Call for Expert Committee on Forest Science members
The Board of Forestry Commissioners established the Expert Committee on Forest Science (ECFS) to provide independent, expert advice and assurance on the quality of science and evidence provided by the Forestry Commission’s (FC) research agency Forest Research (FR) and other providers. As a committee member there is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the […]
Institute welcomes newest Chartered members
We are delighted to recognise and celebrate the professionals who have successfully completed the Professional Membership Entry (PME) process in 2025. Achieving chartered status is a significant professional milestone, reflecting not only technical competence and experience, but also a strong commitment to professionalism, ethical practice and continuing development within forestry and arboriculture. The PME process […]
Celebrating excellence at Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025
A school which has taken lessons on climate change out of the classroom and into the real world, and a project using trees to stop a notorious flooding problem are among the champions honoured at this year’s Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards. When you add in a project to plant free nut and fruit trees in […]
Institute highlights of 2025
As we approach the end of 2025, take a look at some highlights from the Institute of Chartered Foresters’ centenary year. Celebrating 100 years 300+ attend the Centenary National Conference in Edinburgh Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future In spring 2025, we published the Centenary Issue of TREES. This edition included an article from Professor […]
New resilience strategy launched by Forestry England
Forestry England today (10 November 2026) launched a new strategy and action plan that will protect the nation’s forests against the multiple threats they face. Three key principles of assessing, diversifying and restoring will guide foresters across the organisation so the 1,500 forests and woodlands in their care are fit for the future. As the […]
SocEnv reacts to UK carbon budget and growth delivery plan
The UK Government published a new Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan on 29 November, featuring details on how the country will deliver emissions reductions up to the year 2037, how the government meets its statutory carbon budgets and secures the benefits of this transition for people and businesses. Dr Emma Wilcox CEnv, Chief Executive […]
ICF launches ‘UKFS for Non-Foresters’ online course to widen understanding of sustainable forest management
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) has launched a new online training course designed to bring the best practice principles of the UK Forestry Standard to non-foresters. The course is based on the technical standard for sustainable forestry in the UK, which is not widely known or accessed outside of the forestry sector – and […]
Forest Research Chief Scientist appointed Honorary Professor of Bangor University
Bianca Ambrose-Oji, Chief Scientist at Forest Research, has been appointed as an Honorary Professor by Bangor University. This prestigious title has been awarded in recognition of Professor Ambrose-Oji’s major achievements during her academic and research career, which includes her previous role as a researcher and lecturer at Bangor University. Professor Ambrose-Oji’s career in forestry spans […]
Third version of the Woodland Carbon Code launched
A new version of the Woodland Carbon Code – the UK’s quality assurance standard for woodland carbon projects – launched on Friday 1 August 2025. Version 3 incorporates insights from recent research and consultation feedback and aligns with national and international frameworks. The changes are designed to make the Woodland Carbon Code more accessible, practical […]
Institute signs joint statement on Local Nature Recovery Strategies
We recently published a joint statement with Confor and the Royal Forestry Society in support of the development and implementation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) across England, but these LNRS must be developed with a strong foundation in professional forestry expertise, evidence-based standards and collaborative engagement. Please see this statement below. Forestry advice for […]