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 […]
Institute’s Executive Director invited to judge ‘Future Leader Award’
Louise Simpson, Executive Director of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, will be joining the judging panel for the ‘Future Leader Award’, due to be presented at Confor’s upcoming Dinner and Awards 2023. Taking place on the 28 February at Surgeons Quarter, Edinburgh, the Awards celebrate the achievements of inspiring people in our sector. The ‘Future […]
Chartered Foresters champion UK timber industry at Confor conference
Confor’s first major post-pandemic annual conference took place in London on 8 December 2022 and the programme featured a range of Institute members. The conference titled Timber! Why the UK needs the wood – and the trees explored the future of the UK timber industry, the current barriers to progress, changing attitudes and more. With […]
Forest Research hosts workshop on woodlands and climate mitigation
Today the Institute’s Member Services Director, Dr Stuart Glen, attended a workshop on the role of woodlands in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The workshop was hosted by Forest Research (FR), on behalf of the Chief Forester for Scotland, Dr Helen McKay OBE FICFor CEnv, and included a presentation from FR’s Science Group Leader, Robert […]
Louise Simpson speaks at 2022 CLA Rural Business Conference
Addressing the 2022 CLA Rural Business Conference (Overcoming Barriers to Business Success) in London last week, the Institute’s Executive Director, Louise Simpson, stressed the challenges the forestry and arboriculture sector are facing today. Louise spoke on what more we can do to upskill our rural workforce and the skills needed for the future. Speaking to […]
Institute highlights of 2022
We’re coming to the end of another busy year, and the Institute of Chartered Foresters has been as productive as ever in 2022. Take a look back with us as we highlight just some of the work we’ve undertaken on behalf of our members this year. 258 new members joined in 2022 (so far…) 2081 […]
Institute attends CLA Forestry Conference
On Wednesday 12 October, while colleagues were enjoying the National Study Tour, the Institute’s Head of Policy & Partnerships attended the Forestry Conference hosted by CLA, Forestry Commission and Grown in Britain. This annual conference is a great opportunity to meet and speak with not only Institute members and partners but farmers, landowners and policy […]
Forest Plastics Working Group – Plastics, Trees and Woodlands Conference
The Forest Plastics Working Group’s upcoming conference will take place on the 2 November at Leeds City Museum. Focusing on the use of plastic in woodland creation, the conference will build on the Group’s work over the last three years – recapping 2019’s Plastic Tree Guards – Do We Need Them? conference, providing news of alternative guard […]
Institute attends Network Rail conference
Network Rail Drainage and Lineside Conference – 28 September 2022 The Institute was offered the opportunity to exhibit at the Network Rail Drainage and Lineside Conference in Nottingham by Graham Owen MICFor, an invitation taken up by the Education & Outreach Officer, Dr Rob Hawkins. Neil Strong MICFor and the star of the Institute’s #NurtureGrowThrive […]
Institute of Chartered Foresters launches leadership development programmes
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) is delighted to announce the launch of two exciting leadership programmes aimed at developing the skills of both existing and aspiring leaders in our sector. These leadership programmes, developed in partnership with Clore Social Leadership, offer a fantastic opportunity for those who work and volunteer with trees to develop […]
ICF Executive Director chairs panel at Accelerating Woodland Creation 2022
On Thursday 31 March Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor chaired a fascinating panel discussion at the Accelerating Woodland Creation 2022 conference on how to balance different purposes for woodland in the landscape. The panel were quick to emphasise that we need woods of all kinds and for all purposes, and the key will be working together […]
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2022 – “Don’t be shy!”
