Category Archives: Austin’s blog

The Future of the Forestry Commission… are the postage stamp designers on standby?

Posted on February 12, 2013 by

Is it just the British who to love to mark centenaries and anniversaries? That thought was triggered in my head when I caught sight of the new postage stamps celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Football Association, complete with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Austin's blog, Climate Change, England, Forests Report | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Chalara ash dieback – what next?

Posted on November 26, 2012 by

It’s been a while since my last blog on this subject but the question of ash dieback, and tree pests and diseases in general, has never been far from my mind. The level of public concern and media interest in … Continue reading →

Posted in Austin's blog, Climate Change, Conservation, Defra, Protection, Tree pests & diseases | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Re-thinking tree planting?

Posted on November 23, 2012 by

I find I am, to some extent, on a similar wavelength to Andy Byfield in his Guardian piece on tree planting. Perhaps more so in the light of recent developments that emphasise the need to think how we can deliver … Continue reading →

Posted in Austin's blog, Climate Change, Conservation, Forests Report, Oaken Wood, Planting, Tree pests & diseases | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Ash Dieback (Chalara)

Posted on October 30, 2012 by

The arrival of ash dieback disease (Chalara Fraxinea) on our shores is a real tragedy. The likelihood of major damage to our native and ancient woods, copses and hedgerows seems to be growing each day as we find out more about … Continue reading →

Posted in Austin's blog, Conservation, Government Affairs, Tree pests & diseases | Tagged , , , , | 34 Comments

New Defra Secretary of State – A Little Too Quick Off the Blocks?

Posted on September 13, 2012 by

The Government’s latest statement on all things rural was released today; within days of new ministers sweeping into Defra HQ and hours of the Monday morning staff dutifully setting out chairs in the Nobel House atrium for departmental teams to … Continue reading →

Posted in Austin's blog, Climate Change, Government Affairs, Policy | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Rio+20 – Still running up the down escalator?

Posted on June 20, 2012 by

Today sees the formal parts of the Rio+20 summit getting into full swing. A build up of fringe meetings, announcements and report publications have paved the way. There is some really interesting coverage touching on projects, issues and opportunities from … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient semi natural woodland, Austin's blog, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Conservation, England, Forestry management | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Austin’s Blog: Location, Location, Location…

Posted on June 8, 2012 by

No, I haven’t branched out into the property business, but was struck recently by a parallel with the world of Phil and Kirstie revealed by the Forestry Commission’s inspired changes to their woodland planting grants in England. Our work at … Continue reading →

Posted in Austin's blog, Conservation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Austin’s blog: Back to my roots…?

Posted on March 26, 2012 by

Spring often feels like the right time for new challenges and a fresh look at the world – and now it’s beginning to feel a bit like spring, for once, I feel that I am comfortably in-step with a sense … Continue reading →

Posted in Austin's blog, Conservation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment