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FORESTRY &
TIMBER NEWS
February 2021 Issue 103
HUMAN
resources
FOREST
management
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CONTENTS
47 | WOODLAND CARBON
WOODLAND CARBON
Confor is a membership organisation GUARANTEE IN ENGLAND
that promotes sustainable forestry 49 | CLIMATE CHANGE
and wood-using businesses. Confor
SCOTLAND’S FINEST WOODS
members receive Forestry and
AWARDS TO HONOUR CLIAMTE
Timber News for free as part of their
CHANGE CAMPIONS IN 2021
membership. For more information on
membership, visit THE PATH TO NET ZERO IS PAVED
www.confor.org.uk/join-us WITH WOOD
Past issues and articles can be accessed 50 | CHANGING ATTITUDES
online at SHAPING A BALANCED
www.confor.org.uk/news/ftn-magazine PERCEPTION OF FORESTRY FROM
Non-member subscriptions: A YOUNG AGE
£62/(£67 overseas)
61 | MACHINERY
Please contact Liz@confor.org.uk
THE PETERSON WPF SAW
NEWS & COMMENT
62 | TIMBER TRANSPORT
CONFOR CONTACTS 5 | EDITORIAL
SURVEY TO SHED LIGHT ON
Stuart Goodall 6 | WORKPLACE TIMBER HAULAGE FLEET
Chief Executive
stuartg@confor.org.uk BEYOND CORONA: WORKPLACE
T: 131 240 1416 TRENDS 2021 64 | GREEN RECOVERY
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
9 | CONFOR
Andy Leitch
Deputy Chief Executive CONFOR INTRODUCES NEW DUAL 67 | MOTOR
Andy.leitch@confor.org.uk
Mob - 07881510171 BOARD STRUCTURE MOTORSPORT COMES TO AID OF
GRAVEL ROAD MAINTENANCE
10 | GRANTS
Stefanie Kaiser
Communications and editor FTN GRANT US A GREEN RECOVERY 68 | BOOK REVIEW
T: 0131 240 1420
E: stefanie.kaiser@confor.org.uk 11 | CONFOR MOTORSPORT COMES TO AID OF
GRAVEL ROAD MAINTENANCE
CONFOR WELCOMES NEW
Dr Eleanor Harris COMPANY SECTRETARY AND 69 | SMALL WOODLAND OWNER
Policy Researcher
T: 0131 240 1417 HEAD OF FINANCE...
E: eleanor@confor.org.uk 70 | FORESTRY IN PICTURES
... AND SAYS FAREWELL TO
ROLAND STIVEN
Caroline Ayre FEATURES
National manager for England 19 | NEWS
M: 07500 927482
SUREVY PUTS A VALUE ON 22 | HUMAN RESOURCES
E: caroline@confor.org.uk
NATURAL CAPITAL OF NEW EMPLOYER’S CHECK LIST 2021
Jamie Farquhar
WOODLANDS FAST-TRACKING THE PATH TO
National manager for Scotland REPORT PUTS £BN PRICE TAGE ON A POSITIVE AND INCLUSIVE
M: 07817 374906
E: jamie.farquhar@confor.org.uk GREY SQUIRREL DAMAGE WORKPLACE
IS SCOTLAND READY FOR RETURN TRACKPLOT VIDEO RAISES
Anthony Geddes OF LYNX? AWARENESS OF AND MITIGATES
National manager for Wales LONE WORKER RISKS
T: 074 94079305
E: anthony@confor.org.uk REGULARS MACHINE OPERATORS – HOW ARE
YOU STAYING HEALTHY AND SANE?
13 | NEWS FROM MEMBERS
Confor head office and editorial office SAFE FORESTRY
59 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2JG
16 | MEMBER PROFILE 52 | FOREST MANAGEMENT AND
0131 240 1410
DSHwood RURAL DIVERSIFICATION
37 | ENVIRONMENT FARMING HOUSES
info@confor.org.uk
THE FOREST PLASTIC GROUP: WORKING FORESTS: A HOME FOR
AVOIDING A ‘KNEE JERK’ ALL CREATURES GREAT AND
www.confor.org.uk REACTION SMALL – AND ME!
CAMBUSMORE: FARMER CREATES
41 | MARKETS
For the latest news of forestry and wood LARGE-SCALE WOODLAND
sign up to #forestandwood on Twitter TIMBER MARKET REPORT FOR BIODIVERSITY AND TIMBER
Published by Countrywide Publications, TIMBER AUCTIONS MARKET PRODUCTION
Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6SZ REPORT
on behalf of Confor.
44 | REMOTE WORKING COVER: WINTER SUNSET AT
For advertising, contact Laura Munnings TORLUM WOOD NEAR CRIEFF.
01502 725866 HOW TO MAKE YOUR ONLINE
EVENT WORK DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY
laura.munnings@micropress.co.uk
MARK SIMPSON
Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd
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EDITORIAL
Cautious optimism
STUART GOODALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CONFOR
T
he world is coming to contrary and they appear to seek
Glasgow in November to to tap into a suspicion that many
discuss how, collectively, people have about ‘industry’ and the
countries can avoid environment.
devastating climate change. President Mechanisms like the Woodland
Biden’s intention that the US will Carbon Code calculate the carbon
re-join the club, means carbon will sequestered in an area of planted
feature even more highly in UK media land, but they aren’t life-cycle carbon
and government thinking in 2021. tools. Ignoring downstream carbon
For some years, the key role benefits, and misusing tools like
of trees and timber in locking up the WCC means groups produce
carbon and contributing to “Net ‘evidence’ that distort public policy
Zero” emissions targets has helped and communicate inaccurate
Confor to champion the sector with messages to the public.
ministers and through the media, and I was disappointed to hear a
many Members have been active in representative of the Committee
presenting their own strong carbon on Climate Change warn recently
stories. Wood for Good has also of the dangers of planting on ‘deep
made real strides in promoting the peat and wildflower meadows’, while
use of wood through the “Wood making no mention of jobs during
CO2ts less” campaign. a presentation on the economic
There are reasons, however, to benefits for society of investing in
be cautious about what 2021 could low-carbon activities.
bring. With COP26 in mind, Confor and
Some groups still seek to Members need to work even more
portray forestry as principally an closely together in 2021 to ensure
environmental issue, focusing on that objective evidence cuts through.
biodiversity or public access. Providing a consistent narrative will
They assert that modern help promote greater awareness and
productive forestry delivers understanding of what our sector can
little of these - despite the deliver in the fight against climate
widespread evidence to the change and more widely for society.