The submission deadline for entries to Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2022 is only two weeks away. Here, Angela Douglas FICFor outlines why you should get involved… Chartered Foresters are modest types on the whole. They go about their work skilfully and professionally, without necessarily shouting about its high quality. Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards are committed to ensuring […]
National Tree Officers Conference 2022 – Invitation to Present
We’re excited to announce the launch of the National Tree Officers Conference 2022! Building on the success of six previous events, we’re delighted that the conference is returning to its roots and will take place physically in Telford on the 9th November. This will be the first face-to-face National Tree Officers Conference in three years […]
Scotland’s Finest Woods seek trio of Trustees
Do you believe Scotland’s finest woods should be celebrated? Can you spare 2–4 days a year for a rewarding governance role? If so, Scotland’s Finest Woods would love to hear from you! As trees and forests become increasingly important in addressing the challenges of sustainability, climate change, nature and people, Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards celebrate exemplary woodlands and […]
ICF President chairs webinar on urban reforestation
The Institute of Chartered Foresters President, Sharon Durdant-Hollamby FICFor, chaired the Landscape Institute’s recent webinar on urban reforestation as an effective tool against climate change. Sharon commented, “I was so pleased to see over 330 delegates attend this important topic of how planting trees in urban areas is proven to locally mitigate climate change. Howard […]
Scotland’s ‘Tree Oscars’ back with renewed climate focus
Scotland’s ‘Tree Oscars’ are back for 2022 after a highly successful programme in 2021 saw worthy winners ranging from the country’s largest landowner Anders Holch Povlsen to a tiny nursery school. Mr Povlsen and Wildland Ltd won the prize for New Native Woods in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2021, for Killiehuntly in the Cairngorms – […]
Scottish Forestry provides Storm Arwen update for Minister for Environment and Land Reform
Following widespread windblow damage in Scotland due to Storm Arwen, Doug Howieson MICFor, Head of Operational Delivery at Scottish Forestry, provided a briefing update to Màiri McAllan MSP, Minister for Environment and Land Reform. The following information is taken from the briefing note: Early indications are that the eastern side of Scotland has been impacted […]
Celebrating Scotland’s Finest Woods
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards’ organisers are advising anyone interested in forestry, woods and related projects in Scotland that the usual limit to the number of people attending the ceremony does not apply to this year’s online event. Normally, the popular awards are held at the Royal Highland Show and numbers have to be limited due to space […]
Back out in the woods!
The South West England Regional Group were the first region to have an in person, face-to-face event since the outbreak of COVID-19, and it was great to be able to get Back Out in the Woods. Taking place on the Tavistock Woodlands Estate within the Tamar Valley AONB, over 30 members and non-members gathered to […]
ICF President and Executive Director speaking at Accelerating Woodland Creation Conference
The Institute’s President, Sharon Durdant-Hollamby FICFor, spoke at Accelerating Woodland Creation and Management 2021. Sharon joined a panel discussion about the critical role of trees in a green recovery, alongside Paul Brannen, Director of Public Affairs at CEI BOIS; Stephanie Rhodes, Delivery Director – England Tree Planting Programme, Forestry Commission; Dominic Driver FICFor, Head of […]
Forestry Commission confirms new Chief Executive
Forestry Commission Chair Sir William Worsley has confirmed Richard Stanford as the new Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission. Richard will begin his new role in August, replacing current Chief Executive Ian Gambles who will leave his post in May. Commenting on his appointment, Richard said: “I look forward to learning from the nation’s experts across […]
Institute Vice President chairs cross-sector landscape debate
The Institute’s Vice President, Sharon Durdant-Hollamby FICFor, recently chaired a thought-provoking cross-sector debate on the importance of landscape architecture in woodland design. The event was organised by the team at Landscape Matters, a project founded in November 2020 by the Landscape Architects Edward Hutchison and Brodie McAllister BA DipLA FLI FHEA. The aim of Landscape […]
National Tree Officers Conference 2021 – Invitation to Present
We’re delighted to announce the launch of the National Tree Officers Virtual Conference 2021. Building on the success of five previous NTOC events, and in light of continued uncertainty around face-to-face meetings, the conference will take place entirely online on the 2nd and 3rd November. Developed by tree officers for tree officers, the National Tree […]
What is the Future for Forestry Post-Brexit?
