This FISA document sets out guidance on how to work safely. It gives practical considerations of how this can be applied in forestry operations.

Storm Arwen has produced a myriad of new areas of storm damaged and extremely dangerous trees. Working in these conditions the operator needs to be trained and competent (with experience working in windblow). To deal with windblow situations, use mechanical assistance whenever possible.

Forest Research are seeking interviewees for a research project on threats to ash trees. Below is a message from Berglind Karlsdottir who is leading the research. 

A direct alternative is the Lantra +F Chainsaw Refresher training course. 

FISA are looking for a suitably qualified and experienced individual to fulfil a forestry technical role on a freelance, 12-month contract.

If you can spare 10 minutes, please take part in The Health & Wellbeing Survey - it’s the most comprehensive survey of its kind the industry has seen.
 

Future tender opportunities with FLS for Harvesting Mechanised Harvesting & Extraction and Planned Manual Tree Felling (Chainsaw) Operations.

It is anticipated that FLS will be advertising tender opportunities in mid-late summer, with a view to contracts being awarded in January 2022.

You will be aware that SEPA suffered a serious cyber attack on Christmas Eve.  With thanks to Tilhill for their help in getting SEPA to explain where things now stand, the following advice has been issued from their acting CEO:

Thanks to Confor for this update.

There are estimated to be 136,000 modern day slaves in the UK, and 46 million worldwide - hideous and impossible to ignore statistics.

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