WORKPLACE
Beyond Corona: The reality of reduced
Workplace
Face-to-face interactions are what holds relationships
together – even in business. Formal meetings and
events fulfil a purpose of delivering information, but
it is those small, informal social interactions that build
team cohesion – the ‘catching up with the lads’ after a
trends 2021
long day working on site; the quick exchange of words
as we pass our co-workers in the office; the regional
committee meetings or forestry shows, where we meet
old acquaintances to renew business relationships and
friendships.
Although it is jokingly said that people become for-
Stef Kaiser explores how the wider esters because trees are easier to deal with than hu-
mans, our sector still thrives on strong human relation-
business world has responded to the
ships with the people we work with. Luckily, many of us
pandemic to identify potential lessons are still able to continue our operations almost as usual,
for employers in the forestry sector. but everyone will have noticed a significant reduction in
personal contact with team members, clients, suppliers
– and wider family. Businesses with office-based staff
“So far, Covid-19 has been a fast forward button for change. will now have staff working from home, and all meet-
It accelerated a lot of the changes that we were already ings, events or shows have been cancelled for almost
planning; achieving it in a matter of weeks, what otherwise a year now.
If restrictions come and go, companies and individu-
would have taken months to implement and embed.” als may need to be prepared to understand and adapt
Rosetta Forbes, Head of HR, FLS and Scottish Forestry to part-virtual working.
B
usiness leaders across the loughed workers, or having to com-
globe have reflected on how municate with clients, suppliers and Virtual events?
fast-tracked crisis adaptations other stakeholders virtually, rather Although we all crave in-real-life interactions, virtual
will affect the way we think of our than in person. events and meeting can have practical benefits as well.
workplaces in the long-term. Some Most likely, we will see a combination of face-to-face
believe that 2020 has taught us to Innovative muscle and virtual events in the future.
be more open-minded to change in Looking at the economy in general,
“Online meetings have been a mixed
general, and to say “yes we can” to 2020 has shown that businesses
bag: adapting to the new format
innovation and growth. Experts at and individuals have the innovative
has often led to more focused and
tech company Konica Minolta predict muscle to adapt fast if an emer-
productive discussions that riff nicely
that while 2020 was a year for find- gency requires it. But after a year of
between the ‘talking head in a box’
ing solutions, 2021 will be the year for never-ending restrictions, it is un-
and the chat bar, with much clearer
following these up with strategic ap- likely that post-corona, life in all its
decisions and action points. Downside
proaches that address the new post- aspects will go back to how it was
is in establishing any personal interaction in a group
corona work reality.* before. Outside of the forestry and
session with people you don’t know in person.”
The forestry and timber indus- timber industries, business leaders
Jo O’ Hara via LinkedIn
tries are an essential supply chain and think tanks are analysing the
and have only a moderate propor- lessons learned from the pandemic, We will likely continue with virtual
tion of office workers; as a sector, it and how they are shaping what is meetings for the majority of FISA
has therefore been significantly less called a ‘new normal’ – in particular Working Group meetings as these
affected by Covid-19 restrictions in the workplace. In many aspects groups are supported by volunteers
than industries that are still effec- of work life, a return to pre-corona who give their time around their day-
tively shut down – tourism, enter- normality is the most desirable path jobs, so reducing travel is a great plus.
tainment or hospitality – or office- to take – the possibility of returning With FISA membership drawn from the
based industries that had to move to the office, or face-to-face busi- whole of the UK and All Ireland, ensuring all regions
their entire workforce to home- ness meetings on site; but in other can participate in meetings is easier using virtual
working. However, with even parts aspects, our adaptive response to options; with face-to face, even moving meeting
of our workforce in home-offices, 2020 might have shown a potential locations means some would have a long journey to
intermittent childcare provision for to re-evaluate our processes and a meeting.
non-key workers and social distanc- find better, more efficient ways of Gillian Clark, UK FISA
ing requirements, many businesses doing things.
in our industry will have made some
adjustments to the way they work * https://newsroom.konicaminolta.
– whether it be dealing with home- eu/what-will-shape-the-digital-
working or vulnerable staff, fur- workplace-in-2021/
6 FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 CONFOR.ORG.UK
face-to-face interactions
Managing and engaging a remote workforce
For those businesses managing home or levels of absence, poor productivity, poor
lone working staff, finding ways to main- employee engagement and staff turnover.
tain productivity and consistent staff per- Same as for physical health, employers
formance will remain a key issue. Ensuring have a duty to protect their employees from
good staff engagement can be challeng- harm to mental health”, says Gillian Mair
ing. Here are some proactive steps em- of Brodies LLP. Staff members of a busi-
ployers can take: ness will adapt differently to lone or home-
based working and will be dealing with dif-
Well equipped home office workers ferent personal circumstances, including
1
Make sure everyone in your team has childcare or caring duties. In particular dur-
adequate tools to do their job – even if ing times of reduced face-to-face contact “I work in ground preparation, and we
they work from home. This covers obvi- within teams, increasing communication are often the guys working on our own
ous aspects like having access to essen- and fostering an open dialogue is crucial. the most. There are the little positive
tial work devices. Other considerations Mair recommends employers to signpost moments that make a difference to
are: do staff have a suitable space to additional advice and support services to well-being: stopping to enjoy the view
work from? Is their internet connectivity staff, such as employee assistance pro- or wildlife, or being told you’re doing a
adequate? Having a well and consistently grammes, details of trained mental health great job and feeling appreciated.”
