We are delighted to announce that John Risby FICFor has been awarded the Institute’s Medal, our highest award, for his long-standing commitment to professional excellence in forestry.
The son of a forester from Argyll, John has worked for the Forestry Commission – now Scottish Forestry – throughout North Scotland, including as Forest District Manager Lochaber, Conservator Grampian, Conservator Highland and Islands, and Scotland’s Rainforest Action Coordinator.
Graduating from the University of Aberdeen in 1990, John gained chartered status in 1994 and Fellowship in 2016. He has shown effective, competent, and passionate leadership across the region for more than 30 years, championing and facilitating the establishment and management of high-quality productive forestry.
John is highly regarded throughout the sector for his knowledge, experience and integrity, and has been involved with more than 30,000 hectares of woodland creation, leading on major conservation initiatives, including the restoration of the Flow Country and the rehabilitation of Atlantic Oakwoods in the West of Scotland.
John is passionate about the development of colleagues, students, and trainees, providing support and mentorship, and has helped establish several partnerships between Scottish Forestry and the University of Highlands and islands.
On receiving the Institute’s Medal, John said:
“I strongly believe in the positive role forestry and professional foresters play in the Highlands and Islands. I was proud to be accepted as a member of the Institute all those years ago and throughout my career I have been supported by and have learnt from some exceptional members. Receiving this medal is a surprise and truly a great honour.”
