13 September 2010 and 23 September 2010

Flexible Forestry: Adapting forestry and woodland management in South East England to the potential impacts of climate change

Woodland Enterprise Centre, Flimwell, Near Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 7PR and Duncton Mill Fishery, Dye House, Dye House Lane, Duncton, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0LF, respectively

This workshop was aimed at professional forestry and woodland managers. Topics included: Climate change - recent projections and risks to forestry: Planning for the future - choosing species and provenances and adapting silvicultural systems; Tree Pests & Diseases - Phytophthora, red band needle blight and new pests and diseases; and Biodiversity - implications of a changing climate. Speakers included Dr Anna Brown, Dr Richard Jinks and Dr Gary Kerr from Forest Research. The workshop provided an opportunity to hear about the latest research and encouraged discussion to help shape future research.

9 September 2010

Can we take food for granted? A discussion about food security amidst rising global populations

The Guildhall, Portsmouth PO1 2AB

In 1798, the economist Thomas Malthus published An Essay on the Principle of Population in which he predicted "that the power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence". Although until recently it was assumed that events had proved him wrong, a predicted global population rise to 9 billion by 2050 and the attendant food consumption growth will not be matched by the ability of our present systems to produce sufficient food, curtailed as they are by growing competition for land, water, and energy, as well as other environmental concerns. The warning signs are already discernible as developing countries seek a more "western" diet causing commodity prices to rise, leading to food riots in less developed countries in 2008.

What are the global and the national problems for food now and in the future and can we solve them? Or will Malthus eventually be proved correct? The speakers examined these problems from their various standpoints, which was followed by an animated and extensive question and answer discussion.

It was agreed that much could be done through scientific advances and the application of best practices, both in Britain and elsewhere, to close the 'yield gap'. However, this alone would not be sufficient. Controlling on-farm energy costs is another important part of the solution, as all farmers are vulnerable to rising energy prices - and, of course, to associated hikes in fertiliser prices. And world commodity prices are highly sensitive to relatively small changes in the supply of grain and other staples. Furthermore, Britain's supply of horticultural products is highly vulnerable to changes in the supply of migrant labour.

It was agreed that the debate about 'Food Security' needs to address the UK's aspiration to secure nutritious food at prices that are affordable to all. Certain parts of society in Britain are extremely vulnerable to the price ripples that arise from such world food supply crises. At present, 'local' food distribution channels are felt to provide superb food for the middle classes, but are felt not to be reaching other social groups. With public sector spending under pressure, it will be challenging to improve food in hospitals, prisons and schools: it was noted that the current daily food budget for three meals is only £1.91 per adult prisoner.

There was considerable discussion about what can be done to extend the role of local food, so that it plays a more substantial role in eliminating 'food deserts' and helping meet our aspiration to make a nutritious diet accessible to all. It was agreed that understanding - and influencing - consumers' motivations and food buying habits will be critical to any solution.

Our speakers were:
Dr Peter Bunyan FRSA, Former Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food
Pauline Ryder FRSA, Director of Farm Fresh Express - online local food and home delivery company
Hugh Broom, Journalist and Chairman of the Surrey Branch of the National Farmers Union.

Specific follow-up actions are being scoped in respect of:

Initiatives that help primary producers to develop more extensive and sustainable food distribution channels; and

improving continuous professional development for primary food producers.

If you are interested in getting involved in with these follow ups activities, please contact Peter Bunyan, peter.bunyan@btinternet.com or Alison Melvin, alison.melvin@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

28 April 2010

What's the buzz? Bees, land use and the community

Chowen Lecture Theatre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9PX

This free, one day meeting includes a series of seminars, hands on activities and sharing of knowledge from 11am–6pm. We would encourage you to stay on for an evening networking reception at the nearby Swan Inn from 6.15pm-8pm to continue discussions raised throughout the day and explore potential collaborations.

For enquiries about the event please contact Brydie Maguire or telephone 01273 877599.

Full programme details (PDF-54K)

Bees, land use and the community

23 March 2010

Outdoors, health and leisure - developing the research agenda for the South Downs

Sussex Rural Business Centre, Plumpton College, BN7 3AE

This free event will bring will be of interest to policymakers, providers, referrers and researchers in the areas of health, recreation and leisure. The event will include presentations on initiatives and research that examine links between people, the outdoors and health. There will be an overview of the current situation in relation to the South Downs area and discussion sessions on future priorities and opportunities for research and provision.

For enquiries about the event please contact Alison Melvin or telephone 01420 526217.

Full programme details (PDF-35K)

Trees, woods, forests and their contribution to people's health (PPT-6M)