equipped team will boost productivity first aiders, or helpful information such as Dave Shanks, contractor, Crieff
and foster equality. wellbeing guides, online classes, or work-
station health and safety guides. She also
Monitor and manage your team’s highlights that “a range of mental impair- obligations to employees (eg their duty to
2
wellbeing ments, including anxiety and depression make reasonable adjustments); potential
“Employee wellbeing is an important as- can amount to a disability under the Equal- discrimination risks; and the appropriate
pect of any business. There are tangible ity Act 2010. This should be taken into ac- support that is required.
links between mental ill health and high count when employers are assessing their Continued overleaf
Is flexible working here to stay? Not for everyone…
For those companies with parts of their believes that “by considering more flex- to flexible arrangements – from the cost of
staff currently working from home, or with ible working arrangements employers can home equipment, to performance manage-
staff who have to reconcile work with fam- open the door to a huge and rich excluded ment and team communication, to produc-
ily or caring duties, flexible working was talent pool, increase diversity and increase tivity and wellbeing issues. Flexible work-
probably the only realistic solution in the productivity.” ing is not a blanket solution and will not
last months. But when restrictions get However, there are costs and challenges work for all companies.
eased and childcare resumes, there might
be an influx of requests from employees
looking to make their current flexible Flexible working in the public sector
working patterns permanent. Employers
will need to be prepared for this and will Prior to Covid-19, Scottish Forestry (SF) and Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) al-
have to consider whether this is in their ready had extensive flexible working policies in place, however there was limited use
best interest and within the possibilities of of these, says Rosetta Forbes, Head of HR, FLS and Forestry Scotland. During the first
the company. and second lockdowns, we’ve got creative and worked in a much more collaborative
In the case of office-based industries, and supportive way than ever before.
the Covid-19 situation has brought upon a Much of our learning moved online, however we are still working through how best
change in the way work is approached; a to deliver the practical element of technical training given that we are likely to have
shift from a culture of rigid working hours restrictions for some time. It is vital that colleagues continue to learn, refresh their
and agreements to a more outcomes- skills and keep their certification up to date to ensure safe working practices, but also
focused approach. In our sector, however, reduce the risks associated with Covid-19.
not all businesses will be in a position to Going forward, we will continue to break down the barriers about mental health
embrace such thinking, and many workers and wellbeing and expand our flexible approach to working so that our staff achieve
have a preference for traditional working a better work/life balance.
patterns; but it is worthwhile being aware Both agencies plan to allow staff to work from home more and use our offices as
of it – and maybe get inspired to challenge a place to bring people together and collaborate. In doing this we will be adopting
our view of how a workplace should look new technologies that help us learn and work remotely and reduce the need to travel.
like. Lantra HR manager Rachel Campbell
CONFOR.ORG.UK FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 7
WORKPLACE
Continued from previous page
3 Flexible working
“Where appropriate, flexible work-
Digital transformation
ing options such as unpaid leave, flexible
working or reduced working hours may “When digitalization was a major trend online’. Some of our readers will recognise
help to alleviate the stress or difficul- before Covid-19, it certainly accelerated that shift happening in their businesses to
ties some employees are facing at the at lightspeed during lockdowns. Many or- some extent, at least. The flagship example
moment. If these are available, ensure ganizations were forced to rethink their is Zoom: it existed before March 2020 but
employees know about them, as they may way of working, dealing with processes had you heard of it? By now, it has become
not feel able to ask directly, or may fear a and data, and doing business with their a household name and part of both our
negative response”, says Gillian Mair. Until customers”, says digital agency Youwe*. work and private life. Beyond video calls, it
the end of the furlough scheme in April, For many companies – in particular in is likely that some of us are increasingly fa-
flexible furlough may still be an option, supply chains like ours - adopting digital vouring digital communication channels in
meaning employees can work part-time processes had not ranked high on the pri- general – whether it be e-newsletters, cli-
and receive a furlough grant for their un- ority list pre-2020. The first lockdown in ent updates, webinar follow ups or online
worked hours. Flexible working may not spring 2020 brought a sudden need for enquiries. Taking order and payments on-
be suitable for certain business models. home working and virtual engagement line is another example of digital transfor-
with clients and suppliers. Within a matter mation. Adopting digital processes means
Team dynamics or client of days, IT was offering the tools to keep using and processing data. The Covid-
4
interactions might change employees working and client communica- induced digital transformation happened
Different personality types respond tion flowing. Operations in our sector were in a rush and this year, it will be time for
differently to the lack of face-to-face in- less affected and after the summer, many businesses to consolidate and to make sure
teraction and might change the way they of us could return to almost business-as- that any new digital tools are used in a safe
engage with the team, or even work with usual. But we are not an island. Shutdowns and responsible manner.
the team. This can cause friction within of most workplaces in the world around
the team, or conflicts not being resolved us (60% of UK adults were homeworking * www.youweagency.com
efficiently. An ongoing dialogue with at the height of lockdown last year**) re- ** www.finder.com/uk/working-from-
team members is useful and can help sulted in a global trend from ‘physical to home-statistics
managers adjust communication process-
es within the team, including coaching on
how to make virtual exchanges more ef- Safety, security and compliance
fective. The same can be true for interac-
tions with clients or suppliers. Digital systems are an important part of this digital transformation brought upon
by Covid-19. As with any sudden change in business processes, there are risks and
Motivate the team a few key questions that companies should address:
5 Recognition of staff’s individual con- • Are we able to support this new way of working?
tribution to the company’s success is more • Will our systems cope with the sudden spike in demand?
important than ever when dealing with a • Will our systems be safe and secure?
potentially isolated workforce. In order to ensure the continuity of our businesses during a transformation
accelerated by the pandemic, it’s important to validate systems for use in a new
manner. It’s worthwhile to assess the basics, such the capacity, the security and
the relevant privileges granted to the users of said systems.
