We are delighted to have awarded three Honorary Fellowships of the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
Sir Nicholas Bacon KCVO OBE FICFor (Hon) – Raveningham Estate
Sir Nicholas Bacon is a respected leader and advocate for plant health, biosecurity and environmental sustainability. He is the chair of the Plant Health Alliance, a group of professionals from various sectors who work together to protect the UK’s cultivated and natural landscapes from plant pests and diseases. Nicholas also chaired the Queen’s Green Canopy, a project to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by the planting of woodland areas, hedging and individual trees in deprived urban areas.
Nicholas said:
“I am deeply honoured to have been made an Honorary Fellow – the Institute has always featured in my life, since my father was a member and I spent many hours reading the quarterly reviews. Since then, I have been fortunate since I am responsible for the management of more than 400 hectares of predominantly deciduous woodlands, on a wide variety of soils in Lincolnshire and Norfolk. My particular passion is growing clean sycamore and oak, attempting to understand the fascinating physiology of epicormic growth. As the most serious and informed society in the forestry sector, I really look forward to reacquainting myself with Institute publications.”
Professor Jo Bradwell FICFor (Hon) – Norbury Park
Professor Jo Bradwell has been instrumental in setting up the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) supporting it with a £15 million donation. As owner and director of Norbury Park, Jo is increasing woodland cover and transforming the farmland from crops to mob grazing with cattle. In 2018, he was awarded the RFS Sylva trophy and Peter Saville award. Jo was appointed a Forestry Commissioner in February 2024.
Jo said:
“I am delighted to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Institute. The aim of our innovative planting and woodland management at Norbury Park is primarily to maximise carbon capture and many have contributed and inspired us in our work. To be recognised in this way will inspire us to continue to explore the benefits of diversified mixed species plantations on growth rates, tree health, climate resilience and of course commercial yields.”
Ros Burnley FICFor (Hon) – Adrow Ltd
Ros Burnley plays a vital role in the sector through her consultancy Adrow Ltd, managing industry-based skills partnerships in horticulture, arboriculture, forestry and agriculture. As a member of the Forestry Skills Forum, Ros was a key figure in the development and facilitation of trailblazer apprenticeships across arboriculture and forestry. She also works on the development of content for training and assessment and manages several projects in the plant-based sectors.
Ros said:
“I am thrilled to be awarded this Honorary Fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. It has been a highlight of my career supporting the dedicated foresters and arboriculturists who lead and contribute to skills initiatives, collaborating across different disciplines and types of business, often on top of their day jobs. It is an enormous challenge supplying enough skilled people to deliver government, societal and sector aspirations for trees, woodlands and forests. It a privilege to be a part of the positivity, energy and commitment towards achieving this goal.”
