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 […]
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. […]
Exploring natural methods to protect trees from large herbivores
Student member of the Institute, Alexandros Theodorou, has recently published a methods paper, Natural Methods to Protect Trees Against Large Herbivores: A Systematic Mapping Protocol, and is now conducting an evidence synthesis to collate research on “natural” tree protection methods. These methods, such as nurse plants, brash, debris, hedges, and logs, offer cost-effective, ecologically sustainable […]
Scottish conference to put nature at the heart of urban design and planning
Highlighting the importance of early and sustained collaboration between planners, designers, developers, arboriculturists and engineers in improving outcomes for trees. Scotland’s built environment professionals will come together on 17 June in Stirling for the Trees and Development Conference 2026, a one-day event focused on why trees succeed or fail in development and what needs to change to […]
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, […]
National Tree Officers Conference 2026 – Call for Presentations open
Building on the success of ten previous events, we’re delighted to announce the National Tree Officers Conference will return on 4 November 2026. Proudly hosted by the Association of Tree Officers (ATO), Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), London Tree Officers Association (LTOA) and the Municipal Tree Officers’ Association (MTOA), the conference will take place in […]