RELATED STORIES Ran J Sandhu, Lead Consultant, Enterprise Transformation
• David Lee: Running successful online
events (p48)
• Lone workers on site: wellbeing (p29)
• Brodies LLP: Key employers issues in
2021 (p22)
• Lantra: Shaping a positive workplace
(p25)
GET INVOLVED
Will we need more IT skills in the
forestry and timber sector?
Have you been recruiting lately or
are you planning to do so? Are you
adding new IT-related skills to your
job descriptions?
If so, get in touch. We will be
reporting on Skills and career in our
April issue of FTN.
8 FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 CONFOR.ORG.UK
CONFOR
Confor introduces new
dual Board structure
G
ood governance is vital
for any membership body,
as is strong and effective
communication with Members. Fol-
lowing approval at the 2020 AGM,
Confor has moved from a single
Board to two new Boards.
A small Management Board
(MB) of eight Directors (including
the Chair and CEO) is responsible
for good governance and ensuring
Confor meets its statutory obliga-
tions. The Directors will primarily be
responsible for managing Confor’s
finances and investments.
An interim ‘Shadow’ MB has
been established that will serve un-
til the 2021 AGM, following which
a new MB will be appointed. The tor the business plan and ensuring The eight-
members of the Shadow MB are: good communication with, and ser- strong
Will Anderson, Ralland Browne, vice to, Members. Management
Gavin Davidson, Ian Duncan, Stu- The members of the previous Board will
art Goodall, James Hamilton Stub- Board have transferred over to form include the
ber, George McRobbie and George the initial AB and going forward Chair and
GET INVOLVED
Webb there will be a process of nomina- CEO, currently Any Member with an interest in
Alongside the MB is an Advisory tion/election to facilitate the repre- Lord Duncan serving on the AB has a route
Board (AB) made up of Member sentative involvement of Members of Springbank open to them. If you would like
representatives from across the from across the sector. and Stuart further information, please get
countries and the supply chain, act- In the future, we envision to Goodall (above in touch with our CEO Stuart
ing as a high-level forum to identify make notes of the AB’s meetings left to right Goodall.
the priority issues of concern to the available to Members on the Mem- respectively) Stuartg@confor.org.uk
industry, helping to set and moni- bers’ area of the website.
Advisory Board structure (plus Chair and CEO)
Regional Committees of woodland owners
and small businesses
6 appointments: (2 England, 2 Scotland,
1 Wales, 1 Northern Ireland)
Harvesting/ Regional Wood Processors
Large Mills
Management/Investment Groups
(4 appointments)
(4 appointments) (4 appointments)
Nurseries Technical Committees
(1 appointment) (1 appointment)
Younger Members Sector Diversity
(1 appointment) (1 appointment)
CONFOR.ORG.UK FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 9
GRANTS
Grant us a Green Recovery
Throughout the nations of England, Wales and pandemic, support for the industry has never
Scotland there has been recognition that growing been so forthcoming. In this article we will take
forests first requires investment to grow forestry. a brief snapshot of the successes of the schemes
For all the stresses and strains of the Covid-19 launched in 2020 and what’s to follow for 2021.
SCOTLAND WALES
Scottish Forestry has made over £2 million available Wales also contributed to the Business Investment Scheme (TBIS)
to tree nurseries, small forestry businesses and farm- Scottish Forestry’s Harvesting and which will be delivered through Ru-
ers to help them gear up and play their part in creat- Processing Grant. In addition, the ral Payment Wales. A further £1 mil-
ing more woodland across Scotland. This included National Forest for Wales project lion has been made available from
a new agreement with the UK and Welsh Govern- was focused to deliver some sup- the Rural Development Programme.
ments, allowing tree nurseries in England and Wales, port funding to Welsh businesses Support under this scheme
which supply trees to Scotland, to be able to apply through the Forest Industry Recov- covers tangible and/or intangi-
for the funding also. ery Scheme (FIRS). ble investments that will enhance
The scale of this success is truly encouraging The National Forest project is forestry potential or relate to the
with £2.6min grant offers seeking to deliver £6.9m aimed at delivering against a wide mobilising, processing and adding
of overall project investment across 120 projects, all range of priorities which includes value to forest products.
by the end of 2020. a contribution towards maximising Examples of eligible activities
Awards from this scheme are being finalised and the number of trees planted to con- under the scheme include:
it will be important that these projects are delivered tribute to decarbonisation goals; • small to medium scale forest-
this financial year so that the funding is utilised. De- supporting the reversal of decline in based investments that will en-
tails of future rounds or further funding is expected biodiversity; seeing positive effects hance forestry potential or that
to be released shortly. on physical health and wellbeing; relate to the harvesting, process-
supporting commercial business ing and adding value to forest
activity, for example from timber products, particularly environmen-
production; and adventure tourism. tally friendly technology, including
ENGLAND The focus of FIRS was to cover cable-cranes, skidders and other
tangible investments that will en- equipment suitable for small and/or
After a good run of funding in England through hance the applicant’s ability to: inaccessible woodlands;
the LEADER projects, the Countryside Productiv- • increase the tree nursery’s • investments in development and
ity Scheme, and the Forestry Innovation Fund, there capacity to produce young trees; rationalisation of the marketing
are currently no funds open in England. However, and/or and processing of wood and wood
there is hope of support in England for machinery, • undertake ground preparation products;
circa autumn 2021, but this has yet to be confirmed. work ahead of tree planting; and/ • investments related to the use
Productivity will form one of the new Environ- or of wood as a raw material and
mental Land Management scheme pilots, but there • undertake tree safety works energy source prior to industrial
is no detail yet on content or timing. for trees affected by Ash Dieback processing;
As reported previously, in July 2020, Defra con- (Chalara); and/or • investment may include
tributed £1 million to Scottish Forestry’s Harvesting • improve harvesting of timber small forest nursery related
and Processing Grant so that nurseries in England from thinning, or small scale, developments that are specifically
could apply for support offered via this scheme. This inaccessible woodland using related to one or more forest
was welcomed by English nurseries, and applicants appropriate machinery. holdings;
to this scheme have started to receive confirmation The final awards from FIRS are • investments must be related to
of their success. We await publication of the out- understood to be still in process the improvement of the economic
comes of the scheme and are inviting members to but there is confidence that all of value of specific forests.
