The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to introduce the talented individuals selected for the 2026 Young Professional Foresters’ Exchange Programme. This inspiring initiative, delivered in partnership with the Canadian Institute of Forestry, the New Zealand Institute of Forestry, and Forestry Australia, offers emerging leaders in forestry the opportunity to take part in a three-month paid international work placement. Through the programme, participants will exchange knowledge, build professional networks, and gain valuable hands-on experience of forestry practices in different parts of the world.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the host employer organisations across the four participating countries that have generously stepped forward to support this programme. By welcoming these young professionals into their organisations, they are not only creating career enhancing development opportunities, but also demonstrating the depth of expertise, innovation, and leadership within the global forestry sector.
Here are the successful candidates and their host organisations:
Candidates from the UK
- Karen Batten will work for Forest Corporation New South Wales in Australia.
Inspired by volunteering with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Karen studied forestry at Bangor University and has since built over four years’ experience in the sector. Now a Forest Manager at F&W Forestry UK, she specialises in woodland creation and stakeholder engagement. An Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, she is committed to professional development, knowledge sharing, and sustainable forest management, with ambitions to become chartered and contribute to the future of UK forestry.
- Fergus Simister will be joining Sustainable Timbers Tasmania in Australia.
Since graduating from the University of Cumbria in 2023, Fergus has worked in operational forestry with James Jones & Sons Ltd, supporting forest management and timber harvesting across the south of Scotland. Based in Lockerbie, he is an Assistant Harvesting Manager responsible for sourcing standing timber and supporting operations supplying the region’s major sawmill. An Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, he combines a strong academic foundation with practical experience and a passion for sustainable land management.
Candidates from Canada
- Edie Russel will gain experience with OneFortyOne Ltd. in New Zealand.
Candidates from Australia
- Kylie Kemp will be hosted by James Jones & Sons Limited in the UK.
- Levi Brett will work with Strategic Natural Resource Consultants, a trailblazer in forest management and resource consulting, in British Columbia, Canada.
Candidates from New Zealand
- Jamila Milne will join the Ontario Woodlot Association, a champion of sustainable private forest management, in Canada.
From June to August 2026, these emerging forestry professionals will embark on an exciting international journey, bringing their expertise, curiosity, and enthusiasm to their host organisations. In return, host employers will benefit from fresh perspectives, new ideas, and the energy of the next generation of forestry leaders.
Throughout their placements, participants will share their experiences through blogs, offering insights into their work and the forestry practices of their host countries. At the conclusion of the programme, they will also reflect on their learning in a written article, helping to share knowledge across the wider forestry community.
We look forward to seeing the connections formed, ideas exchanged, and professional growth achieved through this programme. We wish all participants every success and eagerly anticipate hearing about their experiences in 2026 and beyond.
To learn more about the programme, click here.
