The @theferret.scot recently published an “investigation” into public sector forestry. Their focus was on which forestry tree species were present in the UK 8,000 yrs ago. Had the journalists actually spoken to people working in those forests, they might’ve written a very different article ⬇️

Forestry Journal/essentialARB@forestryjournal.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Dirty hands, heavy burdens: how forestry’s contractors are being broken by the job

I was pleased to introduce this at RWAS. This is an issue that is getting worse quickly and is caused by a pernicious spread of misinformation. SM is a huge problem (tbh why I only dip into Bluesky every now and again. Worst platform for abuse) Worth taking 2 minutes to watch and reflect

Royal Forestry Society@royalforestrysoc.bsky.social · 3mo ago

We listened. A recurring theme among foresters is the impact of verbal abuse in response to their work. The newly released animation is the first step in helping foresters, and improving public perception. 👉 https://ow.ly/Zmzp50ZoVXH #BranchingOut #MentalHealthInForestry #WeListened

If you engaged in a sensible conservation with us you may get to understand that but instead you focus on ridicule and false assumption. Much of my work in forestry is conservation based. I’m sure we share many common goals but I also understand there has to be a balance.

www.scribehound.com/countryside/... Wildlife has the right to be left alone. Not sure people have the right to disturb it just because we might want to.

We started #positiveforestry primarily for 2 reasons; To showcase forestry as the complete industry it is for climate change, and; To forge common ground between different viewpoints and communities. So pleased to see @irishrainforest.bsky.social embrace this ethos, an example to us all. 🙌

Eoghan Daltun 🌍@irishrainforest.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Spring is time for replacing rotten stakes in the fence between my own place and the mountain commonage. Satisfying work, since it's vital to protecting an emerging Atlantic rainforest ecosystem from sheep. And *what* a view!

I don't have to write this week's #positiveforestry, its been done for me. Excellent thread about how woodland management can be so beneficial for a range of outcomes. Good stuff.

Aspect Forestry and Rural Management@aspectforest.bsky.social · 11mo ago

Having finished our latest coppice harvesting contract today on the Cambs/Bedfordshire border, I thought I would put together a series of short videos to explain the work in more detail and explain why woodland management is so important. Thread 🧵 #Positiveforestry

"As I start to think about the planting season ahead – with some trepidation, I might add – I can’t help but cast my mind back to last winter." FULL COLUMN: www.forestryjournal.co.uk/opinion/2557...

#PositiveForestry

Architects' Journal@news.architectsjournal.co.uk · 11mo ago

In this episode of AJ Climate Champions podcast, Built by Nature’s Joe Giddings, a co-founder of ACAN, talks about building responsibly with timber and sustainable forestry initiatives. Supported by Built By Nature

So a few days ago there was a little set to over what we define as a forest. Apparently a conifer plantation isn't, its just a dead zone. So just to show forestry is nuanced, not black and white, here's three photos of commercial plantations all within about 200yds of each other

#positiveforestry back with a bang this week! Other than just being a stunning autumnal photo, its shows how commercial forestry can be indistinguishable from other woodlands. Its only when you really look closely at the photo you can see what's going...

Agreed and the demand for “white” timber whenever possible. The other big challenge in terms of diversification of both species & silviculture, is that the Govt (due to lobbying from the Agri sector) regulates where we can grow timber, and it is usually on poor soils and often upland areas.

The timber needed to build homes like this ⬇️ comes from conifer plantations 🌲🌲🌲 Domestic availability of this timber is set for long term decline. Area of conifer forestry in Scotland has grown by only 0.5% in the last 25 yrs. Global demand for forest products will increase >100% in next 25 yrs

Bylines Scotland@bylines.scot · 12mo ago

"Unlike most new builds that rely on concrete, imported materials and treated timber, Makar’s design avoids harmful chemicals and high-carbon components." bylines.scot/environment/...

In UK (usually) timber harvesting companies buy standing timber from forest owners, then engage harvesting contractors and hauliers, and sell to sawmills. People get paid when the timber gets to the mill and is weighed. If timber is harvested & sat at roadside, then people haven’t been paid.

Forestry Journal/essentialARB@forestryjournal.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Senior figure believes more can be done to ‘ensure rapid timber uplift’

This is extremely important, alot of contractors are struggling - machines parked up or sold, inevitably we are going to lose some. Sawmills unwilling to comment. This needs resolving now. @forestsandwood, a matter of urgency, these mills are your members.

Forestry Journal/essentialARB@forestryjournal.bsky.social · 12mo ago

FULL STORY: www.forestryjournal.co.uk/news/2558599...

We are in a Nature AND Climate emergency, Rothbury would be a great opportunity to demonstrate a more resilient future for our uplands, and show how we can combine timber production AND regenerative farming AND nature conservation.

Mmm let's think about this.. @woodlandtrust and LINK have a huge PR budget (part of their business plan) and when it suits them the WT sit in the forestry sector... cuckoo, cuckoo. Other land uses dominate by virtue of scale... what do you expect?

