On:
In: forestry, news, policy

The BBC Newsnight programme featuring the public forest estate has been postponed. It is likely to be broadcast on Monday 24th and certainly before Thursday. Gabriel HemeryContinue Reading

On:
In: forestry, news, policy

There will be a film broadcast, on the BBC2 Newsnight programme, about the proposed sale of the public forest estate in England.  The film will feature a range of interviews from different stakeholders, including myself, prior to a studio debate. Update … the film was broadcast on Wednesday 26th January. Continue Reading

On:
In: comment, forestry, science

Ministers confirmed in Parliament yesterday the targets for the sale of public forests in England for the Spending Review period to 2015. It is important to note that these sales are separate from the public consultation expected in early next year on alternative options for management or ownership of theContinue Reading

On:
In: arboriculture, art, feature, forestry

Young forest trees often require some form of ‘formative’ shaping or pruning during the first 5-10 years after planting.  I co-wrote a practical guide on this subject for Woodland Heritage, and created the artwork that I’ve reproduced here.     Young trees may require pruning for a variety of reasons,Continue Reading

On:
In: feature, forestry, science

I spent over a decade as a forest scientist working to improve the genetic quality of various hardwood tree species.  To put it another way, to maniupate NATURE.  It became increasingly obvious to me that we must never ignore NURTURE.  We must work with both nature and nurture when creatingContinue Reading

On:
In: forestry, science, walnut

My forestry research work took me to the USA and Italy looking for the best ways to grow walnut trees for timber.  Foresters in both countries pioneered the planting of nitrogen-fixing trees or shrubs with hardwood trees, where their ability to improve soil fertility for ‘hungry’ species, such as walnut,Continue Reading