Untangling The Jungle of Jargon

Puzzled by ‘pioneers’, lost with ‘layering’, left non plussed by ‘net discounted revenue’ or muddled by ‘mensuration’ ?

The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) has found a way to untangle the jungle of jargon and terminology that has crept into all areas of forestry, woodland and tree management with an updated version of its popular pocket-sized glossary Tree Terms.

The guide, produced with support from Forestry Journal, turns ‘ tree-speak ‘ into plain English and aims to become an invaluable reference guide, not only for those already actively involved in trees and woodland management but also to new woodland owners and to everyone with an interest in trees.

More than 300 terms, from ‘Acidification’ to ‘Young Growth‘, are defined, around 70 acronyms spelt out and useful websites provided.

Royal Forestry Society Chief Executive Dr John Jackson said: “All industries have their specific terms, and forestry and woodland management has been no exception in developing a rich language used by professionals."

“For many people though that language can be confusing and excluding. This new version of Tree Terms reflects today’s concerns with ecology, carbon, climate change and sustainability and aims to open up the professional’s language to a wider audience.

“We believe Tree Terms will have wide appeal to the huge numbers of people who from time to time attend woodland meetings, workshops and conferences, including your own members and those of other organisations such as the National Trust and Wildlife Trusts to Tree Wardens and woodland owners.”

Tree Terms costs just £3 (including P& P) and is available from the RFS head office at Tring, Tel 01442 822028. Order forms can also be downloaded from the Woodshed on the RFS web site www.rfs.org.uk, or write to the RFS at 102 High Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4AF.