Ten forestry professionals, living and working in Scotland, have been welcomed onto the Institute of Chartered Forester’s ‘Emerging Leader Programme’ with places funded by Scottish Forestry.
Beginning in January 2023, the programme offers a fantastic opportunity for those who work and volunteer with trees to develop the skills necessary to ensure trees, forests and woodlands are managed to effectively deliver against multiple objectives, including planting targets, climate change mitigation and the biodiversity crisis.
The successful Scotland-based applicants are:
- Judith Alexander, Scottish Woodlands
- Elaine Dick MICFor, Forest Research
- Antonia Dunwoody, Forestry and Land Scotland
- Iain Moss, Woodland Trust Scotland
- Josh Roberts MICFor, Forestry and Land Scotland
- Andy Sloss, Forestry and Land Scotland
- Keira Tedd, Pryor & Rickett Silviculture
- Ros Wardman MICFor, Scottish Forestry
- Ross Watson, Woodland Trust Scotland
- Claire Wightman MICFor, TreeStory
Competition for places on the programme was strong. Developed in partnership with Clore Social Leadership, the six-month programme is designed to help emerging leaders in the sector build their leadership potential, strengthen their networks and drive both social and organisational change.
Environment Minister, Màiri McAllan MSP, said:
“This is great news and will help create a strong foundation for future forest leaders in Scotland.
“It is vital that we continue to look for ways to nurture our talent. The skills, mentoring and development through the Emerging Leader Programme will help the successful candidates navigate the many opportunities and challenges that modern forestry brings.
“Congratulations to all those who have won a place on this prestigious programme.”
Louise Simpson, Executive Director of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, commented:
“These future forestry leaders will undertake a comprehensive programme of activities that will ensure they are equipped to deal with the challenges of woodland planting targets, climate change mitigation, the biodiversity crisis and more. The programme will deliver a skilled and strongly interconnected cohort of tree professionals from across the UK with the leadership skills to drive the sector forward and navigate future challenges.”
