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 […]
ICF recognises two members for outstanding service to the sector
The Institute of Chartered Foresters was delighted to close 2025 by recognising two members with prestigious awards for their exceptional contributions to forestry and the advancement of the profession. The Institute’s Medal, our highest award, was given to Paul Nolan OBE MICFor, Director of The Mersey Forest, for his outstanding contributions to forestry and community […]
Forestry policy & CPD roundup — January 2026
Welcome to the first policy update of the year. This month we look back at the last quarter of 2025 and focus on key developments shaping forestry and land use policy, upcoming consultations, CPD events, and opportunities for member engagement. Headline Updates Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025 The UK Government published its overarching Environmental Improvement Plan 2025, which sets out a broader […]
Paul Brannen and Professor Peter Bonfield OBE Awarded ICF Honorary Fellowships
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is pleased to award Honorary Fellowships to Paul Brannen and Professor Peter Bonfield OBE. Paul Brannen, Director of Public Affairs at the Confederation of Timber Industries, has received this award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to forestry, timber policy, and climate action. Paul is a leading advocate for sustainable […]
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 […]
Nature Restoration Fund: early information for nature markets and the wider sector
The Planning and Infrastructure Act is a key part of the government’s ambition to deliver long-term economic growth and accelerate the delivery of new homes and infrastructure across Britain. As part of this, the Forestry Commission has just published the Nature Restoration Fund Implementation Plan, setting out how the Act will support the recovery of […]
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 […]
First cohort of Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship graduate
The University of Cumbria is proud to celebrate the graduation of the first cohort from its Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship, delivered through the National School of Forestry (NSF) in Ambleside, the largest provider of undergraduate forestry and woodland courses in England. This pioneering programme combines academic study at the university’s Ambleside campus and Forestry England’s […]
New mapping tool brings emerging urban greening standard to the UK
Treeconomics has announced the launch of Urban Forest 3-30-300, a new mapping and analysis tool designed to help local authorities understand how neighbourhoods perform against the 3-30-300 principle – an emerging standard for healthy, nature-rich urban environments. The 3-30-300 rule, proposed by international urban forestry expert Dr Cecil Konijnendijk FICFor (Hon), sets out three simple […]