effective all- round machine with prospectively high reliability at a minimum investment. This approach has been taken by...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: High hopes for Haldon.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... This September, for the discerning showgoer and exhibitor, all roads will lead to Exeter - or to be more precise Devon and Exeter racecourse - for the South West Woodland Show. Once again the event promises more than ever before. Here's a sneak...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: A&F WAREHOUSE.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... A&F will be exhibiting a large range of hand tools for groundsmen from Bahco, Sandvik, Bulldog, Felco, Nordtec, Stihl, Truwella among others. Also for arborists many leading manufacturers' products will be available (Cobra, DMM, ISC, Komet,...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: ACORN PLANTING PRODUCTS LTD.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... The company use recycled plastics to make almost all their product ranges, including both designs of tree and shrub shelter, the Shelterguard Plus and Spiral Shelter, both of which are offered in a wide range of sizes. 'Acorn's Shelterguard...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: ARBETA.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... In addition to showing their existing range of well-proven, round, twin- wall tree and shrub shelters, staff on the Arbeta stand will have information on a number of new products which they plan to launch in October. At time of going to...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: ARBOR EATER BRUSHWOOD CHIPPERS LTD.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... Arbor Eater supplies chippers, green waste shredders, logsplitters and saw benches and also has workshop facilities and carry spare parts for all machines in stock. The very latest addition to the Arbor Eater family is the 4in Attack 5...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: A J CHARLTONS.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... In the last hundred years A J Charltons & Sons has grown into a major wood processor in the south west and are well placed to receive deliveries of timber from all over the region. As a regular supplier to the mining industry we constantly...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: CHIPPERS INTERNATIONAL LTD.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... On show will be the range of Gandini woodchippers and vegetative waste shredders. All machines can be supplied either tractor or self-powered from 20-200hp. Chippers have infeed capacity of 120-450mm. Gandini Biomatich shredders are...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: FARM FORESTRY CO LTD.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... Farm Forestry is a 'one-stop shop' supplying forestry goods and trees with a difference - not just spiral guards manufacturers and fine mesh guard designers and wholesalers. We supply the industry with most forestry products from canes,...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: FORESTRY & TIMBER ASSOCIATION.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... FTA is delighted to be building on the foundations laid by one of its parent bodies which initiated this biennial focus for the forest industry in South West England. This practical event serves the whole industry as well as the particular...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: FUELWOOD WARWICK LTD.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... On the stand will be the Lucas mill which converts timber from small softwood up to 5in dia hardwood with ease, on-site, into beams, posts, rails and boards. Firewood machinery from Japa ranges from the 'low-cost' sawbench to the model 700...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: HYDROCUT.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... The Hy-Crack range of tractor-mounted, pto-driven logsplitters, reputed to be the fastest means of splitting firewood of all types and sizes from large diameter rings down to kindling wood for the lowest cost will be shown. The Hy-Point...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: INDEPENDENT FORESTRY.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Independent are the UK specialists in Group Certification Schemes. Membership of the Forest Management group certification scheme can cost as little as #350 with annual renewal starting at #75. Membership of the Chain of Custody scheme...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: LAMBERHURST EQUIPMENT LTD.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... Reflecting Lamberhurst's long connection with the production of fine English wines, the company continues to handle Pellenc vineyard tools (along with Seppi and Berti agricultural and forestry mulching/mowers and Malfos ditching machines). ...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: LYNDERS FOREST NURSERY.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... All stock is field grown bare root and the 28ha nursery produces seedlings, undercuts, transplants and some whip sizes of the forest species, both conifer and broadleaf. Hedging and some woodland shrub species are included. Seed sowing and...

SHOW WEST SHOWCASE: M. LARGE TREE SERVICES LTD.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... The company will be exhibiting Hakki Pilke firewood processors and Thor logsplitters in conjunction with their local dealer Quantock Farm Machinery of Crowcombe, near Taunton. 'The best-selling Hakki Pilke 1X-37 is now even better as it...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: LOGLOGIC.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... All-terrain vehicles manufactured by Loglogic include the 'Softrak' tool/load carrier with a ground pressure of only 1.25psi and a payload of 2 tons and the 'Bigtrak' with a payload of 5 tons and a ground pressure of 2.25psi. The...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: MARSHALL AGRICULTURAL.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... Alan Marshall will be showing 'top quality machinery from Serra and Binderberger'. The Bindergberger Profi firewood processor will cut up to 16in diameter material while the Splitfix kindling machine will produce kindling from 6-10in long...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: PREES HEATH FOREST NURSERIES.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... Situated on the Shropshire/Welsh Border the nursery's heathland topsoil produces top quality plants with an excellent fibrous root system. Established for 24 years customers include forestry companies, estates, local authorities, farmers...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: PONSSE.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... A new concept for the UK is Ponsse's dual purpose harvesting and forwarding machine which will be exhibited courtesy Kleen Kut forestry contractors. The Buffalo Dual harwarder is two machines rolled into one unit, providing reduced costs...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: PAUL SANDYS & CO.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... PSCo specialises in certification, timber marketing and advice in relation to WGS and other funding for woodland establishment and management decisions. They work in collaboration with woodland initiatives and other bodies to promote and...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: SILKY FOX HANDSAWS.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... The latest Silky handsaw catalogue displays an impressive 98 different saws - 'all made with Silky's outstanding saw technology and superb steel quality' according to David Davenport. 'It's not unusual for the Silky blade to keep its edge...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: SOUTH WEST FOREST.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... (SWF) in collaboration with Independent Forestry, can offer the South West Forest Certification Scheme. Jim Skelton (SWF director) said: 'This scheme is the first of its kind in the UK and has been formed as a sub-group of the Independent...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: TECHNORTON LTD.(United Kingdom)(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... A Compact 6 logsplitter and a Cundey de-barker will be shown. The brand new Technorton 'Tree Feller', which can be mounted onto a telescopic loader and used to remove trees safely and with ease up to 305mm (12in) in diameter will also be on...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: TILHILL.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... Tilhill is the market leader in UK forestry management and timber harvesting. Established for over 50 years, Tilhill operates from a network of offices throughout the UK, providing services to owners of over 200,000 hectares of woodland....

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: TIMBERWOLF.(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... With machines ranging from the hand portable 13/75, up to 12in TW300TR tracked machine the company is able to offer an option for virtually every application. New for this year is the TW190. This model has been built to withstand the...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: TUBEX.(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... Tubex has been the leading supplier of treeshelters to the forestry and landscaping sector in the UK since 1986 and a leading supplier of vine shelters worldwide since 1989. A selection of the company's high quality products can be viewed...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: J P WILSON FORESTRY.(Advertisement)
September 9, 2003... Wilson's concentrate on their Botex heavy duty cranes and log trailers. On show will be a 560TL crane fitted to an 11000 Euro trailer. Botex now offer three-point linkage cranes and a new 10in pto-powered woodchipper. The affordable, high...

SOUTH WEST SHOWCASE: WOOD-MIZER.(Brief Article)
September 9, 2003... A new band sawmill, designated LT20, will be demonstrated by Wood-Mizer for the first time at Exeter. James Andrews who was the company's first European representative in the wake of the '87 hurricane is now back in business as UK and Ireland...

RECYCLING: The beauty of the BEAST.(wood shredder)
September 9, 2003... Twenty-one years old this year, the Armstrongs Group has grown from a company with two tipper vehicles into a major national waste-processing company. It offers a wide range of services geared to helping customers `quickly, safely and...