FWN39 Spring 2023 – Editorial

Welcome to Farm Woodland News. With so much in the news about the increasing frequency and severity of weather events as a result of climate change we thought it was pertinent to highlight the value of woodlands and trees in flood mitigation. And as you will find out, the value of such measures is not just limited to their physical impact; the financial value of ecosystem services and their role in delivering public goods are increasingly being recognised.

Related to the climate change theme, we have an article on how the forestry industry is decarbonising itself – no mean feat but good progress is being made.

As usual we have updates on the Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS), with the additional news that views are being sought for the development of the future successor of the FGS. The deadline is 17 May 2023, make sure to
respond so you can influence the design of the future grant scheme to make it work for you.

We share news of a new tool developed by the Sylva Foundation to help you with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) determinations for woodland creation projects. So often perceived as complicated and with potential to grow arms and legs, the myForest EIA functionality brings guidance and reassurance in understanding where an EIA determination is needed.

Malcolm Young & Leona Baillie
SAC Consulting