Workers reach breaking point as new report reveals quiet mental health crisis in forestry
A survey of over 500 professionals reveals that stress is a “constant backdrop” in forestry and arboriculture The Royal Forestry Society (RFS), working with a coalition of leading forestry organisations, has published the Breaking Points survey report which shows the forestry and arboriculture sector is experiencing a mental health crisis. Nick Adams, a forestry contractor and a Policy […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Help gather evidence of grey squirrel damage to trees
A major survey to assess the damage caused to trees and woods by non-native grey squirrels – last estimated to cost England and Wales £37 million a year – is being launched across the UK. The UK Squirrel Accord is asking landowners, managers and anyone with owner permission to carry out tree damage surveys in […]
Policy Roundup – July, August & September 2025
Our quarterly 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 quarterly 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 […]
Celebrating progress & world first for grey squirrel fertility control research
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) researchers funded by the UK Squirrel Accord (UKSA) and supporters attained a world first for wildlife fertility control. Positive news for a programme aiming to find a non-lethal option for invasive grey squirrel management. The multi-year research programme being delivered by APHA has resulted in a scientific breakthrough by […]
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 […]
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 […]