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 […]
Forestry policy & CPD roundup January – March 2026
Welcome to the Institute’s policy update focusing on key developments shaping forestry and land use policy, upcoming consultations, CPD events, and opportunities for member engagement. Headline updates Forestry Commission leadership and policy tone The outgoing Forestry Commission Chair, Sir William Worsley MICFor, reflected on and reinforced three policy priorities likely to shape 2026–2030: Climate‑resilient woodland […]
What the Land Use Framework for England and 50-year softwood forecast mean for the forestry profession
With the initial commentary now settling on the long‑anticipated Land Use Framework for England and Forest Research’s 50‑year softwood availability forecast, attention is shifting from reaction to delivery. Together, these two documents tell a clear story. The future of forestry over the next 30 to 50 years will be shaped not just by land availability or policy ambition, […]
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. […]
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 […]
Shortlist announced for Professional Forester of the Year 2026
The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce the three shortlisted candidates for Professional Forester of the Year 2026, the prestigious award that recognises outstanding service to the profession and the sector. This award recognises the contributions made by Chartered Arboriculturists or Chartered Foresters to the betterment of forestry on a community, regional, national […]
Policy: Protecting London’s Urban Forest in a Changing Climate
The Institute of Chartered Foresters has responded to the Future Climate Suitability of London’s Public Realm Trees report, published in November 2025 and authored by Dr Andrew Hirons and Kevin Martin: The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) fully supports the findings from Future Climate Suitability of London’s Public Realm Trees and calls for swift and decisive action to prevent avoidable […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]