Helping shape a more constructive approach to engagement in forestry
The Institute is proud to have contributed to the development of the new document Guidelines for Respectful and Constructive Engagement in Forestry Management (Scotland), published by Confor. These guidelines were developed collaboratively with partners from across the forestry sector, including Scottish Forestry, Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Woodlands, Tilhill Forestry and the Scottish Land Commission. […]
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards celebrate the power of trees at schools and nurseries
From protecting urban woodlands to transforming storm-damaged trees into learning opportunities, this year’s Schools and Early Years winners at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2026 have been announced. Demonstrating excellence in outdoor learning, the projects gave opportunities for children and young people to learn, grow and thrive outdoors. Combining woodland learning, biodiversity action and local […]
NRW graduate programme accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has achieved accreditation from the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) for its Forestry and Land Management Graduate Programme, marking an important milestone in the development of the next generation of forestry professionals. The accreditation recognises the quality of NRW’s structured graduate development programme – successful completion offers graduates two additional Professional Membership Entry (PME) qualifying points, […]
Tom Jenkins MBE FICFor (1959–2026)
The Institute of Chartered Foresters was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Tom Jenkins MBE FICFor, a long‑standing member whose commitment both to professional standards and the ICF spanned more than thirty years. Tom gave sustained and thoughtful service to the Institute throughout his career. Most notably, he served for 16 years on […]
Richard Stanford CB MBE achieves Professional membership of the ICF
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce that Richard Stanford CB MBE, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, has been promoted to Professional Member status, acknowledging his significant contribution to the forestry sector and his continued dedication to advancing sustainable forestry policy and practice across the UK. Richard Stanford CB MBE joined the […]
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2026 – entries open!
Entries are now open for all categories of Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2026, and it has never been easier to submit a superb example of excellence in woodlands and forestry. With a new website and easy to use online entry forms it could not be simpler to have your work championed on the national stage. […]
Tom Coates MICFor announced as Professional Forester of the Year 2026
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce that Tom Coates MICFor, Area Supply Manager at James Jones & Sons, has been awarded Professional Forester of the Year 2026. Presented on 12 March at the Confor Dinner & Awards 2026, the prestigious award recognises contributions to the betterment of forestry on a community, regional, […]
Shortlist announced for Professional Forester of the Year 2026
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce the three shortlisted candidates for Professional Forester of the Year 2026, the prestigious award that recognises outstanding service to the profession and the sector. This award recognises the contributions made by Chartered Arboriculturists or Chartered Foresters to the betterment of forestry on a community, regional, national […]
ICF launches new mentoring programme
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) has launched an exciting new pilot mentoring programme designed to connect early-career foresters and arboriculturists with some of the most experienced professionals in the sector. The initiative creates space for meaningful knowledge exchange, giving emerging professionals the opportunity to learn and benefit directly from those who have honed their […]
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards returns for 2026 – are you a growing success story?
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is once again celebrating excellence in woodlands and forestry across the country, with youngsters leading the way. Entries have opened for the Schools and Early Years categories in the 2026 Awards, with a deadline of March 31. Entering is straightforward and can be done via the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards website […]