News Stories

RDI Vacancies

In anticipation of forthcoming opportunities, Rural Development Initiatives Ltd. invites expressions of interest from prospective Project Managers/Officers to work with us on a range of forest industry development projects.

Please see the Vacancies Page for more information.

Regional SWOT analysis

SWOT analysis of a regional situation of bio-energy market in the North East of England

Project BEn holds its 3rd European meeting!

The 3rd BEn European meeting took place on the 10th – 11th Sept. 2009 in Lack, Poland (a scenic region of the Gostynin Lake District).  The meeting was hosted by the Polish project partners from the Association of Tourist Communes (StowGmin).  RDI's BEn project officer, Kasia Zielewska represented the North East region.

During the two day meeting 14 participants from 7 collaborating organisations discussed the work, progress and further development of project BEn.  The main emphasis was on:

Terrific Turriff Triumph - Forestry Area secures rosette for fourth year!

Organised by Rural Development Initiatives on behalf of the Forestry Commission Scotland, the Forestry Area at this year's 2009 Turriff Show was bigger and better than ever. The stand was based round the themes of climate change, wildfire and woodfuel and triumphed once again by being awarded a Best Decorated Trade Stand rosette, this time for 2nd place.

Interim results of SWOT analysis now available online!

The interim results of a SWOT analysis in regard to the regional biomass market situation in the North East of England is available online.

The provided synthesis gives a very complex and up-to-date picture of the situation of the biomass sector in our region and is a very interesting piece of work for everyone interested in biomass to have a look at!

Thank you to all contributors for your input!

Biomass Continuing Professional Development Seminars

Rural Development Initiatives (RDI), the UK’s market leading provider of project management and information services to the biomass sector, are pleased to announce the introduction of three new CPD seminars aimed at users and specifiers of biomass for heat only and combined heat and power (CHP) applications.

Great Yorkshire Show 2009

The 2009 Great Yorkshire Show has just finished, a very successful three days for all of the RDI staff involved.

The Forestry Events Arena, run by Yorwoods on behalf of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, drew in huge crowds to watch a variety of demonstrations and challenges, with precision felling, Man vs Machine, aerial rescue, sawmilling, chainsaw carving and of course, the Great British Poleclimbing Championships. Our congratulations to Grant Gallier, who won the Expert category of the Poleclimbing Championships with an astonishing 9.57 second climb.

Immerse yourself in a discussion in Flood World

Got something to say about flooding?  Well put this link into your computer, log in and let’s hear what you have to say http://floodworld.ning.com/forum .This forum site has been created by t

RDI Project Officer talks about the Cumbria Wildfire Group on BBC Radio Cumbria

The number of wildfires in Cumbria has doubled over the past decade,
clearly indicating that wildfire risk is on the rise. Mike Parr of BBC
Radio Cumbria talks with Ethan Bigelow, Cumbria Wildfire Group project
officer, about the efforts of the Cumbria Wildfire Group to combat this
growing threat.

You can listen to the full five minute interview by 'listening again' on BBC Radio Cumbria. The interview starts on the 76th minute of the 150 minute programme.

Nominate yourself (or another) to sit on a skills board....

ProSkills is the Sector Skills Council for the wood/timber processing sector. They are looking for an industry board, and they
need you!

If you're interested, have a look at the enclosed short letter and questionnaire - they also want to find out what are your top priorities for the sector.