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 […]
Policy Roundup – May & June 2025
Our policy and research blog updates you on the latest work at the Institute and how you can get involved. Institute news Welcome to the third bi-monthly Policy Roundup of 2025 from the Institute’s Technical Policy Manager, Caroline Harrison MICFor. Special Interest Groups Our Special Interest Groups continue to meet quarterly, including a new Special […]
Public opinion of forestry survey results published
Forest Research have today (Thursday 10 July) released the results of the Public Opinion of Forestry Survey 2025 for England and the UK, Scotland and Wales. The survey is carried out biennially, canvassing public attitudes to forestry and forestry-related issues. Welcoming the findings, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon commented: “It is really promising to see that […]
Institute welcomes new Fellows
We are pleased to announce that our Professional and Educational Standards Committee has approved the promotion of eight new Fellows. Iain Anderson FICFor – Senior Forester, Treeline Forestry Ltd Iain’s career has given him the opportunity to bring thousands of hectares of forest and woodland into active management, both as a private sector Forester and […]
Forest learning at schools and nurseries shines at Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025
The transformation of a wood near a primary school and learning in a local forest saw success in the Schools and Early Years categories at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025. Hardgate Primary School in Haugh of Urr, near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, was the winner of the Crown Estate Scotland Schools’ Trophy. […]
Building the future forestry workforce
With the UK Government’s ambitious target to increase tree and woodland cover in England to 16.5% by 2050, the demand for skilled professionals in forestry has never been greater. A Forestry Sector Skills Plan (2025–2035) has been published that sets out the current barriers and challenges, presenting a comprehensive long-term agenda for change. This plan […]
Geraint Richards MVO FICFor awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Geraint Richards MVO FICFor, Head Forester to the Duchy of Cornwall and Past President of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), has been awarded an OBE for services to the Forestry Sector in The King’s Birthday Honours announced on 14 June 2025. Throughout Geraint’s tenure as President of the ICF, he has overseen the delivery […]
Institute signs letter urging for VAT removal on sunscreen for outdoor workers
A coalition of leading horticulture and landscape industry organisations has today announced the submission of a joint letter to the UK Government, calling for the removal of VAT on SPF 30+ sunscreen. The letter follows a revealing survey by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) and Plant Network, highlighting the alarming rates of skin cancer […]