WEEVIL CONTROL

Some of you may have seen the e-newsletter issued today by Confor. We would like to clear up some misinformation that appeared in that publication.

Two weeks ago, I was joined on site for a couple of UKFCG surveillance audits by Andy Sharkey who is FSC’s UK Forest Standard Manager. We discussed, amongst many subjects, the demise of Acetamiprid and the message we have been promoting that Cypermethrin could be brought back into use. It was clear from the discussion that Cypermethrin could be used immediately. I have received confirmation from Andy this evening that immediate use is permitted.

The Confor communication is erroneous as it states that Cypermethrin can only be used from August onwards.

Please note the following important requirements.

⦁ All Acetamiprid stocks must be used before 31st July 2024 – this is a legal requirement
⦁ Cypermethrin can only be used if you cannot obtain or do not have access to Acetamiprid
⦁ Lack of availability of Acetamiprid must be clearly stated in the ESRA you prepare.
⦁ To assist with your ESRA preparation we have drafted a partially completed Cypermethrin ESRA attached with this newsletter.
⦁ It may be prudent to order soonest as stock levels may not support late purchases.

Please note: the UKFCG Cypermethrin ESRA includes example comments. It is important that you edit the comments to suit your site specific circumstances, AND, complete all the remaining blank boxes. The ESRA must be signed and dated.

An alternative product, Chlorantraniliprole: Applications for use are being assessed by HSE/CRD and it is hoped that a positive outcome will result in time for late summer use.

If you have any questions regarding the documentary requirements for the use of Cypermethrin or any other pesticides please let us know – we are here to help and hopefully avoid Corrective Actions.

Soil Association audit of UKFCG 2024

Thank you to all forest managers who have been selected for a visit by the Soil Association (SA) auditor. The UKFCG team (Phil, Simon and Amy) will be on the road in various combinations with Rebecca from SA from 17th April through to 4th May auditing sites from Sussex and North to The Scottish Highlands, 18 forests and estates in total plus the audit of UKFCG procedures and record keeping. It was a huge relief to be able to get everyone lined up on consecutive days without any gaps over the audit dates.

Thank you also to all UKFCG members for completing and returning the 2023 Annual Reporting spreadsheet. This is an FSC requirement, and all the data provided forms just part of the much larger SA audit report. Checking and collating all the responses has taken some time and is now almost complete and ready for despatch to SA. Here are some statistics derived from your reports.

UKFCG has 197 members with forest area totalling 96,665 hectares. Your hard work in 2023 resulted in 609,000 tonnes of timber harvested. Pesticide use was down on 2022, even with UKFCG having more members. 399.5kg of Acetamiprid was applied over an area which only came to 1.15% of the total forest area. Other pesticides included Glyphosate, Triclopyr, Cycloxydim and Propyzamide. Also an increase in the use of Trico as a deer repellent and deer control increased to a cull total of over 7k.
Thank you all, and we look forward to seeing you again in the weeks ahead.

Ardura Community Forest – FSC & PEFC certified through UKFCG

We hope you have time to view the Ecosystem Services promotional video recently released by FSC. We are pleased to have been involved in the first Ecosystem Services accreditation in the UK.

Ardura Acorns and the Grove of the Holly

Meet the community restoring their temperate rainforest for biodiversity and recreation as you take a few minutes to immerse yourself in a bright and balmy September day in Ardura Community Forest on the Isle of Mull, in this short film from FSC UK.

Ips typographus outbreak map updated following recent findings

As a result of ongoing surveillance work, Ips typographus has been identified at further sites during January. An updated 10km grid summary map for confirmed outbreak sites of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) is now available under resources on the Larger eight-toothed European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) GOV.UK page. This provides land owners with an overview of confirmed outbreak areas since the pest was identified in Kent in 2018.

All landowners, woodland managers and timber processors should remain vigilant for this tree pest. It is important to continue taking the necessary action. You should rapidly remove stands of high-risk stressed, dead and dying spruce trees in the area. Landowners are also asked to report any suspect trees using the Forestry Commission’s TreeAlert.

Remove storm damaged trees

With storm damage across England following storms Isha and Jocelyn, spruce trees that have fallen or snapped in storms significantly increase the chances of an establishment of Ips typographus occurring in spring/summer. We recommend that spruce continue to be walked, with fallen or snapped trees identified and destroyed where possible. Ips typographus feeds on live but significantly weakened trees, with snapped stems down to 8cm diameter being a key target.

Please read the latest news and guidance on managing Ips typographus, including suitable methods of destruction and how to request a movement authorisation inspection on GOV.UK.

Welcome to new members now certified with UKFCG since the last listings:

  • Resipole
  • Culinglongart
  • Lewenshope Forest
  • Whiteknowe
  • Delnabo
  • Balmore Wood
  • Badair Dhonnadh
  • Perridge Estate
  • Saughtree and Thorlieshope
    West Burn
  • Redding Farm
  • Dirnanean Estate
  • Ellemford Estate