Institute responds to the latest woodland creation statistics
With the latest UK woodland creation statistics published recently, the Institute has been considering how and if we should respond. 2025/6 – 7,220 hectares 2024/5 – 8,470 hectares 2023/4 – 15,040 hectares We welcome the continued growth in overall woodland cover across the UK. However, we also recognise the concerns about the recent slowdown in […]
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. […]
Institute awards four Fellowships
We are pleased to announce that our Professional and Educational Standards Committee has approved the promotion of four new Fellows. Jamie Gargett FICFor – Principal Arboricultural Officer, Havant Borough Council Jamie has over 20 years’ experience in arboriculture and forestry, combining practical expertise with strategic leadership across both the private and public sectors. In senior […]
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, […]
The Scottish Forestry Trust announces improved support for PhD students
The Scottish Forestry Trust is delighted to announce an 8% increase in funding awarded to postgraduate students currently undertaking doctoral research in many of the key issues affecting forestry in the United Kingdom. In a move that mirrors the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announcement earlier in the year to increase the minimum stipend paid […]
Institute elects new Council Members
The Institute of Chartered Foresters’ AGM took place online on Tuesday 2 June and saw seven new Council Members elected. Our Council is headed up by President Andrew Sowerby FICFor and Vice President Dr Gary Kerr FICFor and acts as a governing body for the Institute with members elected from within the membership. Following an […]
Justin Mumford MICFor CEnv receives The Institute’s Medal
Presented at our National Conference 2026 in Newport, Justin Mumford FICFor CEnv has been awarded the Institute’s highest award, The Institute’s Medal, recognising more than 25 years of sustained professional excellence, leadership and service to forestry and arboriculture. As Director of Forestry, Arboriculture and Ecology at Nicholsons, Justin has led a respected forestry division delivering […]
Iwan Parry MICFor awarded The President’s Award
Recognising his outstanding and sustained service to the Institute over many years, Iwan Parry MICFor has been awarded The President’s Award. As long-standing Chair of the Wales Member Network, he has provided continuity, leadership and energy, strengthening member engagement and supporting the growth of the Institute’s activity in Wales. Iwan has played a central role […]
Workers reach breaking point as new report reveals quiet mental health crisis in forestry
A survey of over 500 professionals reveals that stress is a “constant backdrop” in forestry and arboriculture The Royal Forestry Society (RFS), working with a coalition of leading forestry organisations, has published the Breaking Points survey report which shows the forestry and arboriculture sector is experiencing a mental health crisis. Nick Adams, a forestry contractor and a Policy […]