come forward with details of their success and how the £1.5m fund will be successfully The next round opens on 1 March
this will help their businesses develop. allocated. There were in excess of 2021. The deadline for applications
Whilst the Countryside Productivity Scheme has 110 applications seeking to sup- will be 9 April 2021.
closed to new applicants, those applicants in round port investment ranging from tim- Further advice and assistance
three have had the deadline extended due to con- ber winches to substantial capital with submitting an application may
cerns over Covid delays. They now have until mid- investment for buildings. The level be sought directly from the Welsh
night on the 31 May 2021 to buy and install all their of appetite for these grants sends a Government Website.
items and submit their claim for payment. very clear message to our govern-
ments. The industry is keen to in- In a new machinery series, grant
vest and develop its potential. recipients will review their newly
Further support has been an- purchased equipment. Read more
nounced in Wales via the Timber on p61.
10 FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 CONFOR.ORG.UKCONFOR
Confor welcomes new Company
Secretary and Head of Finance
At the start of January, Scottish Power as Group Financial successfully.
Confor has welcomed Kirstin Accountant before moving to be- “I am now excited to be joining
come Financial Controller for Speirs a sector which provides both en-
Donaldson to the team as
& Jeffrey (S&J)– a wealth manage- vironmental benefits and jobs for
Head of Finance. ment firm which managed over rural economies at what should
“As Confor’s Head of Finance, I will £6.5bn of investments for clients. be a growth point with changing
be responsible for managing all ar- During this period, I was heavily attitudes and indeed COP26 in
eas of Finance including financial involved in several IT and transfor- Glasgow later this year. I
planning and monitoring, reporting mational projects that were key to have a lot of very rel-
to the Board, advising on financial S&J’s strategy. These included the evant knowledge and
strategy and for company report- implementation of a new front of- experience which I
ing as per regulatory and legal re- fice system, the refurbishment of hope that I will be
quirements. In my role as Company and subsequent move to new office able to put to good
Secretary, I will be responsible for premises and the development of a use in this new
overseeing the day-to-day adminis- public website and client portal. sector to me and
tration of the company, HR and for “In 2015 I joined the main Board I very much look
ensuring good corporate govern- of Speirs & Jeffrey (S&J) as Chief forward to work-
ance. Operating Officer and I was proud ing with you going
“I am an experienced Chief Op- to become the first female director forward.”
erating Officer with a strong finan- in its 109 years history. Following
cial background having qualified as the purchase of S&J by Rathbones
a Chartered Accountant at KPMG- a in 2018 I led the integration of the
Big Four Firm. After qualification I two companies which was a large
then spent four years working for multi-year project that I delivered
Strengthening technical
And says farewell to support to members
Roland Stiven Confor will welcome a new Technical Support Officer
in April. Following the departure of Andrew Heald last
With the start of the New Year, everyone at Confor wishes him year, and then the recruitment of Andy Leitch, Confor is
the Confor team bids farewell to well in the new role. pleased to be filling a new post. Technical advice is im-
Roland Stiven, Timber Transport A recruitment process is un- portant for Members, and the new recruit will work with
lead and Confor company secre- derway to secure a new Timber Andy and his team to strengthen the advice, representa-
tary, who has moved on to begin Transport Officer whereas the tion and support that Confor can make available.
a new role with Scottish Forestry. new Head of Finance, Kirstin Don-
As Business Development Ad- aldson, will take over the role of
visor in the Business Develop- Company Secretary.
ment Team he is covering areas CONFOR WELCOMES
including timber transport and NEW MEMEBRS
the Strategic Timber Transport
Fund, biomass, and the Scottish Balcas Invergordon Mill, Inverness-shire
Windblow Contingency Plan. Brook Forestry Limited, Aberdeenshire
Confor employed Roland in DSHWOOD UK Ltd, Inverness-shire
2009 to work with the Timber Goldcrest Land & Forestry Group, Midlothian
Transport Forum and to help Holkham Estate, Norfolk
manage the Scottish Timber Kilmaha, Gloucestershire
Transport Fund. Roland quickly Lumsden Forestry Ltd, Inverness-shire
got to grasp with his new role and Safe Forestry Ltd, Inverness-shire
soon became an effective and True North European Real Estate Partnership,
widely respected figure in timber Northumberland
transport. Alexander Benson, Northumberland
In recent years, Roland also Emma Eberhardt, Oxfordshire
became Confor’s Company Sec- Conway Gray, Cumbria
retary and managed budgets for Daniel Greenall, Lancashire
Confor and for Wood for Good. Emma Mercer, Norfolk
While Roland will be missed, K Gibson Tree Surgery & Rural Services, Devon
CONFOR.ORG.UK FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 11+44 2838 330011 info@oakleafforestry.com 35a Derryall Road, Portadown, Co. Armagh BT62 1PL
NEWS FROM MEMBERS
Familiar faces launch
Land and Forestry Group
Well-known forestry specialists tion, having been responsible for
have launched GOLDCREST Land brokering the majority of commer-
& Forestry Group in early January cial forestry transactions in the UK
2021. over the last two to three decades.”