See? I'm not the only one saying this

Forestry Journal/essentialARB@forestryjournal.bsky.social · 12mo ago

"The public image still sees conifers bad, native hardwoods good, especially if the native hardwoods are old and decrepit." FULL FEATURE: www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/for...

Bit of thoughtful reading, should you want it.....⬇️

Forestry Journal/essentialARB@forestryjournal.bsky.social · 12mo ago

"When the planting statistics came out in the summer you’d have been forgiven for thinking the season had been a resounding success." 🔗 www.forestryjournal.co.uk/opinion/2557...

I will always try and support the forestry industry on SM. Yes, I make my living from it but it means so much more to me than that. I care deeply about the job I do, the timber I provide and the habitats I manage. So why should I have to put up with this utter tripe that is throw at me?

Blue Poppy Publishing @bluepoppypub.bsky.social · 12mo ago

But I see that all you are is a planter, so of course you will try to defend this garbage because it's how you make your living. Your opinion on the matter is invalid. Goodbye.

"Polarisation isn't constructive" The thing about forestry is it is one of the few industries where we can have our cake and eat it. #positiveforestry

Aspect Forestry and Rural Management@aspectforest.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Both examples are forest “a large area of land thickly covered with trees” OED But that’s like comparing a field of wheat to a field of potatoes - both are fields but with very different functions. The one on the left is a complex diverse native ecosystem - brilliant but we need both examples 🧵1/4

Disappointed to hear @craigbennett3.bsky.social scare mongering about the possibility of “intensive conifer plantations” on the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland on the Today Programme. Maybe he should listen to Sir David Attenborough www.youtube.com/watch?app=de... especially at the 4 min mark.

How To Save Our Forests and Rewild Our Planet

YouTube video by WWF International

youtube.com

#positiveforestry

Paul Brannen@paulbrannenne.bsky.social · 12mo ago

I’ve lost count of how many sawmills I’ve visited in the last 11 years but this is the first where a whole production line is to be found inside a new 100% timber building. Great use of Cross Laminated Timber by BERGENE HOLM AS in Norway. It smells great too!

Another great example of the role of sustainable forestry in supporting the transition to a lower carbon circular bioeconomy. Sequester, store & substitute 🌲♻️ www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...

Rotorua biofactory opens the way for a potential $50 billion economic gain

Hopes are being pinned on a commercial-scale facility that will transform low-value wood, food waste and animal products into high-value ingredients.

thepost.co.nz

Oh well, we would all be better just giving up then! I dispute the claim but even if it is correct we plant trees for a multitude of positive reasons not just one. #positiveforestry

Miles King@milesking.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Nature’s capacity to absorb human created CO2 is failing. Existing natural forests are now emitting more CO2 than they absorb. So why are so many clinging to the delusion that planting trees is a climate solution?

This is a difficult but worthwhile listen about stress in the job and mental health. 🌳🌲 Well done to @royalforestrysoc.bsky.social for promoting, and to @kilmaha.bsky.social Nick Adams , and Gillian from FISA for speaking so openly @forestryjournal.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/4oI4...

Mental Health in Forestry: Breaking the Silence

open.spotify.com

This is a pretty uncomfortable listen, but not as uncomfortable as it was for me to talk about the issues faced by contractors in general and me personally. We know what the issues are and the solutions. We just got to fucking do it.

Royal Forestry Society@royalforestrysoc.bsky.social · last yr.

⭐ NEW GONE FORESTING EPISODE: Mental Health in Forestry: Breaking the Silence RFS brings together leading voices from across the sector to tackle one of forestry’s toughest topics: mental health. ⚠️ Strong language & sensitive topics. https://ow.ly/RRHE50X5xEQ #WorldMentalHealthDay #CheckIn

#positiveforestry

Joe Giddings@joegiddings.bsky.social · last yr.

This new residential tower in Lyon is made from wood. In many ways, this is quite an incredible building. Here's why:

youtu.be/bwXEj2-8QHE?... And just to drive home the point, here's the link to the video again. It is incredibly disappointing that attempts at rational debate with a balanced opinion so often decend into insults. Not cool. #Checkyourtone @royalforestrysoc.bsky.social @wtscotsocial.bsky.social

Every Interaction Matters: Mental Health in Forestry

YouTube video by Royal Forestry Society

youtu.be

Aspect Forestry and Rural Management@aspectforest.bsky.social · last yr.

After being told I was an uneducated forester and have little understanding of biodiversity loss yesterday, I thought it appropriate just to highlight this link again this morning. Communication is important, every interaction matters. m.youtube.com/watch?v=bwXE...

##positiveforestry

Andrew Heald@andyheald.bsky.social · last yr.

“Increasing the use of structural timber could help alleviate the country’s housing crisis, which is particularly acute in London and the southeast,” The best time to grow some timber was 20 yrs ago, the 2nd best time is now … #PositiveForestry www.standard.co.uk/news/politic...