The Institute of Chartered Foresters is pleased to award Honorary Fellowships to Paul Brannen and Professor Peter Bonfield OBE.
Paul Brannen, Director of Public Affairs at the Confederation of Timber Industries, has received this award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to forestry, timber policy, and climate action.
Paul is a leading advocate for sustainable forestry and wood use at national and European levels. A former Member of the European Parliament, he played a significant role in shaping policy frameworks that support resilient wood value chains and sustainable forest management, earning widespread recognition for his commitment to trees and woodland protection.
As the author of Timber! How wood can help save the world from climate breakdown, Paul has been instrumental in advancing public and professional understanding of timber as a vital solution to climate change. Through senior public affairs roles with European and UK timber organisations, he has consistently championed forestry’s central role in climate mitigation and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
In December 2025, Paul was appointed as a Non-Executive Commissioner to the Forestry Commission, where he will support the protection, expansion and sustainable management of England’s woodlands.
Speaking on this award, Paul said:
“I am both surprised and energised to receive an Honorary Fellowship from the Institute of Chartered Foresters. Surprised – pleasantly! – because it was unexpected but also energised which is what all campaigners need from time to time. The campaign to get more timber into more buildings, a campaign I have been involved in for ten years now, is not yet won and while I hope we can do it more quickly I am good for another ten years. So armed with my Honorary Fellowship I will keep preaching the ‘plant trees, grow trees, use timber’ message as a way of tackling climate breakdown and delivering environmental benefits for people and planet.”
Professor Peter Bonfield OBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, has been recognised for his exceptional contribution in advancing sustainable forestry practices and integrating timber into the built environment, bridging forestry, construction and environmental policy.
Peter has been a leading figure in strengthening the role of forestry and home-grown timber in the UK. He chaired the work that led to the creation of Grown in Britain, now a major organisation in research, development and certification for UK forestry and wood products.
Through senior leadership roles including Chief Executive of BRE Group, Peter has championed timber as a low-carbon construction material and influenced policy, research and industry practice. He has chaired independent government reviews, including on forests and woodlands and most recently the Environment Agency’s FloodReady action plan.
Peter was awarded an OBE in 2012 for services to research and innovation in the construction industry.
Speaking on this award, Peter said:
“I’ve been a huge fan and admirer of the work of the Institute since the earliest days in my career when I worked as a wood scientist and timber engineer, so it is particularly special to now join this superb organisation in this way – I feel so honoured – and I look forward to playing my part in contributing to our future success.”
These Honorary Fellowships will be formally presented at the Institute’s National Conference 2026: Innovation for a Resilient Tomorrow in May 2026 at the International Convention Centre Wales.
Louise Simpson, Executive Director of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, said:
“Congratulations to Professor Peter Bonfield OBE and Paul Brannen on being awarded Honorary Fellowships of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. Their exceptional contributions to forestry and the wider sector exemplify innovation, leadership and dedication to advancing our profession.”