With the Brexit transition period ending on 31 December, there are going to be certain changes that businesses and governments will have to prepare for. In light of this, we were pleased to offer three webinars in November that focussed on different areas of the industry, what changes will be needed and how the sector […]
Institute Responds to Planning Reforms
The Institute has responded to the government consultation on planning reforms, emphasising the importance of considering trees and woodland properly in the planning process. We were advised by a group of members and other experts working in planning, arboriculture and urban forestry. We also worked with a number of prominent organisations including the Arboricultural Association, […]
Green Recovery Wales Virtual Festival Announced
Taking place in the week that would have been the Royal Welsh Show (RWS), the Green Recovery Wales virtual 3-day festival will feature a wide range of farming, food and nature experts and organisations. Green Recovery Wales will be an innovative, free, virtual festival that will champion a post COVID-19 Green and Just Recovery, taking […]
#StudentHour
Keeping Connected These are extraordinary times and we’re aware that many students will have had to adjust to new and perhaps unfamiliar teaching and examination practices. As we approach the end of the academic year, here at the Institute, we realise the importance of keeping connected, from both professional and health-related perspectives. With this in […]
#MembersHour
Keeping Connected We know that many of our members will now be adjusting to new and perhaps unfamiliar working practices. Here at the Institute, we realise the importance of keeping connected, from both professional and health-related perspectives. With this in mind, we’re pleased to be offering a number of initiatives to help keep our members […]
COVID-19 Events Update
As you will no doubt be aware, the UK and much of the world is currently experiencing a significant health crisis. In these unprecedented times, and in light of recent advice from the government and WHO on the coronavirus, the Institute has decided to postpone or change a number of events that were planned over […]
Consultation Review of the IfATE Occupational Route Map
The following events will be of interest to apprentices, employers, stakeholders and training providers in the arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscape fields. Landex are facilitating the review of the IfATE Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care route map, along with 11 Apprenticeship Standards (including 2 for our sector). The outcome of this review will influence apprenticeships in England […]
Urban Greening & Climate Resilience: Interview with Yvonne Lynch
It’s now less than 3 months until Trees, People and the Built Environment 4 – our triennial conference on urban greenspace. In advance of the conference we’ll be presenting a series of interviews with some of our featured speakers. This interview is with Keynote Speaker Yvonne Lynch, Urban Greening Strategist for the Royal Commission for […]
Urban Forestry: Interview with Professor Richard Hauer
It’s now less than 3 months until Trees, People and the Built Environment 4 – our triennial conference on urban greenspace. In advance of the conference we’ll be presenting a series of interviews with some of our featured speakers. This week, we speak with Professor Richard Hauer of the University of Wisconsin. As a Professor […]
CPD & Career Development
Sam Brown MICFor, Forest Manager at Tilhill Forestry, reflects on the impact CPD has had on his career development. Members of the Institute are asked to provide evidence of continual professional development over a rolling three-year period. This is an obligation of Professional membership but, most importantly, it’s key to maintaining, updating, and improving my […]
Programme Launched for Trees, People and the Built Environment 4
International Urban Trees Conference Programme Announced With urban forestry high on the political and social agenda, the programme for the UK’s foremost international urban trees research conference has been announced, highlighting the critical importance of creating resilient towns and cities with innovative green infrastructure solutions. Download Programme>> Almost 100 papers were submitted to the Trees, […]
Keynote Session Speakers for International Urban Trees Conference Announced
With urban forestry high on the political and social agenda, the first keynote session speakers for the UK’s foremost international urban trees research conference are confirmed, highlighting the critical importance of creating resilient towns and cities for the 21st Century and beyond. More than 50% of the world’s population now live in cities which are […]
Incredible diversity and superb quality rewarded at Scotland’s Tree Oscars
The 2019 Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards were the biggest-ever celebration of trees, woodland and forests – and arguably the very best. With 20 different awards presented – to winners ranging from a very large public woodland steeped in forestry history to a nursery where children can spend their entire session in the woods – a […]