The forestry bodies for England, Scotland and Wales have funded places for hundreds of their staff on a first-of-its-kind e-learning programme designed to make the 5th edition of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) more accessible and interactive.
The Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and Natural Resources Wales have funded places for 344 employees, giving them an exciting and alternative way to get to grips with the UKFS, which was previously only available in a text-based document.
The three organisations have given their backing to the UKFS e-learning programme, which has been developed by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) and delivered via their online training platform ‘Silvestor,’ with funding from DEFRA’s Trees Call To Action Fund.
The ICF’s e-learning programme breaks down the key elements of the UKFS into modules with engaging graphics and interactive elements, such as videos and quizzes, as well as virtual reality experiences, allowing users to work through the content in their own time.
Louise Simpson, Executive Director at the Institute of Chartered Foresters who led the successful bid to develop the UKFS e-learning programme, said:
“There has been a lot of interest in this new e-learning format and we’ve been really pleased with the take-up, with hundreds of forestry professionals at different stages of their careers signing up for the course in their own capacity, as well as through the funded places offered to staff by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and Natural Resources Wales. These partners have been involved from the start and have helped to make this project a success by providing invaluable input and support at every stage.
“This is a special year for the Institute of Chartered Foresters as we celebrate our centenary and our ongoing work to develop new and innovative ways of raising professional standards. Making the UKFS available as an e-learning programme is just one of many initiatives designed to support foresters and arboriculturists and equip them to carry out high quality, sustainable work in line with the principles of best practice.”
The UKFS e-learning programme has been accredited by Lantra, which specialises in developing training and qualifications to enhance careers in land and environmental sectors, and leads to certification on completion.
Sign-up to the UKFS e-learning programme or watch a short promotional video or a longer video for more information on what’s on offer.
Press enquiries should be directed to:
Natalie Birrell
natalie@empica.com and 01275 394400
Updated for publication:
28 February 2025
Notes to editors
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) is incorporated by Royal Charter as the only professional body in the UK to award Chartered Arboriculturist and Chartered Forester titles.
Full details of how to join and routes to Professional and Technical membership are available on the website: charteredforesters.org