Surveyors Jon Lambert, Fenning He said: “The forestry market
Welstead and Jock Galbraith, who remains a buoyant growth sector,
previously worked for John Clegg & underpinned by significant interest
Co, have formed a new partnership from corporate firms keen to earn
operating throughout the UK. carbon credits as a way of ensur-
Based in Edinburgh’s Charlotte ing compliance with Environmental,
Square, Goldcrest’s services include Social and Governance (ESG) cri-
buying and selling forestry and land teria. Additionally, the importance
on behalf of clients, valuations, as- placed on natural capital is increas-
set management and strategic ingly realised both in the valuation
advice on rural estates and busi- of forestry assets and through the
nesses. rural support and grants offered by
The three chartered rural prac- devolved governments in the UK as
tice surveyors and chartered forest- we leave the EU. Demand remains sustained for this Group
ers drove the John Clegg & Co busi- “The forestry sector has been bespoke investment asset class. I Founding
ness forward for a combined total relatively unscathed by Covid-19 believe this interest will only inten- Partners (l-r):
of more than 70 years. with very considerable capital ap- sify during the next 12-18 months Jon Lambert,
Jock Galbraith
Mr Lambert said: ‘‘I am delighted preciation of woodlands, forests and that we are likely to see further
and Fenning
to be part of this new partnership. and planting land in the last year. yield compression as a result. It is
Welstead
We have an unrivalled knowledge Some properties have increased an exciting time to be setting up a
of the forestry market and as a at an astonishing rate – in excess new business in the sector.”
team we have an excellent reputa- of 30% in the last twelve months. http://goldcrestlfg.com
Maelor appointments BSW acquires SCA Wood UK’s
On 14 January, Maelor Forest
Building & Supply Solutions division
Nurseries Ltd announced the In early December, BSW an- tribute is extremely exciting.
appointment of Ben Goh as its nounced the acquisition of This major milestone in the
new Commercial Manager. the Building and Supply So- timber industry provides our
Ben took up his post on 12 lutions division of SCA Wood customers with a strength-
January 2021 and will lead the UK, which includes the man- ened and broader range and
Company’s customer service ufacture and distribution of will extend our excellent ser-
team as they continue to deliv- timber and associated prod- vice provision.
er great quality products and a ucts to the home improve- “Through this acquisition,
high level of service to all their ment and builders merchant we will deliver a combined
Mark Appleton (left) and
customers. sectors. package of timber solutions
Ben Goh
Ben brings with him many This heralds the begin- adding to the security of sup-
years’ experience working in the business to the success it ning of BSW’s growth strat- ply for the market.”
renewables with AMP Clean is today. Mike was pivotal to egy under the ownership of Jerry Larsson, President
Energy and biomass with E.ON the successful acquisition of Endless LLP. Tony Hackney, of SCA, commented: “I be-
and also has a family back- Maelor by BSW Timber Ltd in CEO of BSW, said: “We are lieve the business will further
ground in the plant nursery 2019. Mike and Mark will be very pleased to have agreed develop under the ownership
sector. working in tandem over the a common approach with of BSW. We will continue to
Only recently, in late No- coming months to ensure a SCA to acquire the UK opera- supply raw materials into the
vember 2020, the company smooth transition is achieved. tions, which will significantly UK market via BSW Timber,
appointed Mark Appleton as Mark brings with him many strengthen our position with in addition to our existing In-
its new Managing Director. years’ experience operating at our expanding customer dustrial Solutions import and
Mark has taken over the day- a senior level, notably holding base. distribution operation.”
to-day running of the nursery the role of Managing Director “The opportunity to add In November 2020, BSW
from long-standing Manag- at MWF (a leading supplier of value to our established had acquired Borders tim-
ing Director and founder, Mike biomass fuel) before their pur- products and widen the ber harvesting company Dick
Harvey. Mike will be taking re- chase by AMP Clean Energy in products we offer and dis- Brothers Forestry.
tirement in 2021 having built 2016.
CONFOR.ORG.UK FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 13NEWS FROM MEMBERS
Tilhill presents top student award
A Harper Adams University graduate has won gral to forestry activities and a career
the Tilhill ‘Top Student’ Award for 2020. The in this discipline. The lecturers have
award was presented at an online award presen- been fantastic and made my time at
tation to Amy Shepherd, a graduate studying for Harper Adams enjoyable.
a BSC (Hons) in Countryside and Environmental The talks given by Tilhill during
Management with the University. career events at Harper Adams con-
As part of Tilhill’s work to strengthen links tinued to inspire me and reinforce my
with future foresters, the Company presents aspiration of working in the forestry
awards to top performing students at univer- sector. Forestry has taken a new posi-
sities offering degrees in forestry-related sub- tive turn in recent years, with local and
jects across the UK. national governments realising the im-
Upon receiving the award, Amy Shep- portance of trees. Graduating during
herd said: ”Winning the Tilhill Award has been this time is exciting and I can’t wait to
a wonderful achievement and I am so grateful see what the future will hold.”
for it. I have been interested in Forestry since A carved wooden trophy along
travelling to the pacific north west and see- with £250 prize money was present-
ing the vast forests there. During this time, I ed to Amy by David Edwards, Tilhill’s
thought that a career in Forestry would be too Wales and Marches Regional Manager.
good to be true.
