National Tree Officers Conference 2023 – Call for Presentations now open
Building on the success of seven previous events, we’re delighted to announce the National Tree Officers Conference (NTOC) will return on the 7 November 2023. 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), this year’s conference will […]
Executive Director attends Trees and Forestry Stakeholder Forum
The Institute’s Executive Director, Louise Simpson, joined staff from Defra, the Forestry Commission and Natural England for the first in-person Trees and Forestry Stakeholder Forum, held at London’s Oval cricket ground on 2 March. The meeting focused on how to better support tree planting and care in the future, learn more about emerging issues and […]
Network Rail invests in future of Scotland’s rainforest
An industry leading two-year pilot project to enhance natural habitats near the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct has begun. Network Rail Scotland (NRS) is committing £329,000 for Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) - the Scottish Government agency responsible for managing Scotland’s national forests – to complete the most ambitious biodiversity enhancement project that Scotland’s Railway has ever […]
Trees, Planning and Development in Scotland
How can the planning system, policy and practice help protect and expand our trees and woodlands which make up our Urban Forests? We are delighted to be a Lead Partner on this event hosted by the Trees Design Action Group (TDAG) that will explore how the planning system, policy and practice can help protect and […]
Forestry Commission announce Local Authority Treescapes Fund and Urban Tree Challenge Fund have reopened
The Local Authorities Treescapes Fund (round 3) and Urban Tree Challenge Fund (round 5) reopened for applications on 8 February and will see hundreds of thousands of trees planted in communities across England. More than £14m will be available for local authorities and community groups to access funds for new tree planting projects. The funds […]
Tree Health Pilot updated to support farmers
Launched in 2021 and running until 2024, Defra’s Tree Health Pilot scheme has been updated to offer support to farmers and land managers dealing with tree pest and disease issues. In the first year of the pilot scheme, there were more than 80 expressions of interest, which has allowed Defra and the Forestry Commission to improve […]
Institute interviewed about skills crisis on BBC Radio 4
Our October 2021 position paper to governments across the UK detailed our serious concerns about the skills shortage in our sector, and its knock-on effect on achieving climate targets. This week Defra released their Environment Improvement Plan (EIP), which is the first revision of the 25 Year Environment Plan that was published in 2018. In […]
Climate at the heart of Scotland’s ‘Tree Oscars’ in 2023
Scotland’s ‘Tree Oscars’ return for 2023 after a hugely successful 2022 and with climate change and sustainable forest management at their core. The prestigious Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards will this year see a renewed focus on climate change after last year saw winners range from a couple who planted 14,000 trees on a rocky peninsula […]
Professional Forester of the Year 2023 award – shortlist announced
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce the four shortlisted candidates for the inaugural Professional Forester of the Year, a prestigious new award recognising outstanding service to the profession and the sector. This award recognises the contributions made by Chartered Foresters to the betterment of forestry on a community, regional, national or international […]
Institute announces new Chair of the Examinations Board
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce that Alex Murray MICFor, Forestry Manager at Glennon Brothers (UK), will assume the role of Chair of the Examinations Board, taking over the position from Steve McCartney FICFor who has stepped down after serving with distinction for seven years. The Chair of the Examinations Board acts […]