News archive - Week ending 16th November 2007

Forestry Commission Report Looks at Climate Change

The Forestry Commission has published its final reports for England, Scotland and Wales following its Surveys of Public Opinion of Forestry 2007. The surveys are part of a series run since 1993 but this time they included a new section on climate change. The results showed increased levels of public awareness of the benefits and issues surrounding forestry. A higher proportion of respondents than in previous surveys said they would like to see more woodland planted in the UK: it was 71 per cent this year, compared with 66 per cent in 2005.

Among the results from the UK survey were:

"to help tackle climate change" was the second most-cited reason given by people who agreed that forestry should be supported with public money
80 per cent agreed that "trees are good because they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in wood"
55 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that the United Kingdom could offset all its greenhouse gas emissions by planting more trees. (It is, however, not feasible for the UK to become "carbon neutral" through tree planting alone; it is estimated that to do this would require the creation of about 50 million hectare of forests - approximately twice the land area of the UK.)
The results were published just in advance of a major UK conference on forests and climate change due to take place in London which will involve policy makers in the forestry, environment and energy sectors.

Tree Planting Initiative

New Caledonian Woodlands is a new not-for-profit initiative, which is based in Edinburgh. Launched this week, it is founded on the belief that a great way to learn how to safeguard the environment for future generations is to get involved in a hands-on way.

The Company wants to help people to step beyond talk and take action. One of its aims is to get as many people as possible to plant native species trees in Scotland as part of a long-term project to create and enrich habitats for many types of birds, mammals, plants and insects. The planned tree planting days will provide a sociable, affordable and fun day out. People will be able to travel into the surrounding countryside to plant new native species woodlands that enhance biodiversity while also offsetting carbon dioxide.

It is also possible to order trees online and receive a named certificate showing where 'your' tree has been planted. The Company also organises a range of events which include affordable biodiversity weekends and team-building days.

Shetland's Schools are Environmental Stars

Shetland Islands Council has became the first Scottish local authority to have more than half of its schools earn the right to wave an Eco Flag. It is already the first education authority to have every single school registered under the Eco School programme.

The primary schools at Dunrossness and Happyhansel, in Walls, were awarded first flags while Hamnavoe primary in Burra received its third flag. The awards were made for work on waste prevention, recycling, litter control and extensive work on school grounds. Other aspects, including the encouragement of healthy lifestyles through active play, healthy eating and emotional support, were also taken into consideration.
Lead assessor Mary Lisk said Scotland leads Europe in the international Eco School programme, with Shetland top of the league in this country. The islands had Scotland's first Eco School back in 1995, at Lunnasting primary, in Vidlin.

Strategic Spending Review Heralds a Greener Scotland

It is claimed that the new Strategic Spending Review will bring significant investment for Scotland's natural resources, rural communities and support for delivery on the greener Scotland.

Key points of the Budget are:

* £154 million investment to take Scotland closer to becoming a zero-waste society;

* £126 million to local authorities for flood defences; and

* £45 million for new woodlands - extending forest cover and our ability to absorb CO2 emissions and a new Sustainable Development and Climate Change fund worth a total of over £30 million.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said: "We have set out clear priorities. Our spending and actions will reduce the impact we have on our local and global environment; and it will protect and enhance Scotland's unique environment".

Proof of Concept Energy Projects

The Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept Programme has awarded funding of £3.3 million in its Round Eight awards to 16 commercialisation projects in Scottish universities and research institutions. All the projects have the potential to result innovative spin-out companies and/or licensing agreements which will ultimately help grow Scotland's economy.

Included in the awards are two energy projects:

An instrument to increase the efficiency of bio-mass use in energy production, leading to a reduced dependence on fossil fuels, a reduction in carbon emissions and giving Scotland a competitive edge in the alternative energy market. (Glasgow Caledonian University)
A unique method for effectively stopping CO2 leaking from geological storages to help Scotland capitalise on the growing need to tackle CO2 emissions. (Heriot-Watt University)
Waste Power Plant

The first energy from waste scheme to be set up in the Highlands has been approved. The plant, to be built in Skye and Lochalsh, will provide heating for up to 300 homes in the area. The council has agreed to identify potential sites for the energy plant as well as the homes that could benefit.

Rubbish is currently being taken by road to the Central Belt for disposal following the closure of Portree