When I found the Countryside and Environ-
mental Management degree at Harper Adams
GET INVOLVED
University I knew this was my route into the Tilhill’s 2021 Graduate Scheme is
Forestry industry. During the degree course now open for applications. Just
my skills have developed in a wide range of ar- visit our website for details on how
eas from woodland management, soil science to apply. www.tilhill.com
and ecology to water management, all inte-
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01461 207 510 www.ponsse.comMEMBER PROFILE
Building
partnerships
on integrity
QA &
Does DSHwood UK operate
differently from the European
and trust company model?
Yes, it does. In the UK, we are
mainly a standing timber merchant
purchasing on a tonnage basis
either standing or at roadside,
DSHwood is an international wood whereas in Denmark and Germany
trading company, trading in both we mainly buy roadside logs.
In France, we buy parcels both
hardwood and softwood logs and standing and roadside at auction,
all main wood products. Stef Kaiser similar to what we do in the UK;
spoke to Wales-based Iwan Lloyd- the purchaser then pays a lump-
sum price and is responsible for
Williams, Director at DSHwood UK. volumes and quality assessment
D
SHwood UK is a subsidiary of multinational How has the 2020 lockdowns
DSHwood and has been operating in Scot- affected global (mainly European)
land since 2011 at a comparatively small timber markets?
scale. In the summer of 2020, DSHwood ap- At the beginning of last year,
pointed Gavin Brown to head up the expansion of the the overseas export market
company’s operations throughout the UK and Iwan was was severely affected in direct
subsequently appointed to lead operations in Wales continuation of Chinese New Year
and England. in February 2020. The main part of
Bred and trained in Wales, Iwan lives with his family all sales contracts was cancelled, timber available from Europe and
in Llandrillo in North Wales. He has been involved in which led to a harvesting stop Scandinavia, as it gets diverted to
forestry for over 20 years, having worked for Tilhill for in hardwood all over Europe. In the US.
15 years, followed by a short appointment as Head of March, the export market came Small roundwood (SRW)
Purchasing at Clifford Jones Timber. He is a well-known back, but now Europe was in markets were oversupplied in
figure in the Welsh industry and holds the role of Vice lockdown and European buyers 2020 during lockdown but have
Chairman of Confor Wales. He is also the Assistant hesitated to place orders. Overall, since recovered production, albeit
Honorary Director of the forestry section at the Royal this led to a weak market for with a significant backlog in the
Welsh Show. hardwood in the first half of 2020. supply chain. SRW prices have a
DSHwood UK Ltd is, “unashamedly”, as Iwan says, During the summer, we faced a significant price gap as opposed to
a wood trading business. It does not have its own pro- high demand for hardwood in sawlogs. Two or three years ago,
cessing plants, but instead chooses to work in partner- both Europe and the Far East. This the price gap for SRW vs Sawlogs
ship with carefully chosen and trusted harvesting and demand has continued through the was in the region of £10/t but is
processing businesses. second half of 2020. now up to as much as £40 - £50/t
In the UK, its focus lies on purchasing standing tim- The softwood market in Europe for competitive purchasing.
ber, although the company is receptive to opportunities was less affected by the lockdown.
for buying or trading coniferous or broadleaved timber This was mainly due to a huge Has DSHwood been significantly
either at roadside or delivered. oversupply of beetle-damaged impacted by the Covid-19
DSHwood UK’s vision is to grow the business quickly logs from Central Europe, pandemic?
to provide a fully national service offering forest own- as diseased wood had to be Like many businesses, DSHwood
ers a truly independent timber marketing option in or- harvested independently of market was affected by reduced demand
der to achieve best value for the timber grower. Iwan demand. during the initial lockdown in
highlights the importance of developing strong part- March 2020 as the construction
nerships and relationships and believes this can be How are UK markets responding? sector shut down across the
achieved by a brand based on integrity and trust – a In our country, we have seen prices UK and mills closed or slowed
business that “delivers what it says on the package”. for logs continuing to strengthen production. Since the industry
www.dshwood.com and all indicators seem to show re-started, demand has been
that this trend will continue until incredibly strong and has allowed
at least the end of summer 2021, us to purchase some meaningful
mainly because of a lack of sawn volume.
16 FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021Did your business have to make without trade tariffs; this will Customs paperwork could be a
any significant changes to invigorate the domestic timber barrier for import/export of timber
operations due to the pandemic? industry economy and prevent as this has certainly become more
Usually, all our hardwood the UK market from becoming too onerous.
inspections within Europe would insular.
be undertaken by meeting the The domestic wood processing Being a multinational company,
supplier in the forest and agree markets will have to remain how will your business be
on grading. In 2020, however, competitive in the wider impacted by Brexit?
most DSH country branches international arena, which is We continually see political
would conduct hardwood directly beneficial for the forest conflicts showing up all over the
gradings without engaging the owner, and ultimately will benefit world. This always causes panic
supplier on site. In the UK, the a healthy and more sustainable / and difficulties in the current
situation was different, as we are stable forest industry in the UK. business. But usually, after a
adopting and developing COVID Over the next few years, I think short while the raw material finds
Risk Assessments to allow the we will see an increase in demand another way to meet the end user
continuation of operations across for homegrown timber from across request if there is an ongoing
our sites. the UK. demand.
“
Strong prices, lack of trade I do not see any significant
tariffs and good demand can impact caused to DSHwood by the
create a healthy industry. It is terms of the Brexit deal. At least
pleasing to see the volumes being now we have some more certainty
The tariff-free Brexit can brought to market by growers that trade tariffs are not going to
and their agents as they seek to be applied. It is now more a matter
be positive for the UK maximise financial returns. I do of currency, and how the strength
timber industry. worry, however, that the private of the pound is managed.
sector might largely withdraw from In the future, being outside of
How do you foresee UK timber placing timber on the market if/ the European Union Europe will
markets reacting to Brexit? when the prices go back down, now us to be more reactive to
It has been immensely pleasing potentially starving a falling wider international opportunities
that the UK has exited Europe market. should they arise.
CONFOR.ORG.UK FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 17Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus
RenewablesLtd Ltd
Renewables
Delivering carbon sequestration,
Delivering carbon
renewable
Eucalyptus trees have:-energy and carbonEucalyptus
positive materials
Renewables has:-
WOODS FOR SALE Eucalyptus
• High density
• • High
Highdensity
trees
growth rates
>500kg/m sequestration,
woodhave:-
26 to 44m /ha/annum
3
3 Eucalyptusrenewable
• Woodland
• Market
Renewables
Creation Grant
drivenGrant
philosophy
energy
has:-
opportunities
wood >500kg/m
and carbon positive
• Woodland Creation
materials
opportunities
3
Eucalyptus Renewables works across the supply-chain from
various Eucalypt forester
farmer &
• • High
Various species
ratesthat
26 tomeet
44mUK site and climatic • Supply
drivenofphilosophy species
CEFN LLWYD FOREST PORTFOLIO, GWYNEDD growth /ha/annum • Market
3
through to end user delivering carbon services & products. We specialise in:
conditions
• Various species that meet UK site and climatic • Supplyforofspecific
varioussites
Eucalypt species
2,967 acres. As a whole £15,000,000 • conditions
• Diversified Eucalyptus Renewables works across
Adaptable to UK climate change predictions
land-uses
• specific
for
integrating sustainable
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forestry
1000 ha Eucalypt projects in UK
within agricultural
•• Adaptable to UK economic
Short rotation climate change predictions
returns • Circa
• UK1000Silvicultural
ha Eucalypt projects
Responsein Strategy
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6 Lots from £700,000 and woodland systems
•• Short rotationcarbon
Sustainable economic the supply-chain from farmer & forester
returns
lock-up capacity • UK • Silvicultural Response
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use strategies
•• Sustainable
No impactcarbon lock-up capacity • Targeted landstreams
income use strategies through diversified
through to end user. We specialise in:
from Grey squirrels
LODGE WOOD, LINCOLNSHIRE •• No
•impact
Carbon
from Grey
sequestration
squirrels
in fast-growing species
incomeselected
streams for current and
Low browsing
future interest
climatic from deer
variations
•• Low browsing interest from deer
72.6 acres. Guide price £425,000 • • Diversified land-uses integrating
Extensive agroforestry potential
Extensive agroforestry potential
Caution:-
Caution:-
• Renewable energy feedstock for biomass heat and power
BWLCH COEDIOG, POWYS BryanElliott
Elliott sustainable • forestry
• Silvicultural
within
Silvicultural interventions agricultural
interventions must be managed, and on time
must be managed, and on time
• Basic silviculture must be carried out for the trees to
Bryan
232.2 acres. Guide price £250,000
•
t:t:01803
Successfully
01803814128
814128
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• of the
Basic
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854173 grade timber
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m:07902
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climatic variation
• High growth rates 26 to 44 m3/ha/
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annum and high density wood >500kg/m3
Details from www.tustins.co.uk • No impact from grey squirrels and low
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18 FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 CONFOR.ORG.UKNEWS
Survey puts a value
on natural capital of
new woodlands
A study – the first of its kind in the UK – has
provided quantitative evidence of the natural
capital benefits of planting new woodlands.
N
atural capital is the stock of well designed woodland planting
natural resources, including is a win-win for the economy, local
plants, soils, air, water and communities and nature.”
greenspace, which all combine to AECOM consultants, who carried
provide benefits to people. out the study in association with
Commissioned by Scottish For- RDI Associates and Cumulus Con-
estry, Tilhill and SEPA, the study as- sultants, worked closely with Scot-
sessed a newly planted mixed tish Forestry and Tilhill to apply the
woodland site at Larriston near Forest Products Sector Guide of
Newcastleton which is managed by the Natural Capital Protocol for the
Tilhill. The woodland was then val- first time in the UK. The Protocol
ued to measure its natural capital aims to show the reliance between
potential over the next 50 years. business and nature, including in
In addition to future revenues this case, benefits that forestry can
from selling harvested timber, the generate for the economy and local
analysis revealed substantial bene- communities.
fits for society through CO2 remov- This type of analysis offers dif-
als, flood alleviation and biodiver- ferent practical applications in the
sity from modern-day forestry. future: whether as a way to exam-
The key future benefits were val- ine the case for future forestry in-
ued at around £20m in today’s pric- vestments and markets; to assess
“
es, which included almost 200,000 different forest management strat-
tonnes of timber, just under 150,000 egies; or to monitor outcomes as
tonnes of CO2 removals, and almost woodlands grow and mature.
3m m3 of water stored in the forest. It offers complementary evi-
The analysis showed timber to dence to conventional Environmen- The survey provides important
provide the largest source of fi- tal Impact Assessments and serves
nancial revenue for the project at to show how the forestry industry evidence about how woodland
£2.5m over the next 50 years. The
value of net carbon sequestration
can support our economic recov-
ery, while enhancing the natural en-
creation and nature supports a
to society was estimated at around vironment. Green Recovery
£9m over the same period. .
Dr Pat Snowdon, at Scottish
Forestry, who led the study said: Applying the Natural
“This is a fresh approach to work- Capital Protocol
ing with businesses in the forest- The report can be downloaded
ry sector by putting a value on a from the Scottish Forestry
range of natural capital benefits Publications webpage
from planting new woodlands. (https://forestry.gov.scot/
publications/988-forest-
Challenging targets sector-final-report )
“The survey provides important
evidence about how woodland
creation and nature supports a
green recovery and will contribute
towards our challenging climate
change targets.
“The study will also be of inter-
est to those in the forest products
chain who will be able to see how
CONFOR.ORG.UK FORESTRY & TIMBER NEWS • February 2021 19